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.

Impact Arts is a leading Scottish creative social enterprise and registered charity. As such we are governed by our Board that is currently made up of 13 Trustees. All Trustees including our Chair (Jim Sweeney MBE), are volunteers and from a range of backgrounds. As a result they bring a wealth of experience and skills to the role. In order to take the organisation forward, the Trustees wish to appoint 2 new Trustees to the Board.

Trustee Responsibilities

• Accountable for the overall strategic leadership and direction of Impact Acts

• Championing and promoting the work of Impact Arts through their networks

• Overseeing the affairs of Impact Arts through efficient, effective and accountable governance

• Ensuring the organisation is professionally run, manages risk, operates strict financial controls and acts in accordance with its aims and objectives

• Upholding our core values

Trustee Duties

As a responsible charity, we take best guidance in upholding our duties and responsibilities as Trustees. The following link provides a full overview. scvo.org.uk/running-yourorganisation/good-governance/governance-roles and-responsibilities/

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has produced ‘Guidance and Good Practice for Charity Trustees’. The document sets out in detail the duties and responsibilities of charity trustees in Scotland. v10_guidance-and-good-practice-for-charity-trustees.pdf (oscr.org.uk)

Trustee Specification

Our Trustees will uphold and represent our purpose, vision, values and mission in a personal and professional capacity and will come from a range of backgrounds and relevant experience. Our current Board includes Trustees with a range of experiences including youth work, employability, criminal justice, regeneration and placemaking, finance, HR and our youth Trustee with experience of Impact Arts’ projects.

We have a Board skills matrix which helps to identify the mix of experience and knowledge on our Board and also highlights what gaps exist and what priorities we should have for future recruitment.

We are keen to ensure that our Board is representative of those we aim to support through our delivery and as such we particularly welcome applications from:

• People who are based in North Ayrshire or with strong links to the local authority

• People with diverse lived experience to bring diversity of voice to our Board – being Black, Asian, Mixed Ethnic and/ or a person of colour, LGBTQI, living with a disability, care experience etc

Previous Trustee experience is not essential and we are particularly keen to receive applications from Trustees with experience or knowledge of the following areas:

1. Commercial Property Management

2. Social Enterprise

3. Arts/ culture/ creative industries

4. Government policy

5. Equalities & Diversity issues

In addition, the following skills & experience are beneficial:

• Innovative thinking

• Financial knowledge & understanding

• Ability to communicate effectively

• Collaborative team working

• Data analysis & interpretation

• Knowledge of or commitment to Charity Governance

• Leadership skills

This post is not remunerated however reasonable expenses are payable in line with our standard expenses policy.

Haven Products, a Scottish company, social enterprise organisation and registered charity, is seeking an independent Non-Executive Director preferably with knowledge of Scottish Enterprise, Government and Commercial businesses. Haven Products is a subsidiary company of the Rehab Group, an Irish organisation which is a social enterprise business and registered charity. As Haven Products is registered as a charity the appointed Non-Executive Director will also operate as a Charity Trustee.

The vacancy is the result of a number of current Non-Executive Directors reaching the end of their terms during 2023.

Experience and skills sought:

If you have Directorship experience and want to play a key role in championing the value of diversity and inclusion for those with disabilities, we’re keen to hear from you.

Desirable skills and experience:

One or more of the following:

• UK and Scottish Corporate Governance

• Commercial management and direction

• Financial management and direction

• Experience Chairing a committee or board

• Corporate financial reporting

• Audit and risk

• Oversight of business development and change management

• Understanding of the Scottish Government supported business framework

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Inputting to the strategic direction, contributing with insight, oversight and experience of strategy implementation in other sectors

• Policy and governance formation and implementation as required

• Governance and oversight of the business

• Attend occasional events, training, and seminars.

The Organisation:

The Rehab Group is an Irish company, independent voluntary organisation and registered charity providing services and support for people with disabilities for over 70 years. We are an internationally recognised and pioneering social enterprise organisation enabling more than 10,000 people with disabilities to live lives of their choosing. We are a campaigning organisation that advocates on behalf of the people who use our services and their families.

In Scotland Rehab operates as Haven Products, which provides meaningful employment to people with disabilities. A key supplier on the Scottish Government Supported Business Framework, Haven Product also operates as a commercial partner to both Public Sector and Private Sector organisations. This is delivered through the provision and supply of cost-effective quality products and services to key client partners while also supporting their Corporate Social Responsibility policy goals.

Board Meetings:

There will be a minimum of four half-day board meetings a year for the Haven Group. There will also be a requirement to support a potential 4 / 5 additional meetings a year. Meetings are held in the premises of Haven Products, Larbert FK5 4RU, some meetings are held remotely.

