At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a panel to influence and improve access for assistance dog partnerships.
- Company: Assistance Dogs UK, advocating for disabled people's rights and access.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in advocacy and policy.
- Why this job: Be a voice for change and help create a barrier-free society for disabled individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience in lobbying, advocacy, and a passion for disability rights.
- Other info: Training provided; diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Every day, disabled people who rely on highly trained assistance dogs face unnecessary barriers. From being refused entry to shops and restaurants, to navigating confusing legal protections. These challenges persist despite the vital role assistance dogs play in giving people greater independence, confidence, and opportunity. Outdated legislation and a lack of clarity around rights and responsibilities mean progress is slow. Change is urgently needed.
We are working in partnership with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), the umbrella body of 14 accredited assistance dog charities in the UK, to secure expert voices to help shape the future of access and protection for assistance dog partnerships. By joining, you will contribute to a vision of a society where disabled people face no barriers, where legislation is clear and enforceable, and where high standards safeguard both people and dogs.
What we’re looking for:
- You will bring credibility, relevant skills and knowledge, and a commitment to integrity, openness, and collaboration.
- You will be confident in influencing, communicating clearly, and making an active contribution.
- The ability to draw on your networks to support the panel’s work is also valuable.
Experience and knowledge we’re looking for:
- Lobbying and changemaking
- Advocacy
- Rights and access
Panel members are expected to:
- Demonstrate high levels of personal credibility, bringing relevant experience, skills and knowledge.
- Conduct themselves with integrity, objectivity, openness, and honesty.
- Demonstrate their capability to be personally effective, with excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence, and actively contribute.
- Harness relevant networks as required.
Training will be provided on assistance dog standards and/or ADUK policy context. The panel member will join a newly formed Advisory Panel, which draws expert voices from legal, strategic communications, animal welfare and policy.
About ADUK:
ADUK work to the highest international standards of assistance dog training and welfare, uniting their member organisations, and systematically changing minds - from policymakers to service providers, through to sector professionals and the general public, using evidence-based advocacy and education to further their objectives.
Expressions of interest should include a comprehensive CV and supporting statement. We welcome and encourage expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds who reflect our diverse society.
Closing date: Monday 23 February 2026. Charisma vetting interviews will need to be completed by lunchtime on Friday 27 February in preparation for shortlist submission by EOD. Interviews with ADUK are expected to take place in early March.
Assistance Dogs UK Advisory Panel Member (expert voice in disability space) - Assistance Dogs UK employer: Charisma Charity Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charisma Charity Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistance Dogs UK Advisory Panel Member (expert voice in disability space) - Assistance Dogs UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the disability and advocacy space. Share your interest in the Advisory Panel role and ask for insights or introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge about assistance dog legislation and the challenges faced by disabled individuals. We want you to be able to speak confidently about how you can contribute to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the panel, let your enthusiasm for advocacy and change shine through. We’re looking for people who genuinely care about making a positive impact in the lives of disabled individuals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistance Dogs UK Advisory Panel Member (expert voice in disability space) - Assistance Dogs UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for disability rights and assistance dogs shine through. We want to see your commitment to making a difference, so share personal experiences or insights that highlight why this role matters to you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of an Advisory Panel Member. We’re looking for credibility and expertise, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in advocacy and changemaking.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to really connect with us. Use it to explain how your background and networks can contribute to the panel’s work. Be clear, concise, and make sure to address how you embody integrity, openness, and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to break down barriers for disabled people and their assistance dogs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charisma Charity Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on the current legislation and rights surrounding assistance dogs. Familiarise yourself with the challenges disabled people face and how ADUK is working to address these issues. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
✨Show Your Credibility
Be ready to discuss your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Think about specific examples where you've influenced change or advocated for rights and access. This will help demonstrate your personal credibility and how you can contribute to the panel's work.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The ability to communicate effectively is crucial for this role, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on being concise while still conveying your passion for the mission of ADUK.
✨Leverage Your Networks
Think about the connections you have that could support the panel’s work. Be prepared to discuss how you can harness these networks to further ADUK's objectives. This shows that you’re not just a candidate but a valuable resource for collaboration and advocacy.