About Us

The Melrose Music Festival (to become the Borders Music Festival in 2026) celebrates creativity, collaboration, and community. Each September, we bring world-class artists and local talent together in Melrose and across the Borders — inspiring audiences and young people through music of the highest quality.

We are a Scottish charity Incorporated Organisation (SCIO). Our Vision statement (2024) sets out that we exist “to celebrate artistic excellence through exploration, collaboration, and community engagement, enriching lives across the Borders though music and the arts”.

Central therefore to what we offer are our three overall aims:

• To support projects that assist young people to come to music, especially those who might not have access to music and music tuition (for whatever reason);
• To promote the best of local talent: the Borders has a fantastic and diverse musical talent base of its own; and,
• To bring in musicians with a national and international reputation to perform world class music here in the Borders (preferably with some community engagement in doing so).

We are governed by a small Board which at present includes our Artistic Director Robert Marshall who oversees the artistic vision and delivery of the Festival. It is an emerging Festival with growing links and support - it was described as being in the top 10 music event destinations in Scotland for September 2025 in the Herald.

As we continue to grow and strengthen our charitable foundations, we are seeking a Chair of the Board to provide clear, compassionate leadership and help guide the Festival through its next stage of development.

The Role

The Chair leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance, accountability and strategic direction for the Festival. Working closely with the Artistic Director/CEO and fellow Trustees, the Chair supports a culture that values artistic excellence, community participation, and sustainable growth.

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring that the Festival’s activities reflect its charitable purposes and long-term vision.

• Support, guide, and challenge the Artistic Director and Festival team as a constructive partner.

• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing strategy, ensuring good financial stewardship and compliance with the requirements of OSCR.

• Champion good governance, inclusion and transparency in all aspects of our work.

• Act as an ambassador for the Festival — representing us to funders, partners, artists, and the wider community.

• Support Board recruitment and development, ensuring the organisation benefits from diverse perspectives and skills.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong leadership and governance experience who shares our

belief in the power of music and the arts to strengthen communities.

Essential qualities:

• Experience of leadership in the charity, cultural, or community sector.

• A good understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of a Scottish charity trustee.

• Strategic thinker with integrity, good judgement, and the ability to foster collaboration.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent the Festival externally.

• Commitment to the Festival’s values of creativity, community, and excellence.

Desirable:

• Experience in the performing arts, festivals, education, or cultural development.

• Familiarity with fundraising, marketing, or public engagement.

• Connections/affinity with the Scottish Borders, and an understanding of the culture of a

sparsely populated rural area.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 6–8 meetings per year (mix of in-person and online), plus occasional events and strategic planning sessions.

• Regular liaison with the Artistic Director and fellow Trustees.

• The position is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

• Initial term: three years, renewable once by mutual agreement.

Why Join Us

This is a rewarding opportunity to shape a growing festival with real artistic ambition and community purpose. You will be joining a small, committed team of Trustees, working closely with an Artistic Director of vision and energy. Together, we are building a festival that celebrates creativity, inspires participation, and leaves a lasting impact across the Borders and beyond.

Your leadership will help ensure that this Festival continues to thrive — as a space where music

brings people together, strengthens our sense of place, and nurtures the next generation of musicians

and audiences.

About Ramblers Scotland

Ramblers Scotland is a registered charity and the leading voice for walkers in Scotland. We exist to help everyone, everywhere enjoy walking. We know how much it contributes to improvements in individual and community wellbeing, and our strategy sets out to tackle the barriers that prevent more people from enjoying those benefits.

Vice Convener – Ramblers Scotland Strategic Committee

About the Role

As Vice Convener of the Ramblers Scotland Strategic Committee (RSSC), you’ll play a key role in supporting the Convener and contributing to the strategic direction of our work. The committee oversees our activities in Scotland, helping to ensure that walking is accessible, enjoyable, and open to all.

This is a strategic and advisory role — there is no operational decision-making responsibility. You’ll collaborate closely with fellow volunteers and staff to help shape our campaigns, policies, and priorities, aligning your leadership with the organisation’s refreshed strategy — which emphasises removing barriers to walking, improving access for under-represented communities, and safeguarding natural spaces.

This volunteer role also provides an excellent career development opportunity — offering experience in governance, strategic planning, and leadership within a national charity.

This is a national volunteer role that involves quarterly in-person meetings, with occasional ad hoc sub-committee meetings (often online). While the role is unpaid, reasonable expenses (e.g. travel and subsistence) will be reimbursed.

Convener – Ramblers Scotland Strategic Committee

About the Role

As Convener of the Ramblers Scotland Strategic Committee (RSSC), you will play a key leadership role in guiding the strategic direction of our work in Scotland. The committee oversees our activities across the country, helping to ensure that walking is accessible, enjoyable, and open to all.

This is a strategic and governance-focused role, with no operational decision-making responsibilities. You will collaborate closely with fellow volunteers and staff to help shape our campaigns, policies, and priorities, aligning your leadership with the organisation’s refreshed strategy — which emphasises removing barriers to walking, improving access for under-represented communities, and safeguarding natural spaces.

Serving as Convener also offers a valuable career development opportunity, providing experience in charity governance, strategic planning, and leadership at a national level.

