Do you want to play a key role at the heart of an organisation which makes a real difference to people’s lives through volunteering? Volunteer Scotland has exciting and fulfilling opportunities for up to 3 Trustees including a Treasurer, to join our Board of Trustees.

About Us

We exist to help you make a difference through volunteering. Scotland, more than ever, needs us all to share in the nation’s common good. The potential to bring out the best in us has never been better and we’re supporting you by:

• Recognising the need for volunteers and demonstrating how this makes a difference
• Understanding what volunteers and volunteer involving organisations want to do
• making volunteering easy for everyone, so that more people volunteer and have a great time

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering; we receive funded support from the Scottish Government and others to:

• research, demonstrate and measure the impact made by volunteers
• develop volunteer practice through training and accreditation as well as useful volunteer development tools, policies and guides
• offer a one stop digital gateway to anyone looking for volunteer opportunities
• support organisations to advertise volunteer opportunities and events online
• provide an expert disclosure service for voluntary organisations
• promote and grow volunteering through partners, funders, Government, and policy makers
• work with others to support projects, innovation and creativity in volunteering

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic direction, accountability and support

to the organisation. If you can contribute well-founded views on current, emerging and future volunteering issues then we want to hear from you.

Appointments are normally for an initial three year term with the opportunity to serve a second three year term. Although unpaid, becoming a Trustee offers great opportunities to network and influence the future of volunteering at all levels throughout Scotland and further afield.

Volunteer Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community as we wish to reflect the diverse communities we serve.

The Role of Treasurer

The Treasurer is a key role within our governance structure which aims to make a real difference to volunteers and volunteering in Scotland. You will contribute to the delivery of Volunteer Scotland’s strategy as a member of our Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC). As Treasurer, you will have oversight of the finance function, provide guidance on matters of finance and investments to the Trustees and work closely with other members of FARC and the Head of Corporate Services.

We are interested in applications from individuals who have a track record of financial management. You might be an accountant or experienced finance worker, with skills and knowledge developed through working or volunteering with another third sector organisation, or working in the public or private sector.

The Role of Trustee

The role of the Trustee is to support the organisation in achieving its overall aims and objectives and ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are robust, in-keeping with its aims and as a minimum meet the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation.

While we appreciate that no single Board member can have all of these qualities, we are particularly interested in applications from individuals with the following backgrounds, skills, knowledge and experience:

• Finance/Accountancy (Treasurer)
• Policy/Advisory
• Social Enterprise
• Fund raising/Income generation
• Commercial
• Sustainability
• Governance and Audit
• Legal
• Project Management

Time commitment

Our Board of Trustees will meet at least 4 times per year (2 hour meetings in January, March, June, September) with an option for additional meetings if required. These are a combination of online and in-person meetings. (We will support accessibility requirements).

Trustees may be asked to join one of our Board Committees depending on their area of expertise and interest. Both Committees meet regularly prior to our Board meetings - our Finance, Audit & Risk Committee is chaired by our Treasurer, and our Governance Committee provides a strategic overview of Volunteer Scotland’s governance.

You will attend the Annual General Meeting (a half-day in November). You will also have the opportunity to attend further internal and external events for learning and collaboration.

How we will support you

You will be fully supported to undertake your role safely and effectively, including ongoing support, an annual review and regular check ins with the Chair of the Board. You will be given a full induction, including meetings with the Chair, CEO and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. There’s also an ongoing training and development programme, informed by an annual Board survey on areas Trustees would like to look at in more depth.

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering.

Our mission is to create a Scotland where everyone can volunteer, more often, and throughout their lives. We believe that volunteering should be an enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience for every volunteer.

Our strategic outcomes are aligned to the Scottish Government ‘Volunteering for All: National Framework’. Our wide-ranging activities support the following outcomes:

• Inclusive volunteering: There are diverse, quality, and inclusive opportunities for everyone to get involved.
• Policy impact: Volunteering in all of its forms is integrated and recognised in our lives and through local and national policy.
• Community development: The places and spaces where we volunteer are developed, supported, and sustained.
• Recognition and celebration: There is an environment and culture which celebrates volunteers and volunteering and all of its benefits.
• Lifelong engagement: Volunteering participation is valued, supported, and enabled from the earliest possible age and throughout life.

