Charity registered in Scotland SC020755
VOCAL is the Voice of Carers Across Lothian, a dynamic and enterprising charity which provides support to over 10,000 unpaid family carers each year in Edinburgh and Midlothian.
We recently lost our Treasurer in sad circumstances and seek a successor to support our team of six trustees with the competent stewardship of VOCAL’s finances.
Trustees ideally combine professional skills with caring experience in the family. The position is not remunerated. The Treasurer may be in employment or retired. Her/his professional experience as an accountant will preferably include some understanding of SAGE accounting software which is used by our organisation and maintained by a finance officer.
VOCAL receives funding from a diverse range of sources and undertakes many fundraising initiatives each year. We strive continuously to improve our systems to provide greater clarity and transparency of our finances for the benefit of the Board, staff, volunteers and all stakeholders.
For a summary of VOCAL’s work, annual accounts and turnover and priorities for the future, please see our most recent report of work here: vocal.org.uk/about/annual-reports
“When I was struggling with my caring role, I was pointed to VOCAL. I was so impressed with the quality of the support I received that I felt this was an organisation to which I could contribute.
I became a volunteer and after a couple of years I was co-opted as a trustee. I really value the help I am able to give the charity.”
Supporting carers … as a VOCAL trustee
VOCAL is a carer-led agency, supporting over 10,000 carers each year in Edinburgh and Midlothian. In 2019 VOCAL celebrated its 25th anniversary.
To increase the health and welfare of carers, relieve the poverty and distress of carers and to give carers a voice, we seek further trustees, preferably with some caring experience within their families and circle of friends, to strengthen VOCAL’s governance and long-term strategic vision.
As we embark on new challenges to meet growing carer demand, we seek trustees who will bring direct or transferable professional or volunteer experience and leadership skills to our Board. Previous board/trustee experience is not essential and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds and minority groups.
At present we are particularly looking for applicants with experience in HR, social enterprises, digitalisation, fundraising and income generation, able to offer a minimum of five hours engagement a month.
Trustees attend Board meetings, about 8 per annum, at which the strategies for meeting VOCAL’s objectives are set, and are supported by a senior management team, along with about 30 staff and 60 volunteers. Individual trustees also assist the work of a few sub-committees which address specific areas of our work.
VOCAL is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced support work practitioner to join its busy Edinburgh team providing casework support to carers. Applicants will evidence excellent people, and communication skills, casework and person-centred support work.
VOCAL is a carer-led organisation and provides a wide range of services to support unpaid carers in their caring role. The post-holder will be expected to work as part of a team, improve outcomes for carers and maximise uptake of VOCAL services.
Applicants will evidence an excellent understanding of the diverse range of caring situations, the impact of caring on peoples’ lives and barriers carers face at different points of the caring journey. Excellent knowledge of health and social care, including key legislation and policy affecting carers, will be expected. Applicants will be digitally competent and effective communicators with individuals, carer groups and partner agencies.