Listen Well Scotland is a small charity dedicated to developing Listening People and creating Listening Communities across Scotland. Our team of committed volunteers can make this vision a reality. Our Training and Listening services for Adults operate both face to face and online, and for Children and Young People are primarily face to face.

Find more information on our website: listenwellscotland.org.uk

We are looking to recruit a volunteer with specific skills as the charity Treasurer in advance of the retirement of our current Treasurer. The position is a home-based one, with only occasional travel, to Inverness for initial set up, and to Stirling for an annual meeting if required.

Role description and specification is available to download below.

What’s in it for you as a volunteer?

There is considerable research and anecdotal evidence that active listening can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Being a treasurer for LWS gives you a significant opportunity to support the growth and development of an organisation that aims to deliver that benefit across Scotland. LWS is a friendly, supportive and professional team. We take our governance seriously, Volunteering provides opportunities to give something back to an organisation or community

The Lanarkshire Colleges aim to be Scotland’s leading providers of College education and training, delivering a comprehensive, innovative curriculum that meets the needs of our students and the local economy.

The Region’s ambition is to ensure students are well prepared by providing future-oriented, high-quality learning for careers, life and success, and to support the people, businesses, economy and sustainable development of our communities and Scotland. As society continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the colleges will continue their collaborative approach to working with each other and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

We are looking for people with a strong commitment to changing lives and an understanding of the value of education. You will be part of a dynamic and influential board during a period of considerable change and unparalleled opportunity for Lanarkshire and its learners.

The Lanarkshire Regional Board is currently seeking to fill a number of non-executive vacancies before the end of August and scheduled meetings of its committees and the Board in September and October 2023. The Board of Management would particularly welcome applications from individuals with:

• Knowledge and experience of the SME sector
• Knowledge and experience of economic development in a Scottish and UK context, in particular regarding interactions with education, skills, employability and/or labour market issues
• Financial Management Skills (which includes audit and risk management experience)
• Skills and Experience in commissioning and supply chain management
• Knowledge and Experience of HR and/or the law

Applications are also encouraged from groups currently under-represented on Scotland’s public bodies, such as women, disabled people and people aged under 50.

Please note that this is not an exclusive list and we are looking for people who have the ability to contribute to a dynamic board, which deals with a variety of complex and interesting issues and promotes the highest standards of governance.

If appointed to The Lanarkshire Regional Board, you will be provided with appropriate induction and training to fulfil your role as a Board member effectively.

Time Commitment

Board Members are expected to join a committee and to attend meetings of the Board.

The committees and Board meet quarterly with meetings usually lasting 2-3 hours. Members are required to plan in time to read the papers and prepare for meetings.

Throughout the year, there may be additional meetings of the committees and Board out with the schedule.

Remuneration

Board Members do not receive a salary, but reasonable incidental expenses will be reimbursed.

Appointment details

Appointments to the Board of Management will come into effect from the date of approval of the appointment from the Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training. We anticipate that this will be confirmed by the end of August at the latest.

The appointment will be for a period up to 4 years, with the possibility of re-appointment subject to evidence of effective performance and to satisfying the requirements of the person specification for the role at the time of re-appointment.

Location

Meetings of the Board will normally be held at one of the Lanarkshire colleges campuses: Motherwell, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is looking for several new members to join the Book Festival’s Board of Trustees. We are seeking to appoint trustees with specific skills, experience, and interest in any of the following areas including:

• Bookselling

• Marketing

• Writing and/or Illustration for Adult and/or Children’s Literature

• Publishing - Scottish, UK and international

• Sustainability/Climate

• Scots, Gaelic and other indigenous languages

• Fundraising/Commercial

Download role description for Members of the Board here

KEY INFORMATION:

• Meetings with prospective trustees will be held at the Book Festival offices, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN on Monday 19 June and the afternoon of Wednesday 21 June. (shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend on one of those dates.)

• Board meetings take place five times per year. Meetings are held in central Edinburgh and take place during the day.

• Trustees are appointed for a term of 5 years initially, with the option to stand for re-election for an additional 3-year period.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings (including costs of childcare) and other Festival related activities will be paid.

• We are keen the board of Trustees at the Edinburgh International Book Festival represents a range of experiences and perspectives. With that in mind we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. This includes but isn’t limited to those who have experienced racism, are disabled, or identify as neurodivergent, are trans, non-binary and/or queer, and people from working class/lower socio-economic backgrounds. We also actively encourage applications from Young Professionals in the early stages of their careers (aged 21-35) who are keen to build practical, hands-on strategic leadership experience.