This national volunteer role involves quarterly in-person committee meetings and occasional ad hoc or informal sub-committee meetings (often held online). You will also represent Ramblers Scotland as a full member of the Ramblers GB Board of Trustees.

While the role is unpaid, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.

Work somewhere where a job is not just a ‘job’, where you can be part of a team with a passion for protecting and sharing Scotland’s heritage. Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, is one of Scotland’s most important heritage sites and easily accessible from Edinburgh by road and rail. Now cared for by an independent charity, we are seeking an exceptional individual to lead our historic collections and built heritage care, our visitor storytelling, and our community programmes.

In this interesting and varied role you will be responsible for the Trust’s heritage responsibilities, overseeing achievement of Museum Accreditation and all the work which goes into maintaining this designation of professional heritage care; the delivery and further development of an exceptional visitor experience; volunteering and educational visits. Overseeing a team of five, and working closely with the fundraising team to achieve your objectives, you will be a key member of our management team and will advise trustees on all heritage and community matters. As a small charity run by staff and volunteers, you should be personable and flexible in your approach to others, and be prepared to be bitten by our passion for Scott and Abbotsford.

From September 2026 and initially for three years

Due to the expiry of the term of office of the current Chair, COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) needs a new Chair to provide strategic direction and governance.

As Scotland’s professional body for counselling and psychotherapy, COSCA aims to advance and support all forms of counselling, psychotherapy, and the use of counselling skills, build confidence in counselling and psychotherapy and protect the public in its use of services.

The Chair will be a facilitator, a diplomat, a communicator, a coach, a leader and a listener. The Chair will:

• attend and chair Board meetings (4 per annum)
• provide leadership and guide the members of the Board to set overall policy and targets and monitor outcomes
• understand the voluntary sector, governance of a charity, charity law and the funding of charities
• be committed to the advancement of counselling and psychotherapy and enthusiasm for COSCA’s work
• be a strategic thinker, be able to communicate well and work collaboratively with colleagues and the Chief Executive
• be willing to devote time and effort to the organisation and represent COSCA where appropriate.

Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

About Ramblers Scotland

Ramblers Scotland is a registered charity and the leading voice for walkers in Scotland. We exist to help everyone, everywhere enjoy walking. We know how much it contributes to improvements in individual and community wellbeing, our strategy sets out to tackle the barriers that prevent more people enjoying those benefits.

About the Role

We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join the Ramblers Scotland Strategic Committee (RSSC) as Ordinary Members. Whether you have experience of effective committee work or are keen to develop new skills, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of walking in Scotland.

The RSSC plays a key role in overseeing our work, helping to shape strategic direction, guide campaigns, and ensure that walking remains open, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

As an Ordinary Member, you will:

• Contribute to strategic discussions and decisions affecting walking across Scotland
• Work collaboratively with fellow committee members and staff
• Provide insight and advice on key issues related to our mission
• Support our campaigning, policy, and governance work where relevant

This is a national volunteer role involving quarterly in-person committee meetings, with occasional online subgroup or ad hoc sessions. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, especially those who share our passion for walking, nature, and inclusive access to the outdoors.

While the role is unpaid, reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed.

Who are we?

We have an exciting opportunity to join a new Strategic Partnership Body responsible for financial inclusion in Glasgow.

We are an independent charity whose aim is to prevent or relieve poverty and child poverty in Glasgow and to promote equality and diversity primarily through the development of early intervention and poverty prevention strategies. Co-ordinating collaboration with key local and strategic partners, to provide financial inclusion for the benefit of individuals who ordinarily reside in Glasgow.

The Strategic Body will make decisions on how money to fund financial inclusion services could be raised and then distributed. Their role will be to protect and promote the best interests of the people of Glasgow in relation to financial inclusion. The Independent Board who will make up the Strategic Body will collaborate with the provider group (GAIN – Glasgow Advice and Information Network) and the funder group who will consist of Glasgow City Council along with additional external funders.

A key function will be to attract additional resources and provide an aligned approach to financial inclusion across the City of Glasgow.

Who are we looking for?

The Financial Inclusion Strategic Body is a brand new organisation and are looking to appoint a total of seven new Directors. We are seeking Directors who can bring different perspectives to help the Body to develop its vision and plans.

The Trustees will support the governance needs and development aims of the organisation.

We welcome applications from anyone who feels passionate about tackling poverty and building a sustainable financial inclusion sector within Glasgow, regardless of professional background. We will expect and support directors to adopt best practice in governance, financial management and building collaboration across funders and providers of Financial Inclusion services. We are committed to finding candidates whose values align with the ethos of the partners establishing the body. We are looking for people who are fair, transparent, diligent, positive influencers and who are willing to contribute to debate.

We want our Board to be representative of our city so would welcome approaches from people who live locally or have lived experience of issues facing our residents. We encourage applications from groups that are under-represented on charity boards, particularly people from Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic communities, as well as young and Disabled people. Who are we looking for?

We happily welcome applications from people who have not sat on a board before. As a new Director, you will be fully inducted and offered training tailored to your level of experience that would support your development in the role.

What are the benefits for you?

• The role is unpaid, however incurred expenses can be reimbursed (e.g. travel, childcare)

• Induction and training tailored to your needs.

• Opportunities to shape strategic decisions that will impact on the financial