The Donaldson Trust
The national body for neurodiversity
Join The Team
All About The Donaldson Trust
Established in the 1850’s, the Donaldson Trust (Donaldsons) has provided supported education and care throughout its history and has now established itself as the National Body for Neurodiversity. Currently, Donaldsons supports children, young people and adults through a variety of services, encouraging each individual to realise their potential:
Sensational Learning Centre: a Scottish Government Grant-Aided School that provides individualised, person-centred, skills-based learning for children and young people up to the age of 18 with complex additional support needs, including autism, sensory and communication differences.
Vibe: a wellbeing service for neurodivergent young people aged 12-18, which helps develop new skills and build relationships while reducing anxiety, building resilience and improving self-esteem.
Gate: is our skills development and training service for neurodivergent people aged 16+. It maintains and enhances the skills of its Trainees, as well as improving their wellbeing.
Treehouse: is a specialist wellbeing service for neurodivergent adults aged 16+ who require an individualised programme and bespoke low arousal environment to support and improve their wellbeing, skills development and independence.
In addition to their direct services, Donaldsons’ Connect service works in partnership with individuals, organisations and businesses to increase awareness and understanding of neurodiversity and improve the experiences of neurodivergent people.
Vision and Values
Vision:
A society in which neurodivergent people are understood, accepted, treated fairly and valued.
Values:
- Individual Capability – Everyone has their individual capabilities; they find them. Help people reach their own potential. They loosen the confines, remove the barriers. They believe in every single person. Treating people as individuals shows they are flexible in their approach.
- Creativity – They are curious, forward-thinking, always looking for a better way. One day, they will be truly pioneering.
- Human Dignity – They have integrity. They treat everyone with respect. They listen.
- Compassion – They understand. They have empathy. They are kind and caring.
- Openness and Honesty – By being open and honest, they earn trust, and from that, they build rewarding relationships.
Why Work With Donaldsons
They're a team filled with caring and talented individuals who work together to create positive change, and you'll be part of a team dedicated to giving neurodivergent people a voice and contributing to their vision of a society in which neurodivergent people are understood, accepted, treated fairly and valued.
Their strategy and approach are underpinned by people, culture and process. They are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, high engagement culture, enabling colleagues to thrive and empowering them to support organisational development.
They are determined to work as one organisation to ensure their relevance, vibrancy and sustainability.
"Together, we’ll find your voice."
What the future holds
Their ambition is to be at the forefront of supporting and developing policy for neurodivergent children, young people and adults in Scotland. They want to change the narrative from disability to difference, from awareness to acceptance.
They are looking to extend their services reach beyond the current Linlithgow campus, continuing to increase the range of support and development opportunities they offer.
As the National Body for Neurodiversity, they are a catalyst for change. They believe there is a genuine opportunity to change society for the better. They aim to be at the forefront of driving this change, and to make a difference with, and for, neurodivergent people.
Their key goals are to:
- Provide more specialist services for neurodivergent children, young people and adults across Scotland
- Increase opportunities, access and acceptance for neurodivergent people and their families
- Drive societal change through influencing and engagement.
Eden Scott is excited to be supporting the team at Donaldsons with their recruitment on the next step of their journey. Find out from Sarah below about the opportunities available.
