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The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Engaged Employer

Do not work here. This is your sign. - Marketing The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Employee Review

1.0
May 28, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Great cause, work feels meaningful - Pet dogs in the office, big plus and the main reason I tolerate going into the office - Good benefits

Cons

- If you love that secondary school environment where there’s bullies, gossiping, egotistical people and pettiness, then this is the place for you. - Mental health isn’t taken seriously enough. The organisation thinks that putting on a few wellbeing seminars is the answer to people’s declining mental wellbeing rather than taking a real hard look at why we’re so mentally drained and exhausted in the first place. - If you have an issue with the way things are done then for the love of god, keep it to yourself. Just remember, in this place, you are the problem and Guide Dogs is perfect. - Senior management needs a complete overhaul to weed out the egotistic, image obsessed, toxic people. There’s a real sense of us and them, because the lower levelled colleagues are generally good people who aren’t out to get you. - Guide Dogs is a sinking ship, and management will step on you to make sure their head stays above the surface. This is your warning, DO NOT WORK HERE.

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The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Response
3y
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are concerned about some of the points you have raised, and as a current employee, we really encourage you to raise any concerns internally so that we are able to investigate. You can discuss with a manger, staff rep, HR team member or contact speakout@guidedogs.org.uk. We are also concerned to read about your feedback regarding mental health support. The wellbeing of our people is extremely important to us which is why we have a variety of support available to staff as part of our comprehensive wellbeing strategy. Support includes wellbeing buddies, a suit of resources and webinars, employee assistance programme you can contact and sign-posting on our internal network (Pawtal) to resources from other charities. Additionally, you can discuss with your line manager or a member of the HR Team to explore any other support options we can offer you.

Explore other reviews about The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

1.0
Mar 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

A very worthy cause and rewarding when it goes right Different locations have different cultures and may be more positive than my experience in a regional hub

Cons

Many trainers still stuck in a punishment mindset, commonly saw dogs collar checked and shouted at, on one occasion witnessed a trainer suspend a dog off the ground by the neck. Raised concerns with management, nothing was done and quickly realised I was being viewed as the problem, told in the same conversation I just didn't understand what it takes to train a guide dog. Tried to escalate to HR, literally stonewalled, absolutely no interest. Bullying and cliqueish culture and management promoted above their competence, overseeing areas in which they have no knowledge or experience. Poor institutional understanding of dog behaviour and training. Deeply entrenched resistance to change.

1
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The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Response
1mo
Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your experience of working with Guide Dogs, and thank you for raising your concerns. This is not the environment nor the type of behaviour we would ever wish to condone or ignore, and the welfare of our dogs, colleagues and service users is of utmost importance to us.
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