Established in 1978, Who Cares? Scotland is the national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced children, young people and adults and has the bold and ambitious vision for a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people

To realise this ambition and ensure we continue to support and enable Care Experienced people to use their collective voice and experience to influence both systemic and cultural change, we are looking for a solutions and collaborative leader to become our new Director of Engagement and Influence

Working as part of the Senior Management Team the postholder will lead on membership engagement and local/national influencing based on the views of our members. This will ensure Who Cares? Scotland continues to influence and transform the legal, policy, practice and cultural contexts on which our members are dependent.

Developing, implementing and delivering a creative engagement and influencing strategy that enables and empowers more Care Experienced people to share their experience and views you will build and maintain effective networks and relationships, at both a local and national level and ensure Who Cares? Scotland continues to play a leading role in developing and shaping policy and ultimately secure better outcomes for Care Experienced people. As a key ambassador for the organisation, our new Director of Engagement & Influence will promote and enhance the positive profile of Who Cares? Scotland and ensure recognition of its impact and ongoing influence on the conversation on care across Scotland.

Operating at senior management level and with relevant experience of engaging and influencing in a complex political environment, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their energy, drive and enthusiasm for the role and a commitment to Who Cares? Scotland’s vision for a lifetime of equality, respect and love for Care Experienced people

As we move towards the launch of our new strategic plan, this is a tremendous time to join Who Cares? Scotland.

Scotland’s Citizens Advice Network is an essential community service that empowers people through our local bureaux and national services by providing free, confidential, and independent advice. We use people’s real-life experiences to influence policy and drive positive change. We are on the side of people in Scotland who need help, and we change lives for the better.

The Citizens Advice network is made up of 59 local Citizens Advice Bureaux, each its own independent charity, and Citizens Advice Scotland as the national charity and membership body, which includes the GB delivery of Extra Help Unit service, a group of specialist case workers supporting vulnerable energy and post consumers. We provide advice across over 200 locations and deliver 12 national advice projects for UK and Scottish Government including the Money Talks advice service and the Help to Claim Universal Support advice service.

Last year the network helped nearly 180,000 people and unlocked £147million for people through things like social security payments and employment entitlements. Our online advice received over 5.4 million page views and our awareness raising campaigns reached millions of people.

Our vision is for a Fairer Scotland where everyone has the advice and information they need to realise their rights, and that the barriers to accessing those rights are effectively challenged.

Making change happen at Citizens Advice Scotland

The Impact team has access to the incredible wealth of data generated through advice giving by our network of Citizens Advice Bureaux and through the Extra Help Unit at Citizens Advice Scotland, and our online advice which is accessed by over 2 million people every month.

We hold the largest dataset on social issues outside of the public sector and this allows us to understand what is happening on the ground in communities across Scotland and reflect our client’s experiences to government and to those who can make a difference. We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face, and to work to strengthen their rights. To achieve change we work with governments, regulators and business at a UK and Scottish level on improving areas of particular detriment, and undertake research and delivering awareness and education campaigns.

Our network mission

• We help people navigate systems and access their rights

• We build resilience in local communities

• We support the realisation of human rights

• We help change policies and practices to ensure they work for people

This opportunity

We wish to appoint a dynamic and driven individual to lead our work on Social Justice, which spans a diverse range of policy areas but which includes Social Security, Housing, Employment and Net Zero.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape and implement a programme of work that will achieve positive social change in this area, working alongside and with a talented team of research, policy and communications professionals in a dynamic and creative environment.

You will be able to demonstrate significant experience working in policy development, advocacy or a public affairs environment and have a sound working knowledge of Social Justice issues

You will be given freedom to lead on achieving change for the people who use our services and will be responsible for setting our strategy in this area of work. You will ensure that the network is plugged into the right people in the right places, that messages are landed effectively, progress is measured and goals are achieved.

You will be an effective spokesperson for Citizens Advice Scotland on Social Justice and you will develop and build relationships at all levels of government(s), with regulators, opinion formers and make a measurable impact on the organisation’s reputation in the UK and Scotland. You will develop strategic alliances with other organisations, including cross sector coalitions, and build relationships with influential stakeholders, and importantly you’ll share your knowledge and experience within Citizens Advice Scotland and our wider network.

This exciting and empowering role provides the ideal opportunity to develop your own career and skill sets in a collaborative, innovative and supportive environment.

*This role is based in our Edinburgh office. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis the majority of Citizens Advice Scotland staff have been working from home, but we have now started a transition back to the office and expect all staff to be attending the office in some capacity from the end of May 2022. CAS have introduced a blended working policy to allow our employees to balance their time attending the office with time working from home, and the number of days you will be expected to attend the office each week can be discussed as part of the recruitment process. Candidates should be prepared to attend the office on their first day for an induction, and to attend the office thereafter as required.

