We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Community Hub Co-ordinator to lead the development and day-to-day running of our exciting new Community Hub, made possible thanks to five years of National Lottery funding. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of a member-led organisation that supports people with a learning disability and autistic people to thrive.
You’ll shape a vibrant, inclusive and accessible community space at the heart of Bexley—one that offers a range of activities, support, and services. The exact shape of the Hub is still to come—because we’re co-creating it with our community. From creative workshops and peer-led support, to potential social enterprises like a community café—your ideas, energy and leadership will help make it happen.
You’ll lead a team that includes staff with learning disabilities or autism, and you’ll work closely with our partners and other charities to open up new opportunities for local people.
This role is ideal for someone who is dynamic, compassionate, and organised—with experience of coordinating projects, working with people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people, and a strong belief in inclusive community-led change.
About Us
Bexley Mencap is a small but growing local charity working exclusively with people with a learning disability and their families. Our vision is a world where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to live life to the full.
We provide support, activities and opportunities for people to thrive. We’re proudly member-led, passionate about inclusion, and committed to creating spaces that feel welcoming and safe for all.
We’ve just secured five years of National Lottery funding to create a brand-new Community Hub in Bexley. This will be a truly shared space—designed with and for our members—where people with a learning disability, autistic people, and the wider community can come together, connect, and grow.
About the role
As Community Hub Co-ordinator, you’ll lead the launch and development of this exciting new space. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of the Hub, support and line-manage a small team (including staff with lived experience of learning disability or autism), and co-design a wide variety of services, events, and partnerships with our members and community.
You’ll also work with other local organisations and charities to expand the support on offer—exploring exciting ideas like social enterprises, creative groups, advice drop-ins or a community café. This is a hands-on role. Some days you’ll be welcoming people and helping with a session, other days you’ll be planning future activities, liaising with partners, or exploring funding ideas. No two days will be the same.
We’re a growing organisation with big ambitions—so this is a great time to join and shape something truly special.
About You
You’re proactive, passionate, and organised. You love bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and making things happen.
You’ll have experience of managing community-facing services, working with diverse groups (ideally including people with learning disabilities or autistic people), and leading a team.
You’re happy rolling up your sleeves to get things done—and you’re confident developing new ideas, building partnerships, and planning activities. Being a car driver is a plus (but not essential), and some evening or weekend working may be required. We’re happy to talk about flexible working, part-time options and job shares.
What we offer
We offer a range of benefits including discounts at local shops and restaurants (through a Blue Light Card), training and development opportunities and flexible working. We also offer 22 days holiday plus all English bank holidays, as well as a variety of other leave such as volunteering days and enhanced carers leave.
Person Specification
Our work is underpinned by our values and you will be expected to demonstrate these in your daily work:
Nurturing: You work in a person-centred way supporting every individual to reach their full potential. You empower people to take risks and develop their skills
Approachable: You can communicate with a range of people with differing abilities and maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the people you support and their families.
Inclusive: You involve people you support in all aspects of services. You are able to communicate effectively with people with a learning disability and adapt your approach where need.
Passionate: You are dedicated to improving the lives of the people that we support. You will professionally challenge where necessary whilst maintain effective working relationships.
Respectful: You treat everybody with compassion, dignity and respect ensuring privacy and confidentiality for the people we support.
You will also be able to demonstrate or tell us about the following areas in your application and at interview:
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
Essential
· Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload.
· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with a wide range of people including people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
· Ability to coordinate multiple projects or activities, ensuring smooth delivery and follow-up.
· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, using initiative and sound judgment.
· Confident IT user, including Microsoft 365 (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel), Canva, and database/CRM systems.
· Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and how to implement them in a community setting.
· Good working knowledge of inclusion, accessibility and equality in service delivery.
Desirable
· Understanding of the voluntary and community sector and the opportunities and challenges it faces
· Understanding of the support needs of people with a learning disability and/or autistic people.
Experience
Essential
· Proven experience of running or coordinating community-based services, hubs, or similar projects.
· Experience of working directly with people with a learning disability and/or autistic people (in either a paid or voluntary capacity).
· Experience of line managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, including giving feedback and supporting development.
· Experience of organising and delivering events, activities or workshops.
· Experience of maintaining records and reporting on impact or outcomes.
Desirable
· Experience of working in partnership with other organisations or agencies.
· Experience supporting or delivering social enterprise or community business activity.
Values and Personal Qualities
Essential
· A strong commitment to the rights, inclusion and empowerment of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
· A values-led approach aligned with Bexley Mencap’s ethos: Nurturing, Approachable, Inclusive, Passionate, and Respectful.
· Calm and approachable under pressure, able to adapt to unexpected challenges and find practical solutions.
· Willingness to “muck in” and take a hands-on approach to running the Hub—including setting up rooms, greeting visitors or supporting a group activity.
· Creative, enthusiastic and pro-active—always looking for ways to improve what we offer and how we work.
· Commitment to learning, personal development and continuous improvement.
· Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel locally when required.
Desirable
· Lived experience of disability or of supporting someone with a disability.
· Holds a full driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent ability to travel within the borough).