Top job! Strategic Lead – Social Justice
- Full time
- £44,000 – £49,000
- Edinburgh office with options for blended working*
- Closing 1st June 2022
- Advertised from 18th May 2022
- 35 hours per week. Permanent.
Role
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.
Application notes
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send completed copies of the Personal Details Form, along with your current CV to: recruitment@cas.org.uk
In addition, we ask you to provide a short written statement (maximum of two pages) with examples which demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the post, as set out in the job description and person specification.
You can find all necessary forms below or on our website:
cas.org.uk/vacancies/strategic-lead-–-social-justice-citizens-advice-scotland
Equality & diversity monitoring
To help Citizens Advice Scotland monitor equality and diversity statistics please return the Equality & Diversity Monitoring Form separate from your other application documents by emailing it to: equalitymonitoring@cas.org.uk
About the employer
Citizens Advice Scotland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux – Citizens Advice Scotland. Scottish charity (SC016637) and company limited by guarantee (89892)
Downloads
Investing in Communities is a Scottish Government funded joint initiative of Midlothian Voluntary Action, Volunteer Midlothian and Dalkeith Citizens Advice Bureau that aims to improve the health, wellbeing and resilience of people in the Central Dalkeith and Woodburn areas through information, advice, learning and practical action.
The postholder is responsible for collaborating with partner organisations to develop, deliver and evaluate actions to achieve project aims. In particular, this includes advice and information provision for those in or at risk of financial hardship and building skills and knowledge of local people so they can make informed life and financial decisions.
Up to date understanding of Scottish and UK benefits system and experience of providing advice and information (paid or unpaid) to people experiencing disadvantage are essential. Postholder must hold City and Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness Award, or be willing to work towards this as part of the role.
Policy and Advocacy Manager
- Full time
- Circa £41,000
- Flexible, Edinburgh based (Hybrid)
- Closing 21st April 2024
It’s a very exciting time to join the Ramblers. We have been instrumental in helping Britain experience the great outdoors for almost 90 years. But we are looking to the future, not the past.
We know not everyone has the same access to the outdoors, so we’re continue to fight for change. We campaign, protect paths and lead walks so no matter who you are, you can enjoy the benefits of getting out into the fresh air and wide-open spaces.
We need your drive, knowledge, skills, and creativity to help us raise awareness of the Ramblers and what we stand for, helping the charity grow its supporter base and meet our brand goals. Ultimately, you will help open up the joys and wellbeing benefits of walking to many more people.
About us
You might know us for our group walks, thousands of which take place every week across England, Scotland and Wales.
But there’s a lot more to the Ramblers. Since 1935, we’ve been fighting for the public’s right to enjoy Britain’s landscapes. We do it through campaigning for changes in legislation, opening up green routes in cities, maintaining paths and signposts, saving lost paths … and so much more.
Purpose of Role
We are looking for someone to help us shape public policy in Scotland in a way that ensures everyone can enjoy access to the outdoors. We want your help to make sure that those who currently have the least access are enabled to overcome the barriers they face, because they have the most to gain. You will help us engage with formal policy making processes, but also with the broader networks through which public policy is informed and shaped. You will become a key member of the small team that drives our public campaigning in Scotland.
The role
Key Responsibilities:
- Become the leading expert on access to the outdoors in Scotland and use your expertise to help make access more equitable.
- Create Ramblers Scotland policy and engage with formal opportunities to shape public policy.
- Develop and maintain high level professional relationships on behalf of the organisation to influence key stakeholders.
- Help Ramblers position itself in the Scottish public policy space and shape our campaign priorities.
- Develop and support a network of campaign volunteers and build their capacity.
The person
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
- Good knowledge of policy issues relating to walking and the walking environment in Scotland or related policy areas.
- Proven ability to use your knowledge of Scottish political systems and structures to conduct effective advocacy.
- Line management of staff and/or volunteers or leading project teams.
- Ability to develop strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholder
Desirable:
- Ability to travel throughout Scotland and occasionally across Britain, full driver’s license and access to a car
- An active and demonstrable interest in walking and engaging people with the outdoors
The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Values and Behaviours
Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.
