Charity trustees are some of the most important people in a charity.
The bottom line is, good governance led by a charity’s board is no longer an optional extra. It’s essential to charities’ effectiveness and probably their survival too. Charities need to be able to demonstrate that they take it seriously, allowing it to change the way they operate.
Charities need a wide range of skills from their trustees, to understand and address the many challenges charities can face. They need trustee boards that can challenge one another and the status quo, that bring different experiences, knowledge and ideas, but that are able to work consistently and enthusiastically as a team.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities below please get in touch.
Edinburgh
Transition Edinburgh South (TES) – is part of a transition movement created by people working together in local areas to find ways to create transformative change. The charity’s aims are to reduce carbon emissions, meet social needs and enable more sustainable lifestyles. Since 2013 TES have been working in Gracemount Walled Garden with their main funding coming from Scottish Governments’ Investing in Communities Fund. TES’ ambitions include growing the productivity of the garden, growing the number of people benefitting from the garden and establishing a community café/ training-kitchen enterprise in the (currently derelict) stable block adjacent to the Walled Garden. TES are looking to diversify their Trustee Board and therefore welcome anyone over the age of 16 who is passionate about building local community and environmental sustainability. Applicants with or without previous Board experience are welcome. The Board would particularly love to hear from applicants with experience in any of the following: fundraising, community enterprise, marketing, just transition, food sovereignty and corporate partnerships. A connection to Gracemount or South East Edinburgh would be an advantage.
Be United – believe that ensuring diversity in the creative industries is not just a matter of fairness or representation – it is crucial for the vibrancy of the arts, the health of the economy, and the progression of an equitable Scottish society. Be United are committed to advocating, nurturing, and championing Black people working in the performing arts, screen, and event sectors in Scotland. The charity create platforms and opportunities that empower people to define their own success. This is an exciting time for Be United. Having recently secured £559,829 in Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland, they are entering a new phase of growth, and are looking for a bold, strategic leader to help shape their next chapter. As Chair of Trustees, you will play a key role in driving Be United’s mission forward – championing and empowering Scotland’s Black creative community while ensuring Be United continues to grow as a leading force for equity in the Scottish Cultural Sector. Be United are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader who shares the charity’s passion for shaping an equitable cultural sector in Scotland.
U-evolve – is an Edinburgh mental health charity for 11–21-year-olds. Founded in 2015, U-evolve support over 100 young people annually with free to access Coaching, Counselling and Therapeutic services. Each year the charity deliver over 1,000 hours of individual support to help Edinburgh’s young people feel better. U-evolve are looking for compassionate and committed people to join their board, who align with the charity’s values of kindness, empathy, inclusivity, collaboration and learning. The board are looking for passionate individuals who care deeply about youth mental health; its quality, accessibility, and availability. The charity want the board to reflect the diverse individuals they support and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Previous board experience would be advantage, but it is not essential. U-evolve are currently looking for trustees with skills in the following areas: finance, senior level voluntary sector, and therapeutic skills.
Heart of Newhaven Community – owns and manages The Heart, formerly Victoria Primary school, Newhaven, Edinburgh, as an intergenerational community hub. The charity are uniquely positioned in the heart of a very old community bordered by on going development and communities seeking a sense of place and connectedness. Their vision is that Heart of Newhaven Community’s heritage buildings bring people of all ages together to tackle loneliness and isolation. The charity are seeking a secretary with organisational skills, minute taking experience, trustee or governance experience; and/or community development experience to serve as a trustee.
Grass-roots for Everyone Awards Trust – (also known as ‘GREAT’) primary objective is the promotion of public participation in rugby and rugby-based activities in Scotland. Its specific focus is grass-roots rugby, supporting people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and abilities through a programme of grants and other assistance. As GREAT is a volunteer-led charity, its Trustees have to be engaged in all aspects of its work. Trustees have a collective responsibility for the success of the charity, which extends beyond just fundraising targets to the day-to-day running of the organisation. GREAT now seeks to appoint a Trustee who will also act as Secretary to the Charity.
Independent Arts Projects (IAP) – are now looking for new people to join their Board of Trustees. Based in Leith, IAP creates performance projects (artworks and experiences) that connect artists and communities. Projects often explore themes of identity and aim to make space for people to be themselves and see themselves. IAP believe everyone has a right to creativity and all of its positive personal, social and wellbeing related benefits. IAP is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity. The charity are seeking up to 3 new trustees to join our board this year.