• Successful applicants will be asked to complete a short (half day) induction and will have an opportunity to shadow existing Trustees as board observers before joining the board as a full member.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead our team as Chair of Women’s Aid Orkney. Women’s Aid Orkney offers a range of services to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse. Our Board of Trustees is appointed on a voluntary basis, with the Chair role involving five hours of commitment each month on average. The chair role is not restricted to live in Orkney.

Key duties include:

• Providing leadership to the Board and Women’s Aid Orkney team, including building a strong working relationship with the Service Manager
• Working with Trustees to provide strategic direction for the charity and its services
• Ensuring the Board fulfils its duties and responsibilities for effective governance
• Ensuring the Board regularly reviews and manages risks and associated opportunities
• Being an ambassador, including representing Women’s Aid Orkney with partners, key stakeholders and the media
• Planning and leading monthly virtual Trustee meetings, encouraging effective and efficient decision making
• Monitoring the implementation of decisions made at Trustee meetings.

We're looking for someone with:

• Passion and motivation to make a difference for women and children impacted by domestic abuse
• Strong leadership skills, whether in a voluntary or work capacity
• Excellent communication skills, with strong networking and relationship building abilities
• Ability to encourage a collaborative working environment
• Time to conduct the role well.

Become a Trustee

If you’re interested in joining our Board but feel that being Chair might not be the right role for you, we’d still love to hear from you. Our Board of Trustees features women from a range of backgrounds, professions and life stages who each bring objective viewpoints to the work of our service. We currently have a number of vacancies where you can make an impact on our vital work.

Would you like to join our board?

Medical Research Scotland are looking for a number of Trustees to help us to continue our mission in using research to change lives and improve health in Scotland and globally.

We are Scotland’s largest independent medical research charity committed to encouraging and supporting promising individuals at the early stages of their research careers.

Desired experience and skills

Our Trustees come from a variety of backgrounds and have different expertise. We currently seek Trustees with at least one of the following overall skills:

• A strong communications, fundraising and marketing background, including knowledge of digital or social media.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, OSCR requirements, relevant legislation and statutory requirements.
• An ability to contribute to strategic development and decision making.
• Experience of working in scientific or clinical research, nursing, pharmacy and allied health professions or in the commercial environment in the life sciences industry.

Trustees are appointed for a term of up to four years and are eligible to serve up to a further four years, after which they must retire from the Board. The board usually meet two to three times a year in person/online. Trustees may also be required to contribute between meetings including sitting on ad-hoc sub committees and attending events as appropriate. The role is non-remunerated however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. If you have any questions or would like a quick chat to find out more, please contact enquiries@medicalresearchscotland.org

The University of Stirling Students’ Union is a registered charity in Scotland (SC023788). We are an independent legal entity to The University of Stirling, but we work in very close partnership to ensure that the student experience at our university is the best it can be.

The Students' Union is entering a period of significant change as we look to build strong foundations and look to do things differently. A new strategic plan will be launched later in 2023 which will help shape our influence on campus and how we better support students.

To support us in this we are recruiting for an External Trustee to join our Board.

As a Trustee we want you to bring your passion, energy and ideas to making us a better students' union. Primarily this will be by engaging in the strategic oversight of our activities and organisational performance, challenging us to innovate and bringing your expertise suggesting how we can change.

You will join a team of others, each with a unique outlook on the world. Our aim is to have a diversity of thought, experience and background across all Trustees as we firmly believe that diverse boards make better decisions

At the moment, our Trustee Board is made up of:

• Four elected Sabbatical Officers (full-time paid representatives)
• Three appointed current Student Trustees (volunteers)
• Four External Trustees (volunteers)

The role of a Trustee is voluntary with all reasonable expenses reimbursed. A typical year includes attending four in-person Trustee Board meetings (either full morning or afternoon) as well as supporting one of our sub-committees up to four times per year.

Scotland’s pioneering string orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, seeks Trustees

Scottish Ensemble (SE), known for its sector-leading innovation, is one of the UK’s most adventurous musical ensembles. Continually challenging perceptions as to what classical music performances can look and feel like, its visually-striking productions and exceptionally versatile and skilled musicians captivate audiences across Scotland and the world...live and online.

In addition to ground-breaking performances across the length and breadth of Scotland, SE also delivers talent development programmes and a burgeoning Music for Wellbeing programme. Connecting with healthcare and education partners across the country, this initiative grew out of a multi-year partnership with Maggie’s Centres.

The organisation is currently seeking multiple new Trustees to help it develop and realise a resilient and bold future plan, as it prepares for its next major application to principal funder, Creative Scotland.

Skills in marketing/branding; philanthropy; financial strategy; and corporate governance are particularly desirable.

The Board is also seeking to ensure it reflects the diversity of contemporary Scotland, and of SE's audiences; not all positions require previous board experience, and a full induction and training plan will be offered to all incoming Trustees.