Jobs in East Lothian

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people? Do you want a flexible, varied and meaningful job in a supportive team? Do you value great employee benefits such as generous holidays and an annual training budget? Apply to join us!

Bridges Project is a leading youth work charity that helps young people aged 12-25 in East Lothian and Midlothian overcome challenges and adapt to adulthood. Since 1984, we have helped young people develop their life skills, improve their educational attainment and move into employment or further education. Join our team as we move in to the next 40 years of empowering young people!

We have a vacancy for an Employability Support Worker 16+ to deliver an effective casework and group work service to young people aged 16 – 24 in East Lothian experiencing a range of challenges such as non-attendance at school, poor mental health and family poverty which impacts on securing positive destinations.

The successful candidate will:

• Support young people to gain employability skills, life skills and accreditation; helping them in to work, apprenticeships, further education or vocational training
• Provide vocational/industry specific accreditation and training to groups of young people alongside individual support to address particular barriers
• Develop a programme of delivery which will provide young people with clear pathways to positive destinations and sustainable and fair work
• Take the lead on the service and to provide an effective interface between young people, partners and stakeholders involved in the service

This is an exciting position in which the successful candidate will take pride in developing a programme of delivery which will provide young people with clear pathways to positive destinations.

It is essential that candidates have a full, clean driving licence and constant use of a car. Membership of the PVG scheme will be an essential requirement of the post. A contributory company pension scheme is offered with a 10% employer contribution.

An opportunity has arisen to join Access to Industry’s (AI) East Lothian Employability Project. You will be a self-starter who is able to encourage engagement, build positive relationships based on trust and respect, and support progression to positive destinations. You will be a confident network builder, working autonomously in outreach.

Full details are available in the recruitment pack below.

These maternity cover posts are a great opportunity to join CAPS’ Children and Young People’s small friendly team to provide individual advocacy to children and young people who are going through the Children’s Hearings system. CAPS is the main provider of advocacy for this issue to children and young people aged 5-18 in East Lothian and Midlothian. CAPS is also the alternate provider for this work in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, so travel to work in these areas will also be expected.

The focus of the work is the provision of independent advocacy to support children and young people to express their views and wishes when going through the Children’s Hearings process. Experience of working with children and young people is required as well as proven skills in communicating with them. Advocacy training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for regulated work with children.

There will be a 4-month probationary period attached to these posts. Face to face work with children and young people is the focus of the role but some home working is also possible with the agreement of your line manager.

This post is fixed term for 12 months initially to cover maternity leave however may continue thereafter subject to expansion of the CAPS’ Children’s team.

Help us support communities in East Lothian with quality advice.

Who we are

East Lothian Advice Consortium Ltd (ELAC) is a company limited by guarantee without share capital which has contracted with East Lothian Council (ELC) for the provision of advice services in East Lothian. These advice services are delivered by way of sub-contracts between ELAC and Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau (HCAB) and Musselburgh Citizens Advice Bureau (MCAB). They are both independent charities that provide free, impartial, and confidential information and advice services in East Lothian. We offer support on issues ranging from debt, benefits, and welfare rights to consumer rights, finances, and budgeting support.

Our services are available to everyone in our local communities. We aim to make them as accessible as possible by promoting equality and diversity and by challenging discrimination.

Who are we looking for?

We currently have a small but strong Board of Directors with diverse professional expertise. We are seeking a new Chair who can lead ELAC through a period of new contract delivery and support the Bureaux with quarterly meetings with ELC, ensuring we provide the most relevant and accessible advice services possible in terms of the contract.

The role offers the opportunity to a make a central and strategic contribution to supporting the people of East Lothian with a range of pressing advice issues. Our work at HCAB and MCAB also makes a fundamental contribution to the campaigns and advocacy work of Citizens Advice Scotland on behalf of the full network of CABs.

To support these outcomes, we plan for a minimum 3-month induction period during which the successful candidate will shadow the current Chair and get to know our organisation in detail as a Director. Once fully in post as Chair from August 2025, you will be further supported by our experienced members.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience of organisational leadership who feel passionate about our work, regardless of professional background. We are looking for candidates with a sound understanding of (third sector) governance, financial acumen, and experience contributing to or leading boards.