Glasgow
Legal Services Agency Ltd. – takes pride in tackling unmet legal needs, addressing the effects of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. As one of the largest law centres in Scotland, the charity provides legal advice and representation and enhance legal education through research, publications and seminars. This is a particularly exciting time to join the Board as they set the Strategic priorities and enter LSA’s fourth decade of challenging injustice. LSA welcome new directors to the Board with a diverse range of experience – from legal campaigners to community activists. Ideally (but not required) LSA would like applicants with experience or knowledge of the following areas – legal or voluntary sector, business development and marketing, digital development and IT management, financial management, policy and campaigning, HR and people management, central government or local authorities. You may be a professional with specific skills which LSA need to drive their Law Centre forward, or have general experience of committee skills; but you may also be a local campaigner committed to social justice and working to achieve a more equal society. The charity are looking to build a diverse Board with a range of ages and backgrounds that can reflect the areas of work they are involved in and provide the necessary oversight of the complex work LSA does.
Other locations
Project Ability – creates opportunities through inclusive art and provides a professional, welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages with disabilities and mental ill health to engage with visual art. The charity are seeking new Board Members with expertise in business development, social or commercial housing, charity and/or property law and governance. Project Ability currently has a Board of 8 directors and is looking to strengthen the Board with the addition of new directors in the following roles: strategic business development and/or business information processes; property management, contracts, and factoring; legal adviser; and board chair. This is a great opportunity if you would like to contribute to developing art opportunities for people with disabilities and mental ill health, as well as gaining professional Board experience. Project Ability are keen to create a more diverse Board to reflect the backgrounds of their participating artists and would like to encourage applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
Firefly Arts – based in Livingston, offers theatre skills, film, and drama activity to children and young people aged 5-25 years across West Lothian. The charity aim to deliver high-quality and equitable arts activity to build confidence, aspiration, social interaction, and creative skills. The charity are seeking a Treasurer, to support the financial governance of Firefly Arts, helping ensure the sustainability of their transformative work with young people. Firefly champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, with policies supporting neurodiversity and accessible processes. As Treasurer, your role will uphold Firefly’s commitment to inclusive financial practices.
Wellbeing Scotland – based in Alloa, has been dedicated to supporting survivors of childhood abuse since 1994. The charity support children, young people, adults and families, with an established specialism in access to records for people who experienced abuse while in care. Wellbeing Scotland are a long-standing delivery partner of the Scottish Redress Support scheme. The charity are recruiting new Board members to complement and strengthen their existing skillset and help shape the strategic direction of our organisation. Wellbeing Scotland are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in Finance and Audit Accounting. The Charity want to hear from a diverse group of people who are keen to work collaboratively to create positive change, and who support Wellbeing Scotland’s vision.
Ayrshire Independent Living Network (AILN) – initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people. When direct payments were first introduced in 2003 they were keen to promote this as an option for independent living. AILN have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over a decade. AILN would like to hear from anyone who has a passion for promoting independent living for everyone and has a keen willingness to support the vision, mission and values of the organisation. AILN are looking for Directors who are enthusiastic, have good communication skills and expertise in one or more of the following: Lived experience, either yourself or family member using a Self-Directed support budget; HR; An understanding of the UK charity sector, good governance, OSCR requirements, relevant legislation and statutory requirements; Business Development; IT/Social Media; or Legal. AILN are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of the community.
Under The Trees – is a Company with Charitable Status, based in Falkirk. UTT became a charity in 2018, having moved from a sole trader to a CIC to charity status. The organisation operates across central Scotland providing outdoor learning opportunities to all age groups, backgrounds, and abilities. UTT work in areas of deprivation, providing the opportunity for people to get outdoors, engage with each other and engage with nature. During the COVID-19 pandemic UTT were working flat-out delivering sessions and training along with lots of cleaning. Having emerged into a slightly different world they now have lots of housekeeping to do in order to ensure the future smooth running of Under the Trees and the continuation of their important work. UTT are looking to strengthen the experience on the board by recruiting someone with experience of financial management at a senior level within similarly sized, or larger organisations so that they can improve their accounting processes to make answering funder financial queries easier.
If you interested in receiving FREE trustee training please contact elaine@inspiringscotland.org.uk for more information.
Need help or support in your role as a trustee? SCVO has created a Trustee Network in partnership with CCLA to provide support and guidance for members of boards and committees. They provide news on relevant topics, webinars where you can hear from experts and share your own learning and experience.
We work with experts from the voluntary, public, private and academic sectors. Get in touch if you want to help us build a better Scotland.
Contact usA note on privacy
Inspiring Scotland will only use the personal details you provide here to respond to your enquiry and will not use them for any purpose, unless you give permission and agreed during any follow-up discussions.
Your details will be held on the server of our third party website provider host for 3 months but not for longer than is necessary, and will not be added to any marketing databases. By completing this form you are agreeing to the terms of Inspiring Scotland’s Privacy Statement