Jobs in East Lothian

Partners in Advocacy has an exciting opportunity for a new board member with an interest in independent advocacy.

We are seeking a Trustee who will have good interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to working as a team, an understanding of and commitment to our charity’s work, a broader knowledge of trends across the third-sector and the application of those to strategic work.

Partners in Advocacy welcomes applications from people with a disability, those with a minority ethnic background, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Partners in Advocacy are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to help us support the growth and sustainability of our organisation through community fundraising.

This is a new and exciting opportunity for a motivated and organised fundraiser to make a real difference by generating the vital funds needed to expand our work.

The post-holder will lead on planning, delivering, and evaluating a programme of community events, working creatively to engage individuals, volunteers, groups, and local businesses, as well as exploring opportunities to develop other areas, such as corporate fundraising and sponsorship, as part of our new strategy.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Partners in Advocacy takes pride in being a Disability Confident Employer, fully committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Partners in Advocacy are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic individual to join our Carers Independent Advocacy Service based in Edinburgh.

The project, which is a year in duration, will focus on independent collective advocacy for unpaid carers of individuals with mental illness, learning disability, autism, dementia, or acquired brain injury who are accessing, or seeking to access, local social care services. The postholder will help support people to have their voices heard and their rights respected within their local social care system.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Partners in Advocacy takes pride in being a Disability Confident Employer, fully committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment.

For informal queries, please contact Iain Templeton, Director of Advocacy Services at iain@pia.scot

Amisfield Preservation Trust provides a regenerative community space (Amisfield Walled Garden) just outside of Haddington for a wide range of groups. The project is volunteer led. Since project inception, volunteers have recreated a beautiful, historic and peaceful 8 acre walled garden which had fallen into disrepair. The project helps improve the life chances of those most vulnerable in our community, through support for individuals with barriers to employment ; drives inclusion through involving volunteers with a range of additional support needs; promotes learning through educational activities for school groups with their teachers, and for the general public through a variety of training events; helps the community to flourish through increased social connection and regenerative activities that improve mental and physical wellbeing and resilience and help increase pride in the local community and place.

Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden Walled Garden just outside Haddington – Amisfield.org.uk - in East Lothian is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking an Assistant Garden Manager to help ensure that Amisfield is a well-maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers.

Whilst formal horticultural training is NOT essential for the position, you must be able to demonstrate understanding of plant propagation, composting, soil management and organic weed control, fruit and vegetable growing, and basic pruning technique.

Most importantly, you will have excellent communication skills, and experience working with a range of people, either in a professional or previous volunteering capacity.

As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will be working a five-day shift pattern, working with the Garden Manager (who will follow a similar but complementary shift pattern) to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Garden Manager.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings – there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities, and with volunteers. You need good organisational skills to help the Garden Manager plan, coordinate and deliver a range of activities.

You will have experience of working with volunteers, some of whom are vulnerable, and will be able to develop and grow our volunteering capacity and opportunities.

The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteer and Visitor Support: Lead practical gardening sessions, provide guidance for volunteers. and ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.
• Day-to-day Management: Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
• Assist the Garden Manager in planning, coordinating and delivering volunteer sessions.
• Overlap with the Garden Manager for one day a week to conduct handovers.

Requirements:

• RHS Level 2 or strong practical gardening skills gained through extensive personal experience, in a nursery, garden centre, estate or large garden.
• Patience and communication skills for volunteers of varying abilities.
• Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
• IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
• Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately
• PVG clearance

Amisfield Preservation Trust provides a regenerative community space (Amisfield Walled Garden) just outside of Haddington for a wide range of groups. The project is volunteer led. Since project inception, volunteers have recreated a beautiful, historic and peaceful 8 acre walled garden which had fallen into disrepair. The project helps improve the life chances of those most vulnerable in our community, through support for individuals with barriers to employment ; drives inclusion through involving volunteers with a range of additional support needs; promotes learning through educational activities for school groups with their teachers, and for the general public through a variety of training events; helps the community to flourish through increased social connection and regenerative activities that improve mental and physical wellbeing and resilience and help increase pride in the local community and place.

Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden Walled Garden just outside Haddington in East Lothian – Amisfield.org.uk - is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking a Garden Manager to lead in ensuring the garden is a well- maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year-round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers. This role, looking after the garden and the volunteers, who include some with vulnerabilities, requires a blend of:

• horticultural expertise;
• personal qualities of initiative, patience and tolerance, understanding and authority;
• organisational ability to help deliver community events;
• and commercial awareness to help ensure financial viability.

As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will work a five-day shift pattern working with the Assistant Garden Manager (who will report to you and follow a similar but complementary shift pattern) to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. Winter months will be a normal Mon-Friday, with the possibility of one day working from home. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and will be asked to attend monthly evening board meetings.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings - there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities.

The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership:
• Manage all horticultural aspects of the Garden:
• Produce the annual planting plan
• Manage propagation.
• Source materials (seeds, plants, compost, etc.)
• Plan, organise and participate in the work required to deliver those plans.
• Support the volunteers to maintain and enhance the garden in line with those plans and designs.
• Manage and maintain all gardening equipment.
• Third Party Engagement:
• Act as the primary interface for third parties, local community groups and the visiting public.
• Day-to-day Management:
• Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts.
• Manage the Assistant Garden Manager.
• Manage a 7-day rota April to September with the Assistant Garden Manager to ensure all public and volunteer sessions are staffed; and overlap with the AGM one day a week during that period to conduct handovers.
• Coordinate garden events and open days.
• Provide ‘on-call’ support or clear protocols for the AGM when issues arise on their solo days.
• Ensure all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lone-working assessments are updated for a public-facing environment.

Requirements:

• RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience in garden management.
• Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently.
• Proven track record in working with and managing volunteers.
• Comfortable with lone working and making autonomous decisions in a public-facing environment. (e.g., closing the garden due to high winds) while working alone.
• IT literacy and familiarity with social media.
• Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately.
• PVG clearance

The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club (SOC) is seeking a motivated, organised and approachable individual to join our team as Visitor Experience Officer. Based at the Club’s attractive headquarters at Waterston House in Aberlady, this role is central to delivering a welcoming and informative front-of-house experience for visitors, members and researchers.

You will be a key member of a small, dedicated team and will often work independently. Confidence, initiative and a friendly, professional manner are therefore essential. Shifts are 9.30am–5.00pm and include an unpaid 30-minute lunch break.

The role operates on a set weekend rota agreed in advance. Flexibility to provide occasional additional weekday cover, either through time off in lieu (TOIL) or agreed shift swaps, is welcomed. As a small organisation, we value staff who can adapt to support the wider aims and day-to-day operation of the Club.

Changes East Lothian is looking for new Board members!

Are you interested in taking on a new challenge and helping those experiencing mental health issues in East Lothian?

In response to expanding the capacity of the Board and succession planning, Changes East Lothian is seeking up to five new trustees.

We anticipate that you can provide evidence of transferable skills, or experience of operating as a trustee or non-executive director.

Applications of those with experience of the following areas will be prioritised:

• Leadership in a relevant position
• Involvement in mental health, social care or the third sector
• People, HR, employment law and organisational culture;
• Business, finance or operations at an executive level.
• IT, digital, marketing, digital and comms

About Changes East Lothian

Changes was established in 1996 as a community health project and since then we have evolved and grown to the medium sized charity we are today. As we celebrate turning 30 this year, we have the opportunity to launch our new 5-year strategic plan 2026-2031and with it, reinvigorate our Board with new membership.

It has been an exciting time of change and progression for us over the last few years and we are ready to develop our systems and processes with further development opportunities and creative thinking in facing the challenges of succeeding in the third sector. Our Changes East Lothian mission is to provide everyone in East Lothian the opportunity to access a choice of activities, therapy, information, training and support that help enable positive mental health and wellbeing through individual autonomy, learning, reflection, empowerment, and connection.

We are a community at Changes, and our values include compassion, responsiveness, and life-long learning for all. As you can imagine, it is challenging working in this arena but also extremely rewarding.

Who we are looking for:

We would like applicants to:

• Empathise with our vision, mission and values;
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort;
• Exercise sound and independent judgement;
• Think and apply knowledge creatively and strategically;
• Get to know our team of staff and volunteers;
• Keep themselves and the charity mission-focused;
• Analyse and evaluate information and other evidence in the execution of their duties.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.