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Closing date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Location: Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5LR
Hours: 18 hours per week
Salary: £15,251.89 per year
Contract: Permanent
Interview date: 19 June 2026

This role involves problem solving and finding solutions. working within an assistive equipment/aids service for visually impaired people across Berkshire. It is a proactive role, covering both your own service and working closely alongside the rest of the Berkshire Vision team.

We support both adults and children with sight loss across the county and this number is increasing. The Equipment Service aims to increase (or maintain) quality of life and independence through assessing their needs and supporting them to identify practical equipment-based solutions to everyday challenges – from reading post to pouring a hot drink, identifying the contents of a tin can or reading an expiry date, there’s a solution for every problem out there somewhere.

This is a person-centred role, helping individuals to find the solution which is right for them. The Equipment Officer is also the ambassador for assistive equipment internally and externally, ensuring colleagues, partners and volunteers know what is available.

To apply please send your CV and Cover letter to Recruitment@berkshirevision.org.uk  or via our website on  Berkshire Vision

Job Description

JOB TITLE – Equipment Officer

Reports To: Head of Service Delivery

Budget Responsibilities: Small grants where available

Purpose of the job

To develop and manage a comprehensive service enabling visually impaired people across Berkshire to access technology and equipment to improve their quality of life.

Description of the job activities

Key areas of responsibility:

• To deliver one to one and small group support to visually impaired people to access equipment including identifying needs and demonstrating equipment
• To monitor and report on the impact of the service
• To build strong working relationships with new and existing equipment providers
• To act as an ambassador for equipment and assistive technology, maintaining a detailed knowledge of products and promoting them internally and externally

Activities and tasks

• Identify the needs of service users and develop the service accordingly
• Carry out one to one appointments to identify service users’ needs in relation to equipment and assistive technology, identify solutions and demonstrate appropriate equipment. These appointments can take place in service users’ homes, Berkshire Vision’s offices, or another suitable community location.
• Hold small group sessions on equipment, both independently and at other Berkshire Vision activities/events as appropriate
• Carry out needs assessment for equipment and assistive technology
• Manage the monitoring and impact evaluation process for the equipment service
• Accurately record appointments carried out, people supported and the outcomes achieved
• Provide management data as required
• Produce impact reports for funders and potential funders of the service when required
• Promote the service, driving participation
• Manage systems for demonstrating, loaning and selling equipment
• Act as the equipment expert, producing briefings/training sessions for staff, volunteers and relevant partners on equipment
• Develop relationships with equipment providers, taking the lead on negotiating contracts/terms of sale
• Manage allocated volunteers effectively
• Independently maintain a comprehensive knowledge of all equipment available in the market
• Work closely with volunteer tech buddy team
• Maintain accurate financial records

Internal and external relationships

• Frequent liaison with service users, suppliers, colleagues and volunteers.
• Collaborates with others in the department/organisation on a regular basis.

Other

• Be responsible for own continuing development, keeping up to date with best practice, policies and procedures.
• Deal with all issues in a professional manner keeping confidences where appropriate and always being mindful of data protection implications.
• Always be an effective representative for the organisation and act in a professional manner conducive to promoting a positive image of the charity.

Working Environment

• Work under office conditions with extensive use of a display screen.
• Working extensively with people with sight loss, suppliers and the public
• Pattern of work: 18 hours over 3-4 days per week with some evening and weekend working for events and service user appointments for which time off in lieu will be given
• Drive over 5,000 business miles annually, travelling across Berkshire visiting service users.

The above is a general description of the work to be carried out and not an exhaustive list. The role holder is also required to perform all reasonably assigned duties.

Person Specification