Volunteer Scotland believes that volunteering should be an enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience for the volunteer; that volunteers have the right to be safe and protected in delivering their volunteering roles; and that to derive health and wellbeing benefits from volunteering requires regular and meaningful contributions of time.

Whichever part of Volunteer Scotland you’re joining, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a fantastic team, solid values, and lots of scope to grow and make a real difference. We are centrally located in Stirling with close proximity to transport links and offer hybrid working.

We offer various benefits including 28 days holiday, Employer Supported Volunteer days off, life assurance, eye care vouchers, and an annual contribution towards learning or health and wellbeing activity of your choice. We are proud to have been awarded Silver standard in our Investors in People accreditation in 2023.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Research Officer to join our team.

You will undertake quantitative and qualitative research to help inform our understanding of volunteering and its contribution to society. Within Volunteer Scotland you will be working as a member of a small inter-disciplinary team across research, policy, practice and communications. Externally, you will be involved in knowledge exchange activities with key partners across Government, research bodies, the public, private and third sectors. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are therefore central to this role. The successful candidate must also have a proven track record in research. This is a great opportunity to join a small dynamic team and help Volunteer Scotland maximise its influence and impact as the national body for volunteering.

Volunteer Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community.

Role Profile

The purpose of the role is to:

• To be at the forefront of thought leadership on volunteering and its contribution to society.
• Collaborate with data suppliers and research partners to identify and address research gaps.
• Deliver quantitative and qualitative research outputs that meet the needs of policy, practice and research communities.
• Lead and facilitate knowledge exchange activities with partners and customer groups. For example, organising seminars, speaking at events and writing blogs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Carry out research and data analysis which meets the needs of volunteering-related policy and practice communities.
• Support the contribution of research in the delivery of Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan.
• Deliver research projects utilising a range of research methods, including participatory approaches.
• Provide a bridge between research evidence and Volunteer Scotland’s policy function.
• Commission and manage external research contracts as required.
• Collaborate with data owners to access quantitative and qualitative data relevant to Volunteer Scotland’s research priorities.
• Work flexibly with colleagues across Research, Policy, Practice and Communications and have the ability to contribute to effective team working, providing leadership where appropriate.

Communication and Knowledge Exchange

• Identify opportunities and help facilitate the exchange of knowledge between practice, public policy and research communities.
• Help support the implementation of a new volunteering research network for Scotland.
• Through collaboration with the policy and practice communities, identify and develop stories/themes from existing data which can be illustrated in writing and through data visualisation.
• Organise and facilitate Volunteer Scotland seminars and speak at external events.
• Write and contribute to high quality research summaries, papers and other outputs (including social media and blogs) for a range of audiences, particularly practitioner and policy audiences.
• Represent Volunteer Scotland externally at Forums and events – for example, the Third Sector Research Forum.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Degree level qualification or relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrable experience in a similar role in a policy or practice-based organisation.
• Technical expertise in research and data analysis – both quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience in the planning, organisation and delivery of research projects.
• Exceptionally strong written communication skills for reports, policy papers and blogs.
• Excellent inter-personal and verbal communication skills relevant to the delivery of presentations, facilitating groups/workshops, and building partner relationships.
• An effective team player with the ability to work collaboratively with peers
• Significant experience in influencing internal and external audiences, and communicating research information to non-specialist audiences.
• Ability to be creative, innovative and dynamic in resolving problems and creating opportunities.
• Demonstrable experience of operating within multiple programmes / projects / services.
• High level of ICT competence, especially in SPSS, NVIVO; and excellent competence in Excel.

Desirable

• Monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Experience of providing evidence to support policy work.
• Knowledge and experience of the third sector (charities, social enterprises and community groups) and public sector within a research setting.
• Track record in managing external research contracts.
• Qualification / certification in project management.
• Knowledge of quality assurance.

Volunteer Scotland is a Disability Confident employer and candidates who have a disability and meet the essential requirements for the post outlined above, are guaranteed an interview.