Inclusive– We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.
Inspiring– We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.
Empowering– We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.
Responsible– We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.
Top job! Head of Services – North East
- Full time
- £62,286 – £65,169
- North East Services Office with some flexibility (On site)
- Closing 6th May 2024
Turning Point Scotland is a national social care charity who promote evidence based practice. We provide services in Alcohol and Other Drugs, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, Justice and Homeless/Prevention.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Scotland’s leading social care organisation in a key strategic role.
About the role
As our Head of Services North East, you will provide operational and strategic leadership with overall responsibility for our services across the North East of Scotland. To achieve this, you will build effective partnerships both internally and externally with stakeholders in delivering our Turning Point Scotland Strategic plan. Your role will include:-
- Direct line management and supervision of Service Managers
- Develop and grow relationships with local partners and commissioners in delivering high quality services for the people we support
- Contribute to tendering, retendering and framework opportunities
- Ensure that all operational systems, policies and procedures are fully implemented, and best practice is maintained
- Work in partnership with Director of Operations, Director of Finance, Director of BDI to ensure the sound and efficient financial management of all services
- Audit and manage significant budgets including making tough decisions regarding budget savings, restructuring or reallocating resources
About You
You will have experience of working at senior management level within the Social Care sector, with the ability to demonstrate leadership characteristics of: vision, creativity and innovation, self-leadership, collaborating and inspiring and empowering your management team.
With your Leadership abilities you will provide management and supervision to your Service Managers. Utilising your knowledge and experience of working within the Social Care Sector from either Homelessness, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Learning Disabilities, Justice and Mental Health.
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Top job! Senior Consultant
- Full time
- £42,996 – £46,644
- Edinburgh or Inverness (Hybrid)
- Closing 7th May 2024
Changeworks has over 35 years’ experience in delivering high impact solutions for low-carbon living. We work collaboratively with partners, organisations and householders to drive transformation in energy efficiency and to tackle fuel poverty. An opportunity for a Senior Consultant has come up in our busy and growing consultancy team.
This role is based within our Consultancy Team and will report to the Principal Consultant. The team work across the sustainability agenda for internal and external clients. They specialise in energy efficiency, heat decarbonisation and renewables in the built environment, fuel poverty and pro-environmental behaviour change. As Senior Consultant you will grow Changeworks involvement in the low carbon energy transition, making a telling strategic contribution and developing and delivering related service, project and business opportunities.
You will develop and deliver services that build on building data analysis and incorporate best practice in energy efficiency retrofit, low carbon heat and wider energy systems to decarbonise homes. Identifying and developing business opportunities and securing work for Changeworks and the Consultancy team will be a key aspect of this role.
Using your project management skills you will manage the delivery of high quality services and projects. You will allocate work, lead, oversee, monitor and sign off on the work of the team. You will manage projects, ensuring they achieve their aims and objectives and are delivered on time and to budget.
You will have at least 3 years’ experience delivering in a relevant professional and/or project management role. Experience of working in a relevant environment is also essential (e.g. academic, business, technology or community).
You’ll be joining Changeworks at a very exciting time as we continue to drive forward our strategy to help us scale our work and achieve our ambitious goal of decarbonising homes across Scotland.
Changeworks is a great place to work. We hold Investors in People Platinum accreditation (something only a few organisations in Scotland have), and we were nominated for employer of the year by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce this year. Our staff overwhelmingly would recommend us as an employer too.
The Climate Emergency has resulted in ambitious national targets to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment and reduce rates of fuel poverty. This has driven a significant increase in the number of pilot and large-scale interventions delivered by Changeworks and external organisations in this area. These include area-based domestic energy efficiency retrofit and decarbonisation projects and programmes.
We are a growing organisation, and this role is crucial to the delivery of our ambitious objectives. We want to decarbonise homes in Scotland on a massive scale, and that needs talented individuals like you to help us deliver on our objectives. You’ll receive full training plus coaching and mentoring.
We offer a wide range of staff benefits including flexible working, bike to work scheme, an excellent pension scheme and 26 days paid holiday plus 9 public holidays per year.
At Changeworks, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone.
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