Activity Lead
Closing Date: 02/02/2026
Location: Hedleys Horizons, Station Road, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8YY
Who Are We?
The Percy Hedley Foundation is one of the largest regional charities supporting people with a range of learning and physical needs. We take a person centred, flexible approach to the care and support we provide. We work towards excellence every day and our team members are committed to delivering the very best outcomes for the people we support. Our dynamic and flexible service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, making it easier to live, learn and be part of a world adapting to change.
Hedley’s Horizons provides adults with disabilities lifelong learning opportunities and activities that promote the importance of wellbeing in adult life. Hedley’s Horizons is a busy, vibrant and varied environment that supports adults with cerebral palsy, communication and sensory impairments and complex learning needs including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions. We offer a choice of activities that meet peoples' aspirations, needs and preferences, thus offering a very individual programme with support from a highly skilled and dedicated staff team.
The Role
We are looking to recruit a full time activity lead who will join an established team. We seek an individual who has experience of the development; review; implementation and evaluation of activities for individuals with complex physical and learning disabilities in need of a bespoke approach to their support.
The successful individual will have excellent organisational skills and can be flexible in their approach and understand the importance of structure, routine and familiarity that this client group requires
Key Responsibilities:
Provide tailored, person-centred support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), promoting choice, dignity, and independence.
Take a proactive role in leading a team of support workers, allocating and delegating tasks to ensure effective daily support.
Build strong, positive relationships with families, carers, and external professionals through clear and respectful communication.
Support, coach and mentor your team to deliver high standards of care and follow individual support plans.
Recognise and respond appropriately to behaviours that challenge, using positive behaviour support strategies.
Ensure that all support plans, risk assessments and documentation are up to date and reflect each person's unique needs.
Please click here for the full job description
Why Work for Us
Hedleys Horizons encourages career development and progression. We run a robust training programme and we also have development opportunities both within Horizons and across the wider Foundation.
We also offer the following benefits to staff:
- Wellbeing support (including occupational health, physio services and counselling services)
- Contributory Pension Scheme.
- Induction and ongoing training.
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a rewards scheme designed to save money on shopping
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- 23 days holidays rising to 28 (including bank holidays)
Click here for more information on the benefits available: https://www.percyhedley.org.uk/vacancies/staff-benefits/
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS and barring checks as well as other employment clearances such as referencing in line with our regulator’s legislation requirements.
Please note that this role is classed as regulated activity as it involves working directly with children and/or vulnerable adults. All shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal records self-declaration form prior to interview, and all candidates will be subject to an online check prior to interview. The amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013, 2020 & 2023) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers, and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and the Percy Hedley Foundation has the right to respond appropriately.
As a disability confident employer who is registered and accredited by the scheme, we would encourage all applications but please reach out if you require any guidance or support in your application.
Please access the following link for our vulnerable adults protection policy:
This recruitment is ongoing therefore the vacancy will close when a suitable applicant has been appointed.