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering; we receive funded support from the Scottish Government and others to:

• research, demonstrate and measure the impact made by volunteers
• develop volunteer practice through training and accreditation as well as useful volunteer development tools, policies and guides
• offer a one stop digital gateway to anyone looking for volunteer opportunities
• support organisations to advertise volunteer opportunities and events online
• provide an expert disclosure service for voluntary organisations
• promote and grow volunteering through partners, funders, Government, and policy makers
• work with others to support projects, innovation and creativity in volunteering

Our Mission: “More people volunteering: enjoyably, safely and regularly”.

Volunteer Scotland believes that volunteering should be an enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience for the volunteer; that volunteers have the right to be safe and protected in delivering their volunteering roles; and that to derive health and wellbeing benefits from volunteering requires regular and meaningful contributions of time.

Whichever part of Volunteer Scotland you’re joining, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a fantastic team, solid values, and lots of scope to grow and make a real difference. We are centrally located in Stirling with close proximity to transport links and offer a very flexible approach to working patterns.

We offer an excellent working environment and various benefits including 28 days holiday, Volunteer days off, life assurance, eye care vouchers, employer supported volunteering days and an annual contribution towards a learning or wellbeing activity/equipment of your choice. We are proud to have been awarded gold standard in our Healthy Working Lives and Investors in People accreditations.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for Customer Support Officers to join our Disclosure Services Team. Reporting to the Customer Operations Manager, you will provide an effective customer support service within Disclosure Services, including handling customer enquiries and processing a high volume of data input and administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Point of contact for organisations and individuals accessing the disclosure applications.
• Identify and Process organisations application requests accordingly
• Process a high volume and targeted amount of data to and from multiple sources, whilst maintaining the quality of that data.
• Provide procedural legislative advice and guidance on completing, submitting, countersigning and approving disclosure applications
• Accurately assess all Disclosure Services to ensure legislative requirements are met; liaising with customers and providing advice, guidance, support to and collating and assessing information from customers to establish the correct level of Disclosure attainable
• Adhering to high standards, providing a professional customer service at all times
• Provide specific advice, guidance and instructions on disclosure procedures and processes to organisations and individuals
• Accurately maintain customer details, files, database systems and other documentation, fully observing confidentiality and Data Protection throughout
• Record consistently, accurate statistical data on all Disclosure Services procedures and processes actioned and completed daily, for inclusion in organisational statistical reports.
• Deal effectively with a range of enquiries and liaise with other Disclosure Services staff, to provide a consistent and accurate service to internal and external customers
• Highlight to the Line Manager potential breaches in the Ministerial Code of Practice, Disclosure Services procedures and relevant legislation by organisations.
• Highlight to the Line Manager any issues or concerns regarding customers or organisations.
• Assist as required to ensure that services, programmes and Volunteer Scotland in general, are supported, integrated, effective, efficient and professional.
• Contribute to the strategic aims and objectives of Volunteer Scotland
• The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post

Essential Requirements

• Educated to Higher level or equivalent experience
• Proven and recent experience in an administrative, data processing or similar role
• Recent and relevant experience of working within a demanding customer service environment
• Experience of handling and efficiently processing high volume enquiries
• Ability to write a range of business correspondence such as letters, e-mails and reports
• Excellent IT skills and ability to use Microsoft
• Knowledge of relevant administrative systems including experience in the use of electronic records management
• Ability to analyse situations, undertake problems diagnosis, identify issues, evaluate alternatives and promote solutions
• Ability to work under pressure and to service level agreements
• Ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing
• Ability to work on own initiative and prioritise effectively

Desirable Requirements

• A qualification in office administration at HNC or equivalent level
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the operation of the Disclosure process

The successful applicant will be required to undergo pre-employment screening checks including a Basic Disclosure Check.

Volunteer Scotland is a Disability Confident employer. Candidates who have a disability and meet the minimum requirements for the post are guaranteed an interview. Our values (Volunteer Centred; Customer Focus; Clear vision; Equality & Diversity; Shared Responsibility; Leadership and Change) are central to all that we do, and we are looking for someone who shares these values.

Volunteer Scotland have exciting and fulfilling opportunities for a Treasurer and up to 4 Trustees to join our Board.