The Chair will:

• be independent of any of the Providers
• provide leadership and ensure the ELAC Board monitors and delivers the Advice Services Contract on behalf of East Lothian Council.
• effectively chair ELAC meetings with the power of a casting vote where allowed by the Articles of the Company.
• act as the key representative and liaison for ELAC and ensure an effective relationship is maintained between the ELAC Board, the Providers and the Council.
• work with ELAC and the Delivery Management Team to organise quarterly ELAC meetings, an AGM and any additional meetings, training or strategic planning events as required by ELAC.
• represent the ELAC Board at meetings or events as required/available.
• participate and/or lead in dispute resolution where issues or disputes arise between any of the parties

Time committment

The expected commitment for the Chair is approximately 30 hours per quarter, incorporating flexibility to work around a full-time working schedule. Board and ELC meetings are each held 4 times a year, normally two weeks apart.

Meetings are held online.

About Leuchie

Leuchie is the national respite charity giving families a break from the physical and emotional responsibilities of caring for a loved one. The charity is dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with a neurological condition such as MS, MND, Parkinson’s and stroke through short respite breaks and outreach services. The expert team work to transform lives by improving health, enabling independence, and tackling loneliness.

Leuchie provides a range of settings that suit the health needs and circumstances of the individual and their family. These include short breaks with 24-hour nursing and care, therapies, social activities and outings at Leuchie House, accessible self-catering accommodation for all the family or regular at-home support.

Through innovative partnership working and research, Leuchie is reimagining the delivery of respite as a way of meeting wider health and social care outcomes for the families it supports.

Dorothy is 98 and a carer for her 68 year old son Robert who has multiple sclerosis. This is what Leuchie means to her- “It gives me a rest and some peace. It also helps me carry on by having something to look forward to.”

There is a growing need to support those living with a neurological condition and their families that Leuchie is determined to respond to. The charity currently supports around 500 families, just like Dorothy and Robert, each year, and has a strategic intent to positively impact ten times as many lives by 2030.

Trusts Fundraiser Role

The Trusts Fundraiser at Leuchie is responsible for developing and managing relationships with charitable trusts, foundations, and special project grants to secure essential funding for the charity’s work. This role involves researching and identifying new funding opportunities, preparing persuasive funding proposals, and managing multi-year applications to meet the organisation's strategic goals.

A key aspect of the role is maintaining and growing Leuchie’s portfolio of funder relationships. The Trusts Fundraiser will work closely with internal teams to understand and present the charity’s projects and funding needs in a clear and compelling manner. Managing the charity’s rolling trusts programme, they will ensure timely submissions of proposals and reports, demonstrating the impact of funders' support.

The postholder will build and nurture strong relationships with both new and existing funders, providing tailored stewardship and maintaining effective communication through written reports, phone calls, and in-person meetings. Additionally, they will monitor and evaluate grant outcomes, ensuring funders receive detailed impact reports aligned with their funding objectives.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in trust fundraising, a strong track record of securing high-value grants, and excellent relationship management skills. Strong writing abilities, a keen attention to detail, and proficiency in managing budgets and reporting processes are essential.

Additionally, the candidate should be enthusiastic about Leuchie’s mission and possess a genuine commitment to supporting people living with neurological conditions and their families. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the charity's growth and long-term impact.

Join Our Board and Make a Difference at Home-Start East Lothian.

Are you passionate about empowering families with young children, supporting charitable causes, and making a positive impact in our community? HSEL is seeking individuals to join our Board of Trustees and play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.

About Home-Start East Lothian:

Our Legacy:

Home-Start East Lothian is an established local charity, we will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this August. We train and support volunteers who are committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age.

We aim to support families that are referred to us by statutory or voluntary organisations for example by social workers, health visitors or women’s aid or self-referrals when mums and sometimes dads, are struggling with a number of issues. As well as volunteers we have 3 family support workers, which allows us to respond quickly to the ever-increasing demand.

Our Aim:

We help families by providing a volunteer to establish a supportive, non-judgemental relationship with a family offering regular friendship and support. We recruit, train and support volunteers to work with families. If families are facing more severe and complex issues we match them with one of our trained family support workers.

Our support helps to:

• Reduce family isolation and increase social support networks
• Strengthen parent-child relationships
• Improve parents’ emotional health and well-being
• Develop and improve parenting skills
• Improve the home environment
• Improve children’s health, well-being and development
• Increase access to health, education and community service

Why Join HSEL:

Make a Difference: Your involvement with HSEL directly contributes to positive change in our community.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about children’s welfare and community engagement.

Shape the Future: Use your expertise to guide HSEL’s strategic direction and help us continue to evolve.

What to Expect as a Trustee:

Board Meetings: Our Board meets are generally every six weeks in the evening, with the option of joining virtually.

