Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field. JOB TITLE : IT Operations Manager LOCATION : Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire SALARY : £33,000 - £36,000 p/a JOB TYPE : Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week (Part-time applications considered) REPORTS TO : Head of Finance and Resources MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE: The IT Operations Manager will ensure the smooth and secure running of all technology systems across the charity. This role provides operational oversight of IT services, suppliers and infrastructure, enabling staff to work effectively while maintaining compliance, security and resilience. The postholder will play a key role in supporting organisational growth through effective systems management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement. WHAT YOU LL DO: Oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced services are managed effectively, systems are secure and well-maintained, and projects are delivered on time. The postholder will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders and contributing to the ongoing development of the charity s digital capabilities under the Head of Departments guidance. ABOUT THE ROLE You will oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced IT services are managed effectively and systems remain secure, reliable, and fit for purpose. You will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders while driving the delivery of small-to-medium projects such as system upgrades, CRM enhancements, and security improvements. You will maintain oversight of all systems, integrations and licences, ensuring accurate documentation and identifying opportunities for improvement. You will also play a key role in governance and compliance, promoting cyber security best practice, supporting data protection measures and maintaining the technology risk register. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen the charity s digital capabilities, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure technology enables our mission. Responsibilities of the Role Supplier & service management Act as the main operational contact for outsourced IT support and helpdesk, charity database, and website providers, ensuring effective communication and service delivery. Monitor supplier performance, service level agreements (SLAs), and ticketing systems. Escalate issues and follow up to resolution as needed. Maintain the contract register, arrange renewals, and support procurement activities related to technology services and systems. Systems oversight and documentation Maintain an up-to-date map of organisational systems, integrations, licences, and the asset register. Manage hardware and software requirements across the organisation, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with operational needs. Identify operational risks, technical issues or gaps in provision and implement quick-win improvements where possible. Ensure process documentation and user guides are accurate, accessible, and regularly updated. Project coordination and delivery Lead or coordinate small-to-medium technology projects (e.g. multi-factor authentication rollout, system upgrades, CRM module implementation, data migrations). Manage project timelines, stakeholder communications, and supplier delivery to ensure successful outcomes. Governance, security & compliance Support the implementation of IT policies (e.g. acceptable use, backup, remote access) and data protection controls. Maintain the technology risk register and report to the Head of Finance and Resources to support compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including GDPR. Promote cyber security best practices across the organisation, including coordinating periodic phishing tests and reporting outcomes via outsourced suppliers. Track departmental spend, support budget monitoring, and prepare cost forecasts for future technology needs. Contribute to business cases for new systems or technology investments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Stakeholder liaison & internal enablement Act as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical staff, ensuring clear and effective communication. Communicate outages, system changes and project plans clearly to internal stakeholders. Provide guidance and support to users as needed. Deliver occasional training or guidance to staff on systems and processes (not first-line helpdesk). Develop and report on departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), including but not limited to PERSON SPECIFICATION: Experience & Qualifications Essential Reliable with a proactive can do attitude and flexibility to adapt the role as the organisation s needs evolve Experience coordinating IT services, suppliers or technology projects within a small to medium-sized organisation Strong organisational skills and stakeholder management experience Clear and confident communicator, able to translate technical issues for non-technical staff Working knowledge of common business IT systems including Microsoft 365, cloud services, CRMs, and basic networking concepts Good understanding of information security and data protection principles (e.g. multi-factor authentication, backups, GDPR) Comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities effectively Comfortable working in the presence of dogs Desirable Experience working within the charity or third sector Experience of working with Managed Service Providers or outsourced IT support models Familiarity with website content management systems and CRM/database suppliers Basic experience in budgeting or procurement processes IT project management experience Knowledge & Skills DESIRABLE Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in a fast-paced and evolving environment Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications Highly effective written and verbal communication skills Good influencing and negotiation skills Ability to support and guide colleagues in IT-related matters, fostering a collaborative and solution-focused approach Other Requirements A full current driving license Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Values & Behaviours Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience. Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team: We are respectful. We stay positive. We strive for excellence. We communicate and listen. We are ambassadors. We are one team. And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field. JOB TITLE : IT Operations Manager LOCATION : Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire SALARY : £33,000 - £36,000 p/a JOB TYPE : Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week (Part-time applications considered) REPORTS TO : Head of Finance and Resources MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE: The IT Operations Manager will ensure the smooth and secure running of all technology systems across the charity. This role provides operational oversight of IT services, suppliers and infrastructure, enabling staff to work effectively while maintaining compliance, security and resilience. The postholder will play a key role in supporting organisational growth through effective systems management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement. WHAT YOU LL DO: Oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced services are managed effectively, systems are secure and well-maintained, and projects are delivered on time. The postholder will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders and contributing to the ongoing development of the charity s digital capabilities under the Head of Departments guidance. ABOUT THE ROLE You will oversee and coordinate the charity s technology function, ensuring outsourced IT services are managed effectively and systems remain secure, reliable, and fit for purpose. You will act as the operational lead for technology, supporting staff and stakeholders while driving the delivery of small-to-medium projects such as system upgrades, CRM enhancements, and security improvements. You will maintain oversight of all systems, integrations and licences, ensuring accurate documentation and identifying opportunities for improvement. You will also play a key role in governance and compliance, promoting cyber security best practice, supporting data protection measures and maintaining the technology risk register. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and strengthen the charity s digital capabilities, working closely with suppliers and internal teams to ensure technology enables our mission. Responsibilities of the Role Supplier & service management Act as the main operational contact for outsourced IT support and helpdesk, charity database, and website providers, ensuring effective communication and service delivery. Monitor supplier performance, service level agreements (SLAs), and ticketing systems. Escalate issues and follow up to resolution as needed. Maintain the contract register, arrange renewals, and support procurement activities related to technology services and systems. Systems oversight and documentation Maintain an up-to-date map of organisational systems, integrations, licences, and the asset register. Manage hardware and software requirements across the organisation, ensuring systems are fit for purpose and aligned with operational needs. Identify operational risks, technical issues or gaps in provision and implement quick-win improvements where possible. Ensure process documentation and user guides are accurate, accessible, and regularly updated. Project coordination and delivery Lead or coordinate small-to-medium technology projects (e.g. multi-factor authentication rollout, system upgrades, CRM module implementation, data migrations). Manage project timelines, stakeholder communications, and supplier delivery to ensure successful outcomes. Governance, security & compliance Support the implementation of IT policies (e.g. acceptable use, backup, remote access) and data protection controls. Maintain the technology risk register and report to the Head of Finance and Resources to support compliance with relevant regulations and standards, including GDPR. Promote cyber security best practices across the organisation, including coordinating periodic phishing tests and reporting outcomes via outsourced suppliers. Track departmental spend, support budget monitoring, and prepare cost forecasts for future technology needs. Contribute to business cases for new systems or technology investments, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Stakeholder liaison & internal enablement Act as the bridge between technical suppliers and non-technical staff, ensuring clear and effective communication. Communicate outages, system changes and project plans clearly to internal stakeholders. Provide guidance and support to users as needed. Deliver occasional training or guidance to staff on systems and processes (not first-line helpdesk). Develop and report on departmental key performance indicators (KPIs), including but not limited to PERSON SPECIFICATION: Experience & Qualifications Essential Reliable with a proactive can do attitude and flexibility to adapt the role as the organisation s needs evolve Experience coordinating IT services, suppliers or technology projects within a small to medium-sized organisation Strong organisational skills and stakeholder management experience Clear and confident communicator, able to translate technical issues for non-technical staff Working knowledge of common business IT systems including Microsoft 365, cloud services, CRMs, and basic networking concepts Good understanding of information security and data protection principles (e.g. multi-factor authentication, backups, GDPR) Comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities effectively Comfortable working in the presence of dogs Desirable Experience working within the charity or third sector Experience of working with Managed Service Providers or outsourced IT support models Familiarity with website content management systems and CRM/database suppliers Basic experience in budgeting or procurement processes IT project management experience Knowledge & Skills DESIRABLE Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in a fast-paced and evolving environment Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain confidentiality Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications Highly effective written and verbal communication skills Good influencing and negotiation skills Ability to support and guide colleagues in IT-related matters, fostering a collaborative and solution-focused approach Other Requirements A full current driving license Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Values & Behaviours Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience. Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team: We are respectful. We stay positive. We strive for excellence. We communicate and listen. We are ambassadors. We are one team. And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.
Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs (MAAD) to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this innovative charity that is a world-leader in its specialist field. JOB TITLE: Assistance Dog Training Manager LOCATION: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire SALARY: £33,000 - £37,000 based on experience JOB TYPE: Full-time permanent, with occasional evenings and weekends required REPORTS TO: Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare The Job This role requires someone with previous experience in managing and or leading a Dog Training team within an Assistance Dog Organisation, to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Assistance Dog training team. The successful candidate will ensure that the team of Assistance Dog Trainers develop our puppies and dogs in advanced to training to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. They will also play a role in the training and development of less experienced members of the team. The welfare of our dogs is very important to us. We have a no-kennel policy, and all our dogs live in the homes of volunteers until they are about 20 months old. We are committed to providing quality training and support for all our dogs and the volunteers who look after them. The role involves working collaboratively across teams and managing stakeholders to streamline the process of training and placing Assistance Dogs. Specific Responsibilities Puppies: To liaise with the Dog Supply Advisor on puppy intake To support and guide the Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers, with all aspects related to socialising and training of puppies from 8 weeks of age to approximately 16 months of age. This will include observing and supporting in: - Puppy classes - 1-2-1 training sessions - Home visits - Writing up Behaviour Modification Plans - Any other ad hoc training support To ensure training records are up to date To work alongside the Head of Department on the Advanced Trainer pick up schedule, ensuring dogs are put into advanced training at an appropriate standard To oversee and carry out MDD internal puppy assessment programme - Behaviour Check List (BCL) To ensure all puppies in the socialising scheme follow MDD Health and Welfare policies and procedures If and when required, to stay away from home, supporting Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers with their puppies and volunteers who are based in our regional areas To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer Advanced Dogs: To support and guide the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers and when needed, to support with the training of their advanced group of dogs. This will include: - Observing dogs in all areas of development - Giving practical advice and support - Assisting in writing up training plans - Any ad hoc training support To carry out the final assessments of dogs in advanced training To oversee the preparation of and to deliver in accordance with the instructor pick-up schedule for the MAAD programme dogs within advanced training Support the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers with potential matches for a particular client and dog, and to report this progress regularly to the relevant senior staff To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer Staff Development: To work alongside our Assistance Dog Programme Training and Development Coordinator with the training and development of Trainee Assistance Dog Trainers and support in upskilling less experienced Trainers Puppy Socialiser Recruitment To monitor and when necessary, highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare, a shortage of Puppy Socialisers and Temporary Fosterers When required, assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Puppy Socialisers Other To liaise with the Health and Welfare Coordinator on any health issues regarding puppies and dogs within the Assistance Dog Training Scheme To liaise with the Instructor Manager on any dogs that are entering or currently in the Medical Alert Assistance Dog (MAAD) programme. From time to time, you may be required to have a dog living with you for additional training for a set period Highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare in a timely manner, if you feel a dog is not reaching the appropriate standard or may be more suitable for another role. Detailed, evidenced reasons why, must be supplied To oversee the rehoming of withdrawn puppies and dogs from the Socialising Scheme To support the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with the quarterly Trustee reports Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records Support the charity s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required Share best practice with colleagues across the charity To be familiar with ADUK and ADI regulations, ensuring that you adhere to these standards with regards to behaviour, obedience, welfare, and branding To liaise with and provide support for volunteers who may operate as part of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department or charity as a whole Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity. PERSON SPECIFICATION SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to manage and support a highly driven team of dog trainers. Ability to demonstrate high quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following: Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods and requirements necessary to maintain public confidence in assistance dogs. Solutions to training and behavioural problems. Assistance Dog Training including the ability to assess each person s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed. Welfare and safety and appropriate time for referral to others. Appropriate support to trainee staff. Dealings with other staff, clients, and members of the public. Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills. Ability to plan work, be organised and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues, and Puppy Socialisers. Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers, and other colleagues. High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft-based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Practical knowledge and experience in the following areas: Had management or team leader experience for a minimum of 2 years within an ADUK Dog Training team. ADUK and ADI regulations. Basic theory of practical dog training. Law in relation to dogs. Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age. Dog and human psychology. Health and safety implications of dog and puppy socialiser handling. Some experience of assisting with the training and development of less experienced colleagues. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself. You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations. Values & Behaviours There are a few key values that we believe are important in the workplace: Respect Cooperation Honesty Fairness Based on the values listed above, we encourage the behaviours below in the charity: Respectful communication Cooperating with others Honesty in all interactions Fairness in decision making. Benefits Sick Pay Health Cover 26 days holiday, increasing with service 5% Employer Pension Contribution Life Assurance Free On-site parking Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to: Hold a full UK Driving Licence . click apply for full job details
Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives. We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs (MAAD) to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease. We have an exciting new opportunity to join this innovative charity that is a world-leader in its specialist field. JOB TITLE: Assistance Dog Training Manager LOCATION: Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire SALARY: £33,000 - £37,000 based on experience JOB TYPE: Full-time permanent, with occasional evenings and weekends required REPORTS TO: Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare The Job This role requires someone with previous experience in managing and or leading a Dog Training team within an Assistance Dog Organisation, to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Assistance Dog training team. The successful candidate will ensure that the team of Assistance Dog Trainers develop our puppies and dogs in advanced to training to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. They will also play a role in the training and development of less experienced members of the team. The welfare of our dogs is very important to us. We have a no-kennel policy, and all our dogs live in the homes of volunteers until they are about 20 months old. We are committed to providing quality training and support for all our dogs and the volunteers who look after them. The role involves working collaboratively across teams and managing stakeholders to streamline the process of training and placing Assistance Dogs. Specific Responsibilities Puppies: To liaise with the Dog Supply Advisor on puppy intake To support and guide the Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers, with all aspects related to socialising and training of puppies from 8 weeks of age to approximately 16 months of age. This will include observing and supporting in: - Puppy classes - 1-2-1 training sessions - Home visits - Writing up Behaviour Modification Plans - Any other ad hoc training support To ensure training records are up to date To work alongside the Head of Department on the Advanced Trainer pick up schedule, ensuring dogs are put into advanced training at an appropriate standard To oversee and carry out MDD internal puppy assessment programme - Behaviour Check List (BCL) To ensure all puppies in the socialising scheme follow MDD Health and Welfare policies and procedures If and when required, to stay away from home, supporting Puppy Assistance Dog Trainers with their puppies and volunteers who are based in our regional areas To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer Advanced Dogs: To support and guide the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers and when needed, to support with the training of their advanced group of dogs. This will include: - Observing dogs in all areas of development - Giving practical advice and support - Assisting in writing up training plans - Any ad hoc training support To carry out the final assessments of dogs in advanced training To oversee the preparation of and to deliver in accordance with the instructor pick-up schedule for the MAAD programme dogs within advanced training Support the Advanced Assistance Dog Trainers with potential matches for a particular client and dog, and to report this progress regularly to the relevant senior staff To offer support to dogs and/or volunteers when needed in the absence of the allocated trainer Staff Development: To work alongside our Assistance Dog Programme Training and Development Coordinator with the training and development of Trainee Assistance Dog Trainers and support in upskilling less experienced Trainers Puppy Socialiser Recruitment To monitor and when necessary, highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare, a shortage of Puppy Socialisers and Temporary Fosterers When required, assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Puppy Socialisers Other To liaise with the Health and Welfare Coordinator on any health issues regarding puppies and dogs within the Assistance Dog Training Scheme To liaise with the Instructor Manager on any dogs that are entering or currently in the Medical Alert Assistance Dog (MAAD) programme. From time to time, you may be required to have a dog living with you for additional training for a set period Highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare in a timely manner, if you feel a dog is not reaching the appropriate standard or may be more suitable for another role. Detailed, evidenced reasons why, must be supplied To oversee the rehoming of withdrawn puppies and dogs from the Socialising Scheme To support the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with the quarterly Trustee reports Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records Support the charity s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required Share best practice with colleagues across the charity To be familiar with ADUK and ADI regulations, ensuring that you adhere to these standards with regards to behaviour, obedience, welfare, and branding To liaise with and provide support for volunteers who may operate as part of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department or charity as a whole Other tasks or ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity. PERSON SPECIFICATION SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to manage and support a highly driven team of dog trainers. Ability to demonstrate high quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following: Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods and requirements necessary to maintain public confidence in assistance dogs. Solutions to training and behavioural problems. Assistance Dog Training including the ability to assess each person s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed. Welfare and safety and appropriate time for referral to others. Appropriate support to trainee staff. Dealings with other staff, clients, and members of the public. Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills. Ability to plan work, be organised and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues, and Puppy Socialisers. Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers, and other colleagues. High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft-based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Practical knowledge and experience in the following areas: Had management or team leader experience for a minimum of 2 years within an ADUK Dog Training team. ADUK and ADI regulations. Basic theory of practical dog training. Law in relation to dogs. Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age. Dog and human psychology. Health and safety implications of dog and puppy socialiser handling. Some experience of assisting with the training and development of less experienced colleagues. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself. You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations. Values & Behaviours There are a few key values that we believe are important in the workplace: Respect Cooperation Honesty Fairness Based on the values listed above, we encourage the behaviours below in the charity: Respectful communication Cooperating with others Honesty in all interactions Fairness in decision making. Benefits Sick Pay Health Cover 26 days holiday, increasing with service 5% Employer Pension Contribution Life Assurance Free On-site parking Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to: Hold a full UK Driving Licence . click apply for full job details