About Us

We exist to help you make a difference through volunteering. Scotland, more than ever, needs us all to share in the nation’s common good. The potential to bring out the best in us has never been better and we’re supporting you by:

• Recognising the need for volunteers and demonstrating how this makes a difference

• Understanding what volunteers and volunteer involving organisations want to do

• making volunteering easy for everyone, so that more people volunteer and have a great time

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering; we receive funded support from the Scottish Government and others to:

• research, demonstrate and measure the impact made by volunteers

• develop volunteer practice through training and accreditation as well as useful volunteer development tools, policies and guides

• offer a one stop digital gateway to anyone looking for volunteer opportunities

• support organisations to advertise volunteer opportunities and events online

• provide an expert disclosure service for voluntary organisations

• promote and grow volunteering through partners, funders, Government, and policy makers

• work with others to support projects, innovation and creativity in volunteering

Our Board

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic direction, accountability and support

to the organisation. If you can contribute well-founded views on current, emerging and future volunteering issues then we want to hear from you.

Appointments are normally for a three year term with a time commitment of around

6 days per year for quarterly board meetings, workshops and planning and strategy events. Although unpaid, becoming a Trustee offer great opportunities to network and influence the future of volunteering at all levels throughout Scotland and further afield.

Volunteer Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community.

The Role of Treasurer

The Treasurer is a key role within our governance structure which aims to make a real difference to volunteers and volunteering in Scotland. You will contribute to the delivery of Volunteer Scotland’s strategy as a member of our Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC). As Treasurer, you will have oversight of the finance function, provide guidance on matters of finance and investments to the Trustees and work closely with other members of FARC and the Head of Corporate Services.

We are interested in applications from individuals who have a track record of financial management. You might be an accountant or experienced finance worker, with skills and knowledge developed through working or volunteering with another third sector organisation, or working in the public or private sector.

The Role of Trustee

The role of the Trustee is to support the organisation in achieving its overall aims and objectives and ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are robust, in keeping with its aims and as a minimum meet the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation.

While we appreciate that no single Board member can have all of these, we are particularly interested in applications from individuals with the following backgrounds, skills, knowledge and experience:

• Policy/Advisory

• Governance and Audit

• Legal

• Research

• Project Management

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering; we receive funded support from the Scottish Government and others to:

• research, demonstrate and measure the impact made by volunteers
• develop volunteer practice through training and accreditation as well as useful volunteer development tools, policies and guides
• offer a one stop digital gateway to anyone looking for volunteer opportunities
• support organisations to advertise volunteer opportunities and events online
• provide an expert disclosure service for voluntary organisations
• promote and grow volunteering through partners, funders, Government, and policy makers
• work with others to support projects, innovation and creativity in volunteering

We have an excitingopportunity for a dedicated and professional Executive Administration and Governance Officer to join our team.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will utilise your previous PA/secretarial, senior administration and governance skills by providing efficient and responsive administrative and organisational support to the Volunteer Scotland Board, CEO and Senior Leadership Team.The successful candidate should have demonstrable experience of working in a senior administrative or PA role, supporting a board of directors/trustees.

Volunteer Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community.

Volunteer Scotland are the only national centre for volunteering; we receive funded support from the Scottish Government and others to:

• research, demonstrate and measure the impact made by volunteers
• develop volunteer practice through training and accreditation as well as useful volunteer development tools, policies and guides
• offer a one stop digital gateway to anyone looking for volunteer opportunities
• support organisations to advertise volunteer opportunities and events online
• provide an expert disclosure service for voluntary organisations
• promote and grow volunteering through partners, funders, Government, and policy makers
• work with others to support projects, innovation and creativity in volunteering

Whichever part of Volunteer Scotland you’re joining, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a fantastic team, solid values, and lots of scope to grow and make a real difference. We are centrally located in Stirling with close proximity to transport links and offer a very flexible approach to working patterns.

We offer various benefits including 28 days holiday, Volunteer days off, life assurance, eye care vouchers, and an annual contribution towards personal learning of your choice. We are proud to have been awarded gold standard in our Healthy Working Lives and Investors in People accreditations.

We currently have a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Policy Officer to join our team.

Reporting to the Head of Research and Evaluation, you will track and interpret Scottish Government policy relevant to volunteering; use this policy context to inform the policy position of Volunteer Scotland and our partners; and support Volunteer Scotland’s key role in ensuring that public policy takes account of the contribution of volunteering to volunteers, beneficiaries and wider society. The successful candidate should have experience of supporting organisational policy and influencing policy in a similar role.