Sub-committee meetings: we ask, if possible, that each trustee join either the Personnel & Development or the Finance & Fundraising sub-committee, they meet online two weeks before each board meeting.

Training: is available, including induction training through Home-Start UK.

Event Participation: Depending on your availability and interests, you may choose to participate in HSEL events, engaging with the community and supporting our initiatives.

North Berwick Trust is a community-focused charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of North Berwick. Led by a Board of charity Trustees with the support of two part-time employees, the Trust works in partnership with others to address community needs and ensure long-term benefits for the town through the North Berwick Forever Fund.

The Trust has significant financial assets which allows it to distribute funding through its grant-giving programme to individuals and organisations that promote recreation, culture, sport, education, lifelong learning, and the conservation of North Berwick’s historic and natural environment. In addition, the Trust develops and maintains 20 hectares of its own land holdings for community use.

With a vision to make North Berwick more sustainable, resilient, vibrant, inclusive, and equitable, the Trust focuses on six strategic aims: enhancing community facilities and opportunities, preserving the town’s heritage and green spaces, supporting those in need, and securing long-term funding for future generations.

Background to the role of Chair

Sir David Tweedie, the current Chair of North Berwick Trust, will step down from his role in the summer after leading the Trust through a very successful period. The Trust now seeks an inspiring and committed successor to lead the Trust through its next phase.

Whilst the Trust manages sizable assets, it remains a small organisation that is very much led by the Chair and Board of charity Trustees who are expected to balance both strategic leadership responsibilities and occasional involvement in day-to-day operations.

In addition to leading the Board of charity Trustees, the role demands sound judgment in managing the various governance issues that may arise between meetings. A key responsibility will be overseeing the Trust’s significant financial investments, ensuring that funds are effectively managed to support both current and future community needs. The position is initially for a three-year tenure.

The Trust is looking for the next Chair to have a close connection to North Berwick, whether through living or working in the area. They will have an understanding of local needs and priorities and have an appreciation of how the Trust can add value to support local causes.

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader, capable of providing clear direction and support to the Board and Trust staff, ensuring that the Trust’s long-term vision is delivered. Acting as the Trust’s ambassador, they will be the external face of the charity attending events, community meetings and social functions ensuring that the good name of the Trust is always promoted.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced chair and/or leader that possesses good intellect and the ability to get on well with people. They will have a decisive but calm and empathetic style demonstrating excellent communication and organisations skills.

For those who share the Trust’s commitment to the North Berwick community and have the necessary leadership experience, this is a great opportunity to help shape its future.

Overview of Organisation:

Heavy Sound is a Community Interest Company, incorporated in 2015, based in East Lothian. We work with disconnected young people and adults, re-engaging them through strength-based activities of interest including music, biking, sports, creative arts, education, mentoring and 1:1 therapy. By building trusting relationships we help inspire positive opportunities for further learning, life skills development, and future training and employment.

Job role:

The role is to manage and deliver outreach youth work projects, activities, and events across East Lothian, working in partnership with existing youth clubs and other stakeholders.

Heavy Sound has a 40ft single decker bus, The Community Reach & Inclusion Bus (The Crib) which provides community outreach initiatives including music, creative arts, and bike activities. The role will involve bringing equipment, and on occasions our bus (The Crib), along to youth clubs and community events, and running various activities from it. Activities will mainly be music and bike-based consisting of DJ’ing, electronic music production and basic bike mechanics. If there is not suitable space for The Crib, activities take place in community halls etc.

The role can either be part-time to deliver the above, or potentially full-time if the applicant has an additional skillset in music, creative arts, biking, sports, outdoor pursuits, education, or mentoring.

An ability to drive the bus is not essential but would be highly desirable. Only a normal Category B driving license is required as the vehicle doesn’t carry passengers and is classed as a ‘mobile project vehicle’ by DVLA.

Flexible working is required as there will be evening and occasional weekend work.

Overview of Organisation:

Heavy Sound is a Community Interest Company, incorporated in 2015, based in East Lothian. We work with disconnected young people and adults, re-engaging them through strength-based activities of interest including music, biking, sports, creative arts, education, mentoring and 1:1 therapy. By building trusting relationships we help inspire positive opportunities for further learning, life skills development, and future training and employment.

16+ Programme:

Heavy Sound transforms the lives of vulnerable, disengaged and, in the main, care-experienced 11–15-year-olds across East Lothian. Based on their needs, we have developed a 16+ Programme to extend this support to provide:

• Life skills development
• Qualifications
• Support into further education, volunteering, training and employment

Participants are referred mainly through education and social work, and engage in a variety of activities including education, music, biking, sports and mentoring, leading to qualifications and awards, and life skills development.