Employee benefits

Citizens Advice Scotland offers excellent terms and conditions, including a total of 40 days leave (including public holidays) and a pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution. We have a flexitime scheme which enables our employees to work flexibly in line with organisational requirements, and as an inclusive employer we are happy to consider other flexible working arrangements where appropriate.

At this exciting time in our work, we are seeking to recruit a Public Appointments Officer (PAO) specialising in Training and Communications.

Our statutory role involves ensuring that the appointments (recruitment) process to select board members to sit on public body boards is fair and transparent. We do this by promoting good practice and providing guidance to the recruitment panels as well as auditing recruitment processes. We have recently published a revised Code of Practice which the Scottish Ministers must follow when making these appointments and are also intending to refresh our diversity strategy to support the good practice which is outlined in the Code of Practice. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to support and contribute to both of these exciting pieces of work.

The main purpose of the PAO(T&C) is to provide operational and administrative support to the Public Appointments Manager in ensuring that the Commissioner’s statutory functions in respect of Public Appointments are achieved. Although the role has specific responsibilities and skills to contribute, with working in a small office environment this will include providing cover and being sufficiently flexible to undertake any tasks as required to support the work of the office and the achievement of its statutory functions.

The PAO will be expected to be able to provide advice on recruitment practices and processes, diversity and inclusion and compliance against a Code of Practice to a range of stakeholders. Excellent communications and influencing skills will be required to deal with the range and diversity of people who contact the office and an early and effective contribution to the role will be necessary. They will also be able to run effective training courses and review the content of proposed training to assess for suitability. They will also be involved in a range of quantitative and qualitative research in support of Code compliance, improving practice and diversity.

The successful applicant will have sound knowledge of recruitment and selection processes and practices (ideally through attainment of a post graduate CIPD qualification), diversity and inclusion, and be able to advise on regulations and laws, as well as having excellent communication and ICT skills. They will also share our values which are that we act ethically and with empathy and we value people.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH WE ARE SEEKING A STRONG SKILLSET, WE DON’T CONSIDER PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TO BE A NECESSITY IF AN APPLICANT HOLDS A RELEVANT DEGREE. THIS POSITION MAY THEREFORE BE SUITABLE FOR A RECENT GRADUATE.

Our work makes a significant contribution to public life in Scotland by providing a level of assurance that those applying for public appointments do so within a process which is fair and transparent and open to all who wish to apply. Our public appointments team play a key role in this so if you are motivated to contribute to society in this way, we’d love to hear from you.

The post is full time, pensionable and based at our offices in Edinburgh, which are currently operating remotely. We offer a flexitime scheme and the opportunity for remote working. We also offer entry to the Civil Service Pension Scheme and a generous annual leave allowance equivalent to 25 days + 11.5 public holidays. Some occasional travel may be involved in connection with meetings or awareness raising events.

We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to equality and diversity and would welcome applications from people from all walks of life. We particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the office such as disabled people, men and people from an LGBTQI background.

Since its creation, 21 years ago, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) has become established in a central role in the Scottish education, training and skills landscape.

The SCQF is overseen by the SCQF Partnership (SCQFP), which includes organisations from different sectors of education and training.

The Partnership employs a team of 12 people to maintain and promote the Framework. The team works with a range of stakeholders across Scotland to help create new learning pathways, broaden the curriculum offer to better meet the needs of all learners, and give recognition to all types of learning, wherever it occurs.

The SCQF is a key enabler for the Scottish Government’s aim of parity of esteem and recognition for all learning pathways, including the recognition of skills through prior and experiential learning. The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Ms Shirley-Anne Somerville, has recently stressed her support for the SCQF and the SCQF Partnership team, and the need for it to retain its independent status, which she indicated is central to its ability to broker a holistic approach to improving the learner journey.

The current Chief Executive will retire at the end of 2021 and so the Partnership is now planning for a new Chief Executive to build on the successes to date and to lead the organisation moving forward.

The Chief Executive will:

• Be the advocate and public face of SCQF and SCQFP to government and to bodies with interests in education and training in Scotland;
• Act as chief advisor on matters of policy, strategy and practice to the Partnership Board and its committees
• Formulate proposals, generate consensus and implement decisions on behalf of the Board and in accordance with public policies;
• Through enlightened staff management and judicious public communications, implement Board-led policy and practice and achieve objectives set by the Board;
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with partners across sectors and borders;
• Manage the Partnership as a viable and sustainable business.

The successful candidate will show proven success at a managerial level in a policy environment, demonstrating strong analytical thinking and astute judgement, particularly in respect of learners securing access to, and recognition of, educational attainments. They will be an excellent communicator with a high level of confidence and clarity and able to work easily with a wide range of people and organisations across diverse media.

