EARS is an independent advocacy provider – our mission is to ensure that people’s voices are heard, and their rights are respected.

This is a hybrid-based post. Working hours will be spent with a mixture of providing advocacy within Edinburgh and the Lothian communities with the people who seek your support, working once per week from the West Lothian office and the rest of the time from home. Mileage expenses are reimbursed for travel within work.

About EARS Independent Advocacy Service:

EARS Independent Advocacy Service is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) providing high-quality, rights-based independent advocacy across contracted areas in Scotland.

EARS exists to ensure that people who face disadvantage, discrimination or barriers to being heard are supported to understand their rights, express their views and have those views taken into account. Grounded in equality, human rights and social justice, EARS delivers independent advocacy that is principled, person-centred and accountable.

Working closely with commissioners, partners and communities, EARS plays a vital role within Scotland’s advocacy landscape, supporting individuals to navigate complex systems and ensuring their voices influence decisions that affect their lives.

The Role of CEO:

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic leadership and overall direction for EARS Independent Advocacy Service, ensuring the organisation delivers high-quality, rights-based advocacy, operates sustainably and meets all governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

You will lead the organisation’s strategic direction, priorities and objectives, ensuring alignment with EARS’ charitable purpose, advocacy principles and contractual obligations within the wider Scottish policy, funding and commissioning landscape. Acting as the organisation’s principal ambassador, you will represent EARS locally, regionally and nationally, promoting the value and impact of independent advocacy.

The CEO will hold overall accountability for governance, performance, risk and financial sustainability, working in close partnership with the Board of Trustees to support effective oversight and decision-making. You will oversee significant contractual relationships and income streams, ensuring robust contract management, high-quality reporting and strong relationships with commissioners and funders.

Day-to-day operational management is delegated to the Operations Manager, with the CEO retaining strategic oversight and accountability. You will provide visible, consistent leadership, promoting a positive, professional and values-led organisational culture, and leading the organisation confidently through challenge and change.

What you need to bring:

EARS is seeking a values-driven and resilient leader with a strong commitment to equality, human rights and social justice. This role requires someone with proven senior leadership experience within the third sector or public service environment in Scotland, with a strong track record of working effectively with a Board of Trustees. Experience of financial leadership, contract management and commissioning environments is a strong desirable, including tendering and managing local authority contracts.

You will be confident operating in a regulated environment, with a sound understanding of charity governance, risk management and compliance. With a strategic mindset, you will be able to translate vision into practical plans and measurable outcomes, being a calm, credible leader capable of navigating complexity and organisational change. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to act as an effective ambassador for EARS and independent advocacy more broadly.

This is a significant opportunity to lead a respected advocacy organisation, strengthen its sustainability and impact, and ensure that the rights and voices of people who use advocacy remain at the heart of everything EARS does.