Flexibility in hours is required as there is a weekly evening 16+ drop-in.

Queen Margaret University Students’ Union (QMUSU) is a registered charity (SC012608) in Scotland. We operate independently from Queen Margaret University but work closely with the institution to enhance the student experience and represent the student voice.

As a small union we are proud of our impact and achievements, having scored in the top 3 in Scotland for NSS for consecutive years, having ranked 1st in Scotland in 23/24 for representing students’ academic interests. QMUSU is undergoing an exciting period of transformation as we strengthen our foundations and explore new ways to support our students effectively. A new strategic plan is in development, which will shape our future impact on campus and ensure we provide meaningful opportunities for our students.

To help us achieve this, we are opening recruitment for an External Trustee to join our board.

As a Trustee, we want you to bring your passion, expertise, and fresh ideas to help us grow as a Students’ Union. Your role will primarily involve providing strategic oversight, evaluating organisational performance, and challenging us to innovate. Your experience and insights will contribute to shaping the direction of QMUSU and ensuring we serve our students effectively.

You will be joining a diverse and dynamic Board, where different perspectives and experiences are valued. We believe that diversity leads to better decision-making and a more inclusive environment for our students.

Currently, our Trustee Board consists of:

• Three elected student officers
• Three appointed Student Trustees
• Four External Trustees (volunteers bringing external expertise)

The role of a Trustee is voluntary, with all reasonable expenses reimbursed. The commitment includes attending four in-person Trustee Board meetings annually (each lasting a few hours and participating in one of our sub-committees up to four times per year.

About Leuchie

Leuchie is the national respite charity giving families a break from the physical and emotional responsibilities of caring for a loved one. The charity is dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with a neurological condition such as MS, MND, Parkinson’s and stroke through short respite breaks and outreach services. The expert team work to transform lives by improving health, enabling independence, and tackling loneliness.

Leuchie provides a range of settings that suit the health needs and circumstances of the

individual and their family. These include short breaks with 24-hour nursing and care, therapies, social activities and outings at Leuchie House, accessible self-catering accommodation for all the family or regular at-home support.

Through innovative partnership working and research, Leuchie is reimagining the delivery of respite as a way of meeting wider health and social care outcomes for the families it supports.

Dorothy is 98 and a carer for her 68 year old son Robert who has multiple sclerosis. This is what Leuchie means to her- “It gives me a rest and some peace. It also helps me carry on by having something to look forward to.”

There is a growing need to support those living with a neurological condition and their families that Leuchie is determined to respond to. The charity currently supports around 500 families, just like Dorothy and Robert, each year, and has a strategic intent to positively impact ten times as many lives by 2030.

Corporate Partnerships Lead Role

This is a key role in developing and managing high-value corporate partnerships, securing new business support, and driving revenue growth. Leuchie is looking for someone with significant experience in corporate fundraising or business development either from a charity fundraising background or a commercial role focused on income generation. You will be highly skilled in identifying opportunities, securing partnerships, and developing creative campaigns that align with both Leuchie’s mission and corporate partners’ objectives.

Leuchie has significant potential to expand its support from corporate partnerships and you will play a crucial role in strengthening and growing these relationships. You should have a strong track record in securing and stewarding high-value 5 to 6 figure partnerships, negotiating sponsorship deals, and engaging key decision-makers in meaningful collaborations.

You will work closely with the Director of Development and Head of Fundraising, and have the support of a highly engaged leadership team and impressive Board of Trustees. Experience in setting and exceeding income targets, developing corporate engagement strategies and delivering impact reports to senior stakeholders is essential.

About Leuchie

Leuchie is the national respite charity giving families a break from the physical and emotional responsibilities of caring for a loved one. The charity is dedicated to supporting individuals and families living with a neurological condition such as MS, MND, Parkinson’s and stroke through short respite breaks and outreach services. The expert team work to transform lives by improving health, enabling independence, and tackling loneliness.

Leuchie provides a range of settings that suit the health needs and circumstances of the individual and their family. These include short breaks with 24-hour nursing and care, therapies, social activities and outings at Leuchie House, accessible self-catering accommodation for all the family or regular at-home support.

Through innovative partnership working and research, Leuchie is reimagining the delivery of respite as a way of meeting wider health and social care outcomes for the families it supports.

