RECRUITMENT

Equity and justice is at the heart of everything we do at Sunshine Support, and from time to time we seek to expand our very passionate team. 

You’ll find our current vacancies below.

 

Current Vacancies

Personal Assistant

28 hours per week | Derby

Are you a warm, proactive professional who loves making a real difference in people’s lives?

We may just have the job for you…

We’re seeking an experienced and confident Personal Assistant to our Creative Director and Senior Manager.

The Role will Involve...

You’ll play a vital role in helping us continue our mission with care and excellence. You’ll support our leadership team in day-to-day operations, ensuring they stay organised, prepared, and ready to tackle each day.

We’re a passionate team committed to a supportive work environment where each team member feels valued.

 

Your role will include a variety of responsibilities, from coordinating communication and managing documentation to assisting with events and HR processes. This is more than just an admin role – it’s a chance to be part of something impactful and join a friendly, collaborative community that truly cares.

The Role Will Involve…

  • Organising diaries
  • Proof reading
  • Organising film productions
  • Coordinating HR meetings and reviews
  • Organisation of documentation
  • Using the full MS Suite for various parts of the business
  • Taking legal minutes and general meeting minutes
  • General administration
  • Making and receiving phone calls

Essential and Desirable Criteria

In order to carry out the job, and ‘hit the ground running’ there are specific skills and experiences that we require from applicants. We would expect all candidates who are interested in working with us to be friendly, a strong team player, keen to share ideas and listen to others.

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a PA or in a similar support role
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Awareness or interest in the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Flexibility, attention to detail, and a warm, positive attitude

Please evidence the above experience and skills on your CV in order to secure an interview.

Remuneration Details

DEADINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 9th November 2025

SEND CONSULTANT / LEGAL ADVISER

FULL TIME 37.5 HOURS PER WEEK

We’re an energetic team who are seeking equity and justice for children with SEND and their families… Would you like to join us?

We are seeking an experienced SEN advocate, paralegal or legal adviser who is well versed in the current legislation in England and, preferably, Wales and/or Scotland.

The main focus of the role will be to support, provide options and advocate for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND in England. You will also support and consult into schools and colleges.

Our team has won awards for its work, and we’re well known for being positive change-makers with a sunny disposition. We’re proud to be an inclusive employer, with enormous flexibility and autonomy offered to all team members.

The Role will Involve...

Making a huge difference to the lives of the children and young people who’s parents and teachers we support
Developing your caseload / undertaking triage calls
Managing a very busy caseload
Producing statutory assessment requests on behalf of parents and schools
Negotiating with LAs & attending mediation
Attending meetings with LAs, schools and other stakeholders
Annual Reviews

Writing Pre Action Protocol letters
Case management and co-ordination – ensuring effective strategy and planning in the gathering of independent evidence
Lodging appeals and managing tribunal preparation
All related matters that require advocacy/support
Providing reassurance to parents and carers
Hosting related webinars in conjunction with our partners

Essential and Desirable Criteria

In order to carry out the job, and ‘hit the ground running’ there are specific skills and experiences that we require from applicants. We would expect all candidates who are interested in working with us to be friendly, a strong team player, keen to share ideas and listen to others.

  • Excellent understanding and practical experience of the SEND CoP and legislation that underpins it - essential
  • Experience of successfully requesting statutory assessments - essential
  • Independent experience of appealing and preparing for tribunal – essential
  • Attending and advocating for families at meetings - essential
  • Annual reviews and the full annual review process - essential
  • Lodging appeals to the tribunal service – essential
  • Hosting training/presenting webinars – desirable
  • Understanding and awareness of available provision in England – desirable

Please evidence the above experience and skills on your CV in order to secure an interview.

Remuneration Details

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15th January 2026

What do our team think?

Several years ago, on planning my return to work after maternity, I realised I needed more flexibility and autonomy than working in specialist education could offer. Joining Sunshine was the best move I could have made.  I adore my colleagues and love how the organisation authentically respects the fact I have a family, and that family comes first. The flexibility makes an enormous difference to me and my wellbeing.

Kelly Jarvis, Head of Advocacy & Consultancy
Joined: 2021

This is the first workplace I’ve had where I don’t have to mask. 

Teamwork is actual teamwork and absolutely every member of the team is supportive and incredibly lovely. Working boundaries are not only respected but actively encouraged! 

This all makes Sunshine the absolute best

Kat Allen, Media Producer
Joined: 2023

It’s so much fun working at Sunshine Support; I can work around the need of my children and family which makes all the difference for me. My manager reinforces my boundaries so that I am not tempted to ‘dip’ into my emails when I’m away from the office – although it’s tempting as I really love the work I do!

Jessica Gould, Executive Assistant to Managing Director 
Joined: 2023

After stepping away from my role as a primary headteacher, I wasn’t sure how my leadership and teaching skills would translate beyond the school environment. What I did know was that I wanted a role where I could continue making a meaningful impact while regaining a better work-life balance.

I’m continually inspired by my colleagues, have learned so much in a short period, and have embraced new challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone. I love the freedom to manage my own schedule in a way that suits both me and my family, all while being part of a supportive and engaged team.

Lindsay Galley, Education Consultant (SEND Training Institute lead)                      Joined: 2024