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
Be United – the charity’s mission is to advocate, nurture and champion Black people working in the performing arts, screen and event sectors in Scotland. Why? Be United believe our sectors are richer when all people are in the room. The charity has been serving the community for 10 years and are dedicated to contributing to a more inspired, united and enriched world. Be United are currently seeking an enthusiastic and confident finance professional to join their Board of Trustees. If you possess financial expertise and a commitment to the organisation’s mission, they invite you to apply for this important role.
Communication Inclusion People – Do you have financial management experience? Or legal skills? CIP works with organisations from the public, private and third sectors to make their communication more inclusive. Inclusive communication is important in putting equity, diversity and inclusion policies into practice. This Community Interest Comany supports organisations to be more person-centred and reach more people. As a growing business, CIP wants to recruit two more enthusiastic people to join their current board of five. The company is looking for individuals who support their values and mission. CIP need people with legal or financial skills. The company welcomes people who understand information, express themselves and interact with others in different ways. CIP will communicate with you in the ways you prefer and find easiest.Circle – is a children and families charity working at the heart of communities across central Scotland. The charity’s services support families with children affected by substance use, parental imprisonment, domestic violence, mental health and the wider effects of poverty and structural inequality. Circle’s approach builds on strengths, is solution focussed and uses a whole family approach to create a family environment that promotes healthy development in children. Circle is seeking new Trustees who are passionate about helping the charity to achieve their vision for all children to be safe, healthy, nurtured, and happy within a stable family which supports them to achieve their potential. To support the next phase of Circle’s development they are recruiting additional board members with a wide range of experience and abilities. They are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have lived experience of the care system, justice, recovery, early years services, or the wider effects of poverty.
Craigmillar Now – is an arts and heritage organisation. The charity is home to the Craigmillar archives and hosts a year-round programme of creative activities, including artist residencies, workshops, exhibitions and events. Craigmillar Now is a welcoming and friendly space with a commitment to breaking down barriers in accessing arts and heritage. The charity is looking for new Trustees to join the Craigmillar Now Board. They are particularly interested in hearing from people living in the Greater Craigmillar area, people with HR experience and people with financial and accounting skills. Full training will be provided to all new trustees – so if you haven’t served on a Board before please don’t let that put you off applying!
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
Medics Against Violence – are a charity founded and led by healthcare professionals who believe prevention is better than cure. By adopting a public health approach, the charity believe in working in partnership to create a better Scotland. Medics Against Violence is seeking a committed individual with experience in finance or business to join their board of directors. The desired board member should have the skills and experience to oversee the financial governance of a charity. They will be responsible for ensuring that the charity’s funds are used effectively and ethically, in line with its mission and vision and help set and monitor the charity’s budget, financial policies, risk management, and investment decisions. The desired trustee will work closely with the CEO, and other trustees, to ensure transparency and accountability in the charity’s financial affairs. The ideal person will have a strong background in accounting, finance, or business, and ideally some knowledge of the charity sector and the regulatory framework that governs it.
Easterhouse Henosis – is a charity that was set up to reopen Easterhouse Sports Centre with a focus on using the space, and the power of sport, to have a positive impact on the local community. The centre is located in one of the most deprived communities in Scotland and had previously been closed to the community for over three years and has served as a COVID testing and vaccination centre. The charity, which operates as a social enterprise, is a partnership between basketballscotland (the governing body for basketball in Scotland), Easterhouse Phoenix (a charity supporting the local community) and Easterhouse Community Sports Hub (a collection of sports club who operate locally and work together to develop sport). The charity are currently operating on a tight budget with 4 committed and passionate staff members, supported by 3 trustees, operating the building 7 days per week. Easterhouse Henosis are looking for support and expertise in a number of areas: business development, financial planning, marketing, fundraising, operations and energy efficiency, legal, risk and governance.
FARE – FARE Scotland LTD is a voluntary organisation working within several disadvantaged communities throughout Central Scotland aiming to improve the lives of children, families and senior citizens. FARE deliver services with four operational teams, the Community Development Team, Attainment and Skills Team, Employability Team and Early Years Team. A financial and administration team support the four operational teams. FARE Scotland is experiencing exciting change and growth, with an expanding social enterprise portfolio, increasing staff team and specialisms, including youth workers in over 25 schools, employability key workers and community development officers working in various local authorities, which increase the opportunities for people in the communities FARE serve. They are looking for a Board member with a financial background to advise, guide, review and challenge our financial processes. Also someone with legal expertise and anyone who has a good business mind to bring their personal experiences to bear on the ambitious growth plans FARE has.
The Sound Lab – The Sound Lab are a grassroots, volunteer-run charity providing creative opportunity to loads of communities across Glasgow and beyond. They believe music and creativity shouldn’t just be available for those who can readily access it and afford it: it should be available to everyone. Their vision is that, irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity or economic background, everyone should be able to access the resources and support they need to fulfil their creative potential.
Neigbourhood Networks – based in Glasgow supporting vulnerable adults mainly with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues to live an independent life, safely, within their own homes and be fully involved within their local communities. Their employed Community Living Workers, who reside in the same areas as their members, provide personalised support plans tailored to individual needs. The goal is to improve the quality of life for their members by promoting independence, enhancing essential life skills, creating friendships, and helping members become less reliant on paid support. Neighbourhood Networks have 30 networks across 9 local authorities, they also work in partnership with people, agencies, and local authorities from other areas in Scotland to develop and create new networks which respond to local community needs.
Other locations
Flexible Childcare Services Scotland – with centres in Dundee (registered address), Inverness, Keith and across Aberdeenshire. FCSS has been created to challenge the inflexibility of current childcare provision across the country and to ensure equity of early years’ and childcare experience for all children regardless of family circumstances, location or specific needs. FCSS are now seeking new Trustees to join their board and help to drive flexible childcare across Scotland. Board Trustees are responsible for the charity’s governance and strategy, and for making sure that the charity is administered effectively. They must account for its activities and outcomes. The Board are looking for trustees with the following skills/experience: early learning and childcare, Third sector finance, and working with local and national policy makers.
ReTweed – are looking for new Board members to make a real difference to their social enterprise in the Scottish Borders. The Eyemouth-based social enterprise deliver innovative training and skills development for women through craft, design and technology. The enterprise offers women a new way to think about their future by investing in their skills and confidence. Each student learns to use craft, design and technology skills and creates a range of beautiful handmade furnishings, fashions and crafts. ReTweed sell these products to re-invest in the social enterprise, taking them forward as a not-for-profit business supporting women and promoting community good. You don’t have to be based in Eyemouth. You can be a Board member from any location and hybrid working options are always available. ReTweed welcome applications from anyone regardless of their age, experience, disability, ethnicity, heritage, sexuality and socio-economic background.
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.
How to become a charity Trustee is a practical toolkit for charity trustee volunteering that gives clear guidance on how to get started. It covers what a trustee is, responsibilities, how to find the right role and tips for crafting your application.
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