Dorothy is 98 and a carer for her 68 year old son Robert who has multiple sclerosis. This is what Leuchie means to her- “It gives me a rest and some peace. It also helps me carry on by having something to look forward to.”

There is a growing need to support those living with a neurological condition and their families that Leuchie is determined to respond to. The charity currently supports around 500 families, just like Dorothy and Robert, each year, and has a strategic intent to positively impact ten times as many lives by 2030.

Communications and Marketing Manager Role

This is a key role within the organisation, shaping and delivering Leuchie’s communications and marketing strategy to ensure its work reaches the right audiences and has the intended impact. The charity is looking for someone with deep expertise in marketing and communications either from a senior marketing background in the charity sector or from a business development role focused on brand awareness and engagement. You will be skilled in creating growth strategies and working collaboratively to deliver success.

Leuchie has significant potential to expand its reach and engagement, particularly with supporters, guests, and partners. You should have a strong track record in developing and delivering brand-aligned marketing strategies, managing campaigns, and building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders.

You will develop and deliver communications strategies intended for internal as well as external audiences.

You will be line managed by the Director of Development, manage the Digital Marketing Officer and work closely with colleagues across the organisation.

Experience working with senior leadership, reporting on key performance indicators, and contributing to organisational strategy is essential.

In return, you will work with an outstanding leadership team, have the full support of the Director of Development and CEO, and be part of a warm, welcoming organisation with a wonderful culture.

Established in 1936 and one of Scotland’s leading wildlife bodies, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with some 3500 members. Its purpose is to advance the study and appreciation of birds in Scotland by promoting their documentation, promoting interest in them, promoting their conservation, providing a focus for information about them and encouraging the appreciation of relevant creative arts.

The Club’s headquarters, which also feature a renowned ornithology library, wildlife art gallery and sales outlet, are in Aberlady, East Lothian. Fifteen nationwide Branches are led by members who organise events, outings and projects in their areas. Staff contribute a national series of events, conferences and training activities for members of all ages. Publications include the highly regarded quarterly journal Scottish Birds, mobile app (Where to Watch Birds in Scotland), regional bird reports, e-newsletters and other online media.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Treasurer is a key member of the SOC Council and serves as a trustee of the Charity, with all the associated duties and responsibilities. More details on these responsibilities can be found in the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) guidance for charity trustees: OSCR Guidance.

While professional qualifications are not required, the role requires an interest in the financial operations of the SOC and a broad understanding of financial requirements for charities in Scotland.Further details on the role can be found here.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Elected at the SOC AGM (usually in November) for an initial two-year term, with re-election every two years.
• Provides financial advice and guidance to staff and branch officials as needed.
• Attends Council and Management Committee meetings (each held four times per year) and presents a written financial update at each.
• Convenes and chairs Finance Committee meetings (3–4 per year), reporting recommendations to Council.
• Attends the Club’s AGM (usually in November) to present the End-of-Year Accounts.
• Meets with Brewin Dolphin (SOC’s investment managers) at least annually to review investments and assess risk levels.
• Works with Council to maintain and update SOC’s Investment Policy, including setting reserve levels.
• Regularly liaises with the Finance Officer to ensure smooth financial operations.
• May be consulted on HR issues and trustee induction.
• Out-of-pocket expenses incurred on SOC business are reimbursed.
• SOC FINANCIAL PROCESSES
• The SOC Council has collective responsibility for the Club’s finances.
• The Finance Committee oversees financial strategy and budgeting, meeting 3–4 times a year. It consists of the Treasurer, the Finance Officer, and two other members.
• SOC’s financial year runs from April to March.
• SOC uses Xero for bookkeeping, holds accounts with the Royal Bank of Scotland, and has investments managed by Brewin Dolphin.
• Two staff members, the Treasurer, and a past President (from the Lothian branch) currently have signatory responsibility, with protocols ensuring that transactions over a specified amount require two signatures.
• The Finance Officer manages day-to-day accounting and banking procedures.
• The Treasurer provides financial updates and forecasts to the Council and the Management Committee at each meeting, working closely with the Finance Officer.
• The Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Independent Financial Examiner (currently Whitelaw Wells) oversee the end-of-year financial process, culminating in the submission of the independently examined accounts to OSCR.
• The Club’s core income sources include membership subscriptions, events, sales, commission from artwork sales, and legacies. Legacy income is highly variable, requiring careful financial planning.
• SOC branches maintain some financial independence but provide annual financial summaries to SOC.

Our current Treasurer will remain in position until November 2025.