Communications and Membership Lead

Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a national charity and membership organisation for disabled people, Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), Access Panels, and disability groups/organisations. It is our mission to work towards achieving inclusion and accessibility for all disabled people.DES promotes access in its widest sense. We do this to promote a life of dignity, respect, choice, and independence. This includes access to our built and natural environment and access to the same opportunities as enjoyed by others in our communities. And it extends beyond physical access to include access to:

• information,




• inclusive communication,




• decision-making in policy making and community activities

DES staff are passionate about disability equality, and their expertise and knowledge support our work across Scotland, and beyond.

The Communications and Membership Lead is a senior role responsible for developing and delivering DES’ communications, marketing and membership strategies to raise the organisation’s profile, strengthen engagement with our members and stakeholders, and support the growth and sustainability of the organisation.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and working with colleagues across the organisation, the postholder will lead all internal and external communications, oversee marketing of the organisation’s services, develop meaningful engagement with DES members, and provide strategic oversight of our Easy Read service.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, the postholder will contribute to organisational planning, performance, business development and continuous improvement, ensuring that accessibility, inclusion and the voices of disabled people underpin all communications and engagement activities.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to being disability confident and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do.

When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer Responsible for: Communications and Membership Officer