Frequently asked questions

Can I send you my CV for you to keep on file?

Unfortunately we do not accept speculative applications.

The best way to join Guide Dogs is to apply for a specific post that matches your skills and experience through our website. Follow this link for details on current jobs


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How do I apply for a vacancy or complete an application?

  1. Go to our current jobs on the website
  2. Select the vacancy you wish to apply for
  3. This will bring up the advert and job details. Here you will be able to download a word document application form
  4. It is discretionary whether the application form is completed electronically or by hand, however do not forget to sign the declaration at the end
  5. On the advert there will be details of where to send your application form. Take a note of these as if you wish to follow up on the status of your application this will be your point of contact.

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Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

Yes you can. However if you do get shortlisted, advise your interviewer that you have also applied for another role within the organisation, since each recruitment expierence is managed separately.


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Will you be taking up employment references?

If you are made a formal offer of employment, it will be subject to employment references. All references should be taken up prior to the commencement of employment. References will include current/previous employment, education, residency and relevant professional qualifications. Unfortunately if the results of these are inconsistent with what you have stated then the employment offer would need to be withdrawn.


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Will I have to have a Criminal Record Bureau check?

Due to the nature of some of our roles you may be required to undergo a CRB check. This should be stated in the application pack for the role.


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Do you offer work experience placements?

Yes, however we receive many enquiries for work experience placements and regretably we can only take on a very limited number. For experience working in Dog Care and Welfare and Guide Dog Training please be aware that these placements can only be offered at the four main Guide Dog Training Schools: London, Leamington (Warwickshire), Atherton (Greater Manchester) and Forfar (Scotland). Please contact the appropriate mobility team to discuss any placements.


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I would like to work with dogs but there are no suitable jobs in my area, what can I do?

Unfortunately our Dog Care Staff and Guide Dog Trainers are only based in the four main Guide Dog Training Schools. If these locations are not suitable for you then you may need to reconsider your plans.


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When do you recruit Trainee Guide Dog Trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Instructors?

We do not have a structured annual intake of Trainee Guide Dog Trainers as we only advertise when the business need arises. Trainee Guide Dog Mobility Instructors are recruited on an annual or six-monthly basis, again depending on operational need, and this means the locations of the vacancies will vary across the UK. You will need to monitor the Guide Dogs website for details of these vacancies.


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How often do you update your website?

Our job board is updated regularly as and when vacancies arise, on average weekly.


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What are the benefits for Guide Dog staff?

Some of the benefits that we offer our staff are:

  • Occupational sick pay scheme
  • Annual leave (minimum 25 days)
  • Group Personal Pension Plan
  • Occupational maternity scheme
  • Occupational paternity scheme
  • Flexible working
  • Childcare voucher scheme
  • Eyecare Scheme
  • Personal Accident Scheme
  • Life assurance benefit
  • Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health provision
  • Wellbeing initiatives

For more information please have a look at our Employee Benefits Leaflet.


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Can I volunteer for Guide Dogs?

Of course, we would love to hear from you if you are able to give some of your time to help at a Guide Dogs Centre, whether it is driving or looking after our dogs, or helping the fundraising teams. Take a look at our volunteering section for more information.