Work for Challengers

Jobs with a difference

People are core to our success at Challengers, and we are privileged to work with colleagues who care passionately about our vision.

We’re committed to putting people at the heart of everything we do, and want our colleagues to come in feeling excited to be at work.

Simply put, Challengers is an incredible place to work. No two days are the same, and its an opportunity to make a real difference to disabled children and their families.

Don’t just take our word for it…see what our staff have to say about working here!

Whether you’re looking for an office based role, or prefer to work with children and young people, one thing is for sure – working at Challengers is exciting, rewarding and unlike anywhere else. Here are some of the benefits of working with us:

We are a Real Living Wage employer
We offer 31 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays) pro rata, with extra for long service and after your first year of service you’ll get your birthday off! We believe in true flexibility, so apart from our Christmas break where we shut down, you can choose whether to book Bank Holidays off or work them – enabling you to use your annual leave when it best suits you.
We encourage an open feedback culture so our colleagues are engaged.
We have a range of development options to support continuous personal growth.
All staff have access to a NEST pension and Simply Health care plan.
Each year at our annual Staff Party we hold Staff Awards recognising best practice examples of the Challengers Approach (our values) in action.

Current vacancies:

Results: 2

Head of Communications & Fundraising

Employment
Permanent: Salary
£42,230 – £45,000: Location
Guildford: Hours
35 Hours (full time, part-time considered)

Transform lives. Shape stories. Drive impact.

Challengers is on a mission to transform the lives of disabled children, young people, and their families through the power of play. We champion a world where every child can play freely—and we’re looking for a visionary Head of Communications and Fundraising to help us make that world a reality.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who can combine strategic expertise with the creativity and energy to tell powerful stories, build meaningful partnerships, and grow sustainable income.

More info

Pre-School Manager

Employment
Part-time, Term-Time: Salary
£24,475: Location
Farnham: Hours
36 hours a week 8.30am – 4.30pm (Mon – Fri)

Challengers is seeking a passionate and experienced Pre-School Manager to lead our inclusive Farnham Pre-School. You’ll ensure high-quality early years provision, create a fun and supportive environment for every child including those with complex need and motivate a dedicated staff team.

More info

Meet the team

Ellen Fenton

Farnham Play Leader

I was first introduced to Challengers by a friend back in October 2011. She had so many fun, crazy and exciting things to say about working there that I couldn’t help but want to get involved! Before I knew it, I’d joined the Farnham Play scheme as a Playworker.

I only expected to work at Challengers part-time while attending university…but like many people, I caught the famous “Challengers bug” and here I am – still here over 10 years later and loving it!

From Playworker, to Deputy, to Leader and now to Centre Manager – it’s safe to say I have certainly seen it all throughout my time here, and I’ve got so many great memories. I have learnt all sorts of new skills at Challengers and have developed through training – giving me the confidence to work my way up to where I am now.

Paul Wilson

Head of Service

I have worked at Challengers for more than 20 years and absolutely love the charity. I’m passionate about the non-exclusion of disabled children and young people, and very proud to work for a charity that has this at the heart of its ethos. I started here as a volunteer Playworker and soon realised Challengers was where I need to be. Over the years I have also worked as a Leader, Leisure Development Officer, Centre Manger, Service Manager, and now I’m Head of Service – overseeing all of the charity’s operations.

Ash Morgan

Training Lead

A friend of mine introduced me to Challengers and asked if I would be interested in working there over the summer. I applied and was very excited to get my interview date. I remember my first day was a half day induction training, but I was instantly hooked and asked to stay for the remainder of the day! I loved the energy, the fun and all the laughter – I worked every shift I possibly could, and everyday was different. The atmosphere at Challengers is always welcoming and I love getting to know so many new faces.

It has been 16 years since my first shift, going from volunteer, paid worker, senior worker, deputy, leader, centre manager and then Operations Manager. I have gathered so much experience over the years and still enjoy it so much! I have recently changed my role within Challengers to Training Lead, where I now support and create training for the whole organisation. This is very different to all my experience within the service team, however I am very excited to put that all into my new training role!

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At Challengers we’re committed to looking after our team, as we know that our people underpin everything we do. The ongoing increases to the cost of living affect everyone, so we are delighted to be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation for our commitment to paying the Real Living Wage.
Gennie Dearman, CEO