Help Close the Disability Employment Gap
Young people and adults with disabilities are three times less likely to be in paid employment. For people with a learning disability, that figure drops to under 5%. This gap has persisted for more than a decade.
At Ways into Work, we believe this must change.
Since 2015, we have supported more than 1,500 clients with disabilities, neurodivergence or mental health challenges into paid employment. Our Keep in Touch service offers personalised, long-term support to people once they are in work, and among those who use it, 80% remain in their roles. We now generate around two million pounds in annual income, with 95% of that from public sector commissions. But contract-based funding alone cannot take us where we need to go.
This is where you come in
We are looking to welcome a Trustee with senior fundraising expertise to join our newly restructured Board and support our executive team with the development of our first fundraising and communications function.
This is a strategic, non-executive opportunity to help shape something from the ground up, providing guidance, challenge and encouragement as we embed a new income strategy and grow voluntary income to secure our long-term future. In terms of time commitment, we hold quarterly, mostly virtual board meetings with input focussed around these.
We have recently:
• Transitioned to CIO status
• Approved our first fundraising strategy
• Significantly restructured our Board
• Begun the process of appointing our first Head of Fundraising and Communications
The foundations are in place. Now we are building with clarity, energy and ambition.
What you will help shape
• A shift from contract-based funding to a broader and more resilient income base
• Strategy, systems and culture that support long-term income growth
• Support and challenge our incoming Head of Fundraising as they establish the function
• A compelling case for support to attract trusts, major donors and corporate partners
This opportunity is for someone who
• Has led income generation or fundraising at a senior level
• Understands how governance can support organisational change
• Wants to help reduce entrenched inequalities in employment
• Is motivated by building and shaping, not just maintaining
• Brings strategic insight and a collaborative mindset
You will join a newly refreshed, values-led Board with experience across education, local government, business and lived experience.
To express interest
Message Steve Gillan (Trustee) or email steve@philanthrope.co.uk
We welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals with lived experience of disability, exclusion or barriers to employment to get in touch.