Join the Board of East and Southeast Asian Scotland (ESAS)

About ESAS

East and Southeast Asian Scotland (ESAS) is a community-led organisation working for justice, rights, and empowerment of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities across Scotland. We centre the voices of ESEA people while building solidarity and belonging across diverse communities.

• Founded in 2020 and incorporated as a Community Interest Company, ESAS has grown into a trusted and recognised voice. Our achievements include:
• Leading community research (Migrant Life in Scotland survey) on ESEA migrants’ access to services during the pandemic.
• Delivering emergency food, clothing, and IT support during COVID-19.
• Supporting wellbeing and inclusion through peer support groups, befriending, English lessons, and women’s sessions.
• Partnering with COSLA and the Scottish Government to support Hong Kong BN(O) migrants and improve access to services.
• Providing hate incident reporting and casework support through the national On Your Side service.
• Advocating for labour rights across the UK through the ESEA Migrant Alliance UK project funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

The opportunity

We are seeking new Board Directors who share our commitment to justice, rights, and empowerment. As a Director, you will play a vital role in shaping strategy, strengthening governance, and ensuring our work has lasting impact.

Previous Board experience is not essential—we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and lived experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with knowledge or experience in:

• Governance and organisational leadership
• Finance (including an applicant for the Treasurer role)
• Fundraising and understanding of the NGO/funding landscape
• HR and compliance
• UK policy and systems that shape migrant and community wellbeing

Commitment

This is a voluntary, non-executive role (reasonable expenses reimbursed). The time commitment is around 29 hours per year, covering meetings, preparation, and occasional reviews. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person meeting in Scotland annually. Every five years, Directors attend a Governance Development Weekend (the next in Jan/March 2026).

Why join us?

• Make a meaningful contribution to long-term systemic change for ESEA communities.
• Help shape the governance of a growing, grassroots organisation at a pivotal stage.
• Gain experience in third-sector governance, policy advocacy, and organisational development.
• Connect with grassroots communities, statutory partners, and national networks.