Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

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South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities Specialist

The closing date is 15 November 2026

Apply for this job

Job summary

We are looking for a passionate and experienced individual who has demonstrable knowledge and experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia on a part time, fixed term basis (job share).

The Learning Disabilities and Vulnerabilities specialist will be based within the SWAST safeguarding team and will guide and support all areas of the Trust to meet the needs of adults and children with Learning Disabilities (LD), Autism (A), Dementia and other vulnerabilities.

Ensuring staff have the knowledge and ability to empower, advocate for, and support individuals to maintain their independence, promoting their physical and mental health

This is an exciting time to be joining the SWAST following the publication of our new Trust Learning Disability and Autism plan 2025-2028. If you are you looking for an incredible challenge that will stretch you, both professionally and personally, and if you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference across a wide range of settings then please get in touch.

For an informal discussion please contact Lerryn Udy, Head of Safeguarding via [email protected]

Main duties of the job

Implement Trust wide Learning Disability and vulnerable patient policies and procedures, to improve the experiences of patients and staff with vulnerabilities.

Lead on LEDER for the Trust. Working closely with the safeguarding team and learning from deaths team.

Be the lead and champion LD, Autism and vulnerabilities and use skills to educate and colleagues of the importance of improving experiences of vulnerable patients.

Provide advice and guidance on area of expertise, supporting safeguarding reviews into patients with a LD, Autism, dementia, or other vulnerability.

Improve patient care for people living with a learning disability, autism and dementia or other vulnerability.

Make the SWASFT a dementia friendly employer and support dementia friendly communities.

About us

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.

In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive NHS salary
• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Staff networks
• Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Details

Date posted

02 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year / pro-rata per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

202-8365233

Job locations

Trust HQ

Abbey Court

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information about this role please see attached the job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Previous Experience

Essential

• Substantial demonstrable specialist experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia or other vulnerabilities in a similar role or setting
• Demonstrable current experience and knowledge in vulnerabilities and health inequalities, including attending multidisciplinary team meetings
• Previous or current experience of working in ambulance Trusts, other NHS settings or social care
• Recent Leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience of participating in LEDER reviews
• Experience in participating in patient/public forums

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Master's Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant field

Desirable

• Additional leadership qualification

Person Specification

Previous Experience

Essential

• Substantial demonstrable specialist experience working with people with a learning disability, autism and/or dementia or other vulnerabilities in a similar role or setting
• Demonstrable current experience and knowledge in vulnerabilities and health inequalities, including attending multidisciplinary team meetings
• Previous or current experience of working in ambulance Trusts, other NHS settings or social care
• Recent Leadership experience

Desirable

• Experience of participating in LEDER reviews
• Experience in participating in patient/public forums

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered Mental Health Nurse or Registered Learning Disabilities Nurse
• Master's Degree or equivalent level experience in relevant field

Desirable

• Additional leadership qualification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trust HQ

Abbey Court

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trust HQ

Abbey Court

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Safeguarding

Lerryn Udy

[email protected]

Details

Date posted

02 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year / pro-rata per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

202-8365233

Job locations

Trust HQ

Abbey Court

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

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