As a well-organised leader, they will be able to manage, empower and elevate a team of staff whilst simultaneously operating on a strategic, innovative and risk-aware level. The role requires a comprehensive knowledge of education, quality assurance and skills development and recognition, and the successful candidate will be expected to join colleagues in leading on such operational matters when necessary.

This is a great opportunity to join the SCQFP at a dynamic time for the organisation, and a time of great change and challenge in the economy, working with a committed team and trusted partners to invest in Scotland’s lifelong learning. With major reviews and consultations ongoing in the education, training and skills sector, this is the perfect time for the right candidate to play a leading role in change and to steer the organisation towards new horizons.

Thank you for your interest in the position of Finance Manager at Lanarkshire Housing Association.

Our strategic aspiration has at its heart, the desire to support people in achieving a better future for themselves and their families by providing affordable and sustainable homes within strong communities. Based in Motherwell, the Association has 927 units for rent, 41 shared ownership properties and provide factoring services for 210 owners.

To assist in the development of strong communities, we put customers’ needs and expectations at the centre of our decision-making process to ensure that we deliver high quality services which are focused on people and homes. We are committed to working towards the highest standards of corporate governance and the post of Finance Manager can make a positive contribution in this area.

Staff are experienced, passionate, and dedicated to the work of the Association, which has been more than evident during the challenges of the past 2 years. The post of Finance Manager will be a key role in the Association, leading on all aspects of finance, risk & financial governance, allowing for the development and oversight of all financial management areas.

The Finance Manager will play an important part in developing policies which are responsive to the needs of tenants and owners and promote good relations with all client groups. The post holder will also be responsible for ensuring that all statutory and regulatory standards are met. It will involve directly contributing to the Business Plan with the Chief Executive and other Senior Staff.

Key areas are:

• Enhancing business efficiency and promoting sound financial management
• Assisting in planning through a business plan, budget, and input into the capital programme
• Developing Key Performance Indicators
• Developing borrowing and investment strategies, minimising tenants’ risk
• Preparation of cashflow forecasts and financial projections
• Promoting value for money
• Determining a strategic audit plan, utilising an internal audit service

As such, we would expect the successful candidate to have a relevant track record in a senior management role; backed by a degree or professional qualification. Leadership qualities, commercial awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively are all relevant and valuable.

Lanarkshire Housing Association is a supportive and progressive employer. A range of family friendly policies are in operation to assist employees balance their work commitments with their family and leisure responsibilities. We have Investor in People accreditation (Silver) recognising that the development of people’s professional and personal skills is important.

Further information on the Association can be found at lanarkshireha.com

The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS) is the charity which promotes the care of all of Scotland’s rural landscapes. APRS is a registered charity, No SC016139. Further information about the work of APRS is at aprs.scot.

Our current Director John Mayhew retires at the end of 2022, so we plan to appoint a new Director by August to allow sufficient time for a handover period, probably during November. This will be an exciting time to lead this dynamic organisation, as there is great potential both to build on its recent successes and to grasp new opportunities.

Role

The Director leads and manages all aspects of the work of APRS on behalf of its Executive Committee. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development and delivery of the APRS business strategy, including developing and raising funds for new projects and managing existing projects and core activities
• Influence key public sector decision-makers and partners through policy development and advocacy with respect to Scotland’s rural landscapes
• Lead, manage and develop a small team of staff and volunteers
• Manage the charity’s governance, budget and resources
• Respond to requests for advice from APRS members and others on protecting their local landscapes through the planning system and other means

The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding and experience of Scotland’s political, landscape and planning systems. Chartered Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute is highly desirable; a background in communications, landscape architecture or public affairs is also advantageous. They will have experience of working with politicians and senior government officials to achieve positive policy change, of developing and delivering successful projects and of managing small staff teams. Candidates should display a high level of communications and presentation skills, and a proven ability to deal diplomatically with strongly held opposing views.

Friends of the Earth Scotland is seeking a value-driven and collaborative Director to lead and guide our dynamic and creative organisation. This key role will lead and promote Friends of the Earth Scotland’s unique role in the urgent and critical context of the climate and ecological emergency. Working closely with the Senior Management team, together with the board and staff team, you will initially focus on the development of a refreshed organisational strategy.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about securing climate and social justice and committed to system change. You will be an excellent communicator, with sound political judgement, and the vision to galvanise the movement to achieve tangible impact for people and the environment. You will have a good understanding of the Scottish political context, social movements and how change happens, and a track record of securing change. You will bring significant experience in the third sector, in a senior or leadership role, and of financial management and governance. You will value and prioritise ongoing reflection and learning, both on a personal and organisational level. You will have a naturally collaborative leadership style and a strong track record of developing and implementing effective cross-organisation strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at Scotland's leading environmental campaigning group, working to help people in Scotland look after the planet for everyone’s future.