Jobs and volunteering opportunities


Peer Network Project Lead/Facilitator

Mainspring Arts are seeking an experienced Project Lead/Facilitator to take the lead in co-creating, launching and managing a new Peer Network for neurodivergent creatives.

 

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We are looking to recruit a part-time freelance Project Lead/Facilitator to work closely with our Director in an exciting new position. The Project Lead/Facilitator will lead on researching, developing and launching a national online Peer Network for neurodivergent creatives, co-creating the project with our community from the ground up.

We see the Peer Network becoming a core part of our programme, creating a supportive neurodivergent creative community and offering a programme of activity shaped by its members. Figuring out exactly what this will look like is one of the key parts of the role, but initial ideas include regular online workshops, discussions, co-working sessions and resources, as well as a platform to connect with other members. 

As an organisation that champions neurodiversity, we strongly encourage neurodivergent people to apply, as well as people from other underrepresented groups. This includes (but is not limited to) people from the global majority, disabled, working class, migrant and LGBTQIA+ communities.

What we’re looking for


We’re looking for someone who:

  • has experience of managing and/or delivering creative projects

  • has facilitation and/or co-creation experience

  • can collaborate and engage with a range of people and organisations

  • is proactive, positive, and able to work on their own initiative

  • has a good knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity and access

  • can work sensitively with neurodivergent creatives

  • is committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion

  • is interested in championing new creative work

  • is open to developing skills in creative and strategic planning


The role


Working closely with the Director, the Project Lead/Facilitator will have the following responsibilities:

  • Conduct research to scope current provision and identify need, including:

    • Designing, launching and monitoring a research survey

    • Organising and facilitating focus groups with ND creatives

    • Consulting with relevant partners to share learning and ensure the Peer Network complements existing offers

    • Collating and evaluating findings in collaboration with partners

  • Design Peer Network project plan based on research

  • Lead on recruiting participants for the Peer Network

  • Lead on commissioning artists to produce digital work for Peer Network launch event

  • Organise online launch event including presentation of digital commissions

  • Launch and manage the Peer Network programme, working closely with our community 

  • Contribute to ensuring that accessibility is at the heart of all activity

  • Contribute to cultivating equity, diversity and inclusion for everyone within the organisation and its community


It would be beneficial if the Project Lead/Facilitator is based in or near Lancaster, however, we’re also open to the role being remote or hybrid. If based nearby, the Project Lead/Facilitator will have the option to work from our co-working space in Lancaster.

Terms & Conditions 


Contract type: Freelance, 11 months (August 2025 - July 2026). We have funding in place for this period - however, our aim is that the role will continue beyond this (subject to securing additional funding).

Hours: Approximately 1 day (7.5 hours) per week on average, with flexibility to work around other commitments. 42 days in total.

Place of work: At our shared office in Lancaster, or remote/hybrid.

Fee: £200 per day (£8,400 in total)

Access support and an access budget will be available.

How to apply


To apply, please email hello@mainspringarts.org.uk with:

  • your CV

  • a cover letter explaining your interest in the role, and how you think you meet the criteria

You are welcome to submit your CV and cover letter in other ways (e.g. video or audio) or request this information in different formats. 

Application deadline: 10am on Wednesday 16th July 2025


Please email hello@mainspringarts.org.uk if you would like to discuss how we can make this process more accessible, or if you would like support with the application.

Interviews will be held online on Zoom. If selected for an interview, we will ask you about your access needs, and aim to make the interview process as accessible as possible.

Timeline

  • Wed 16th July, 10am: Application deadline

  • Fri 18th July: Shortlisted applicants invited to interview; other applicants notified of outcome

  • Wed 22nd & Thur 23rd July: Interviews (on Zoom)

  • Fri 25th July: All interview candidates notified of outcome

  • Early August: Role begins (date agreed with selected candidate)


Who we are


Founded in 2015, Mainspring Arts is a neurodivergent and artist-led organisation that co-creates supportive neurodivergent spaces and communities that empower, uplift and nurture through creativity.

We work closely with neurodivergent (ND) creatives, supporting them to develop their practice. We provide platforms for ND creatives to make and share work, and opportunities for ND people to meet, collaborate and find community.

We are committed to ensuring ND people are represented at all levels within our organisation. All our programmes are designed and led by ND practitioners, and co-created with ND participants. We ensure that at least 50% of our trustees are ND (currently 75%).

In 2022 we moved our base to Lancaster, and are currently growing our programme of local activity alongside our national work. We have a small freelance core team and a growing pool of freelance practitioners who lead and deliver our programmes.