At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower Disabled Young people through sport and leadership opportunities in community clubs.
- Company: Join Disability Sport Wales, a passionate team advocating for inclusivity in sports.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and branded team kit.
- Other info: Great career growth potential in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by amplifying youth voices and fostering inclusive environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in community sports and a passion for youth leadership is essential.
Disability Sport Wales are looking for a team-focused, organised and proactive Youth Voice & Leadership Senior Officer with exceptional communication skills to connect with Disabled Young people, clubs, schools, and community partners, facilitating lasting links across the wider network.
Responsible to: Projects Manager
Location: Flexible, but with access to a DSW Office, or partner offices
Hours: Full-(35 hours/week)
Contract: Fixed Term (72-months)
Travel: Some travel is essential to this role (where required).
Closing Date: Wednesday 12th August 2026 (5pm)
Interviews: will be held on 27th of August 2026, timings will be confirmed with each short-listed candidate.
The Federation of Disability Sport Wales (or Disability Sport Wales (DSW)) are the lead organisation in Wales for disability sport and sport for disabled people. We share the vision for sport in Wales (an active nation where everyone can have lifelong enjoyment of sport) and our mission is to influence, include, inspire in sport. We do this through the provision of specific programmes (insport programmes, insport Series Events, Performance Development Camps) and services (Education and Training for those involved with physical activity (including sport)) which is intended to support a pathway of choice from initial engagement to performance sport at the highest level.
We are a small team of highly committed, passionate individuals whose shared purpose is to advocate for an inclusive approach within the sector.
DSW Value Statements:
- Champion Everyone - We believe in meaningful opportunity, broad diversity and great achievement. People drive all that we do.
- Proudly Welsh - We embody and celebrate what it is to be Welsh.
- Value Growth - We are committed to development and inclusive change and will always support that.
- Highlight Possibility - We connect opportunities and prioritise partnerships, so people get what they need.
The Opportunity:
This role will drive youth voice and leadership across community sports clubs, working directly with Disabled Young people to embed their perspectives into club culture, decision-making, and session design. Through regular club visits, the postholder will build trusted relationships with young people and support them into leadership pathways such as volunteering, coaching, and peer support roles, working alongside coaches, volunteers, and Youth Advisors to create genuinely inclusive environments.
The position requires strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills to connect with Disabled Young people, clubs, schools, and community partners, facilitating lasting links across the wider network. Experience of supporting community sport delivery and a genuine passion for youth voice, co-production, and empowering underserved and disabled groups is essential, as is the confidence to facilitate leadership workshops and showcase events that let young people lead. The postholder will also take the lead on the DSW National Youth Board, coordinating meetings, board representation, and CPD opportunities ensuring the voices and experiences of disabled young people in Wales are heard at the highest levels of the organisation.
Person Specification:
- Experience of supporting, volunteering or helping out at local community sports clubs or teams.
- A strong interest in youth voice, youth leadership and co-production approaches.
- A passion for empowering and inspiring underserved and disabled groups to reach their full potential through sport.
- An understanding of the barriers that may affect participation in community sport.
- Understanding the importance of safeguarding and child protection (training will be provided).
- Good communication skills and confidence engaging with Disabled Young people, coaches and community partners.
- GCSE or equivalent, including grade A-C in Maths, English and/or Welsh, and/or equivalent work-based experience.
- Experience within a sport or equality and diversity-focused organisation.
- Experience supporting youth participation, leadership programmes, youth councils or co-production activity.
- Coaching instructor qualifications or experience delivering sport sessions to Disabled Young people.
- An appetite to learn and grow, and to adapt within a developing role.
- Competent with Welsh language and/or BSL, or a willingness to learn.
Why apply for this role?
- Work for an equitable and diverse employer as part of an ambitious, creative, resourceful, incredibly committed team.
- Be involved with regional partnership working to support and influence ongoing inclusive practice.
- Culture guided by inclusive behaviours, policies and procedures.
- Great annual leave allocation (25 days (increasing by 1 day annually up to a maximum of 30 days), plus statutory holidays in Wales).
- Branded team kit.
How to apply?
You are asked to complete an Application for Employment Form outlining information relevant to your experience and the details of the post outlined in the Role Description. If you would like to submit the Application for Employment Form via a BSL video, please do so, including all the information required. If you would like to receive the Application for Employment Form in an alternative accessible format please let us know via the contact below.
You will also need to return the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. This information will be anonymous and confidential and will need to be sent as a separate file attached to your email, entitled CONFIDENTIAL. This information will then be separated from your application form and considered ONLY for equality monitoring of the DSW processes and to make diversity improvements where required.
We will work with all candidates and employees to ensure that they are supported to perform to their full potential.
For further information or an informal discussion please either:
Email: nia.jones@disabilitysportwales.com or Call, text, WhatsApp or send video to: Nia Jones, 07716110403.
Youth Voice & Leadership Senior Officer in Cardiff employer: Disability Sport Wales
Disability Sport Wales is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and diversity, providing a supportive environment for passionate individuals dedicated to empowering disabled young people through sport. With flexible working arrangements, a strong commitment to employee growth, and a culture that values collaboration and community engagement, team members can expect meaningful work that makes a real difference in the lives of others. Enjoy generous annual leave, branded team kit, and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that influences positive change across Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Voice & Leadership Senior Officer in Cardiff
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Disability Sport Wales.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Disability Sport Wales.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Disability Sport Wales.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Disability Sport Wales. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Voice & Leadership Senior Officer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Disability Sport Wales. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Youth Voice & Leadership Senior Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disability Sport Wales
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Disability Sport Wales. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
