Jobs in East Lothian

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.

Do you want to make a real difference in people’s lives? Join Coastal Community Connections to lead our befriending and buddy walking services—supporting people to feel connected, confident, and part of their community.

In this meaningful and varied role, you'll:

• Match people with volunteers for walks or companionship
• Help rebuild confidence after illness, loss, or isolation
• Work on end-of-life and bereavement projects and courses
• Collaborate with local partners and support our amazing volunteers

We’re looking for someone with:

• Experience in mental health, bereavement, or community support
• Empathy, communication skills, and a calm, person-centred approach
• Knowledge of safeguarding and supporting volunteers
• Strong IT skills including 365

Why join us?

• Flexible & family-friendly
• Supportive and values-driven team
• Ongoing Learning & Development
• Chance to lead change in your own community

Are you a friendly, compassionate person who enjoys supporting others? We're looking for an Outreach Worker to help connect local people with their community and reduce social isolation.

In this role, you’ll:

• Help support individuals through one-to-one guidance
• Help run friendly, welcoming community activities
• Signpost people to local groups and services
• Work with local partners to build a more connected and compassionate community

What we’re looking for:

• Someone who is empathetic, organised, and a great communicator
• Experience (paid or voluntary) in community support or outreach
• Confidence with basic admin and using email/Word/Excel/365
• Local knowledge of the Coastal Community area is a bonus!

“You have been so helpful and inspiring to me, with all your excellent activities” Recent customer feedback

Be part of something bold. Be part of something ambitious. Be part of theSpace.

Are you passionate about empowering young people and supporting them to create facilities, skills, assets and opportunities for strong, multi-generational and diverse communities? As a Youth Worker with theSpace, you’ll play a key role in co-designing activities and opportunities that engage, support and inspire young people. You’ll work directly with youth and community members to help create inclusive and dynamic spaces where young people can lead, create, and thrive.

A formal youth work qualification is not necessary as we can offer formal training as part of the role. We are looking for passion, initiative, determination and useful relatable skills. You will also support the wider development of theSpace Dunbar as well as the growth of our young organisation.

About Aberlour Options Lothian

Aberlour Options Lothian offers a range of short break services to children and young people with complex needs. We offer a safe, homely environment for a child to come and stay for a short break that gives their families a rest from their caring role. During that break, children enjoy a range of fun activities and experiences with our staff. Our service is very much a 'home from home' for the children who stay with us. We are within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian with access via the numbers 26, 111 and 124 bus routes.

The difference we make to families:

"It's not easy to accept that sometimes you need help. We had reached rock bottom but Aberlour Options Lothian was that lifesaving buoyancy aid. It wasn't easy accepting leaving my son there especially in the early days when it was new to everyone. It is a safe and welcoming place and a second home in many respects now. Somewhere he is safe, cared for and has loads of fun with the carers and other children. It's not just about respite; we have received help with managing behaviour, preparing for hospital visits and operations. Help and advice when there seemed to be no one else listening or who understands. It's hard to look back to where we were but no we wouldn't be here today without their help and support. To sum it up: Saved our lives. Peace of mind. Finally a rest".

What we are looking for....

As part of a small team, you will ensure that the highest level of physical and emotional care is provided to the children and young people. Experience in this type of work is preferred however we will consider all applications. We are looking for someone to work 12 hours per week ; working mainly weekends including sleepovers.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. At Aberlour we have strong values -

Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Challenging - which influence our everyday work. If you choose to apply for this role please tell us about your values in your supporting statement. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an

excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Please click here to have a look at our Employee Benefits.

We are currently recruiting Project Workers to work with Upmo. Join our dedicated team supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to reach their individual goals and ambitions.

We have vacancies in our teams based in:

• Edinburgh - Links House (Leith) & St. Margaret's House (Meadowbank)
• East Lothian - Prestonpans

We are recruiting for part time staff. Our available contracts are:

• Edinburgh: 12 hours per week: Tuesday & Friday
• East Lothian: 18 hours per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday

Upmo is open Mon-Fri, between the hours of 10-16:00. Shifts are 6 hours per day, for a maximum fulltime hours of 30 per week.

Upmo is a Living Wage Employer; the rate of pay for this role is £12.60 per hour, which is due to increase in line with the new rate.

Holiday entitlement for this role is 30 days pro rata, which is enhanced by long service at 3 years’ service by an additional day (pro rata) per year thereafter, up to a maximum of 5 days.

As a Project Worker, you will be part of an enthusiastic and creative team who provide daily support to adults with learning disabilities and autism as they participate in workshops and activities within our site-based services, and café sites.

We are interested in hearing from individuals with skills and expertise in art, IT, music, drama, dance, photography, gardening, and outdoor activities, as these are the subjects covered in our workshops, so it is beneficial to be familiar with them. Or, if you have any other skills, let us know! A key part of the role involves supporting students in workshops of their choosing, working one to one with students, and facilitating workshops, and supporting people with personal care, as and when required.

While previous experience in care or support is highly advantageous, it is not required as we provide full training and ongoing support to our staff team.

This is a great opportunity to join CAPS’ friendly, supportive Individual Advocacy team to provide Individual Advocacy to adults in East Lothian and Midlothian who are experiencing mental health issues. This post will also pilot Individual Advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh – an extension to our current work in East Lothian and Midlothian. CAPS also provides an adult Individual Advocacy service for people who are affected by drugs or alcohol in Midlothian and East Lothian.

The focus of the work is the provision of Independent Advocacy – making sure that people’s views and wishes are heard. You will make sure people are informed about their options and their rights and assist people who have mental health issues to redress power imbalances in their lives and in their interactions with services. Individual Advocacy is very rewarding work that makes a real difference. Full training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. There will be a 4 month probationary period attached to this post. A mix of home and office working is possible but face to face working with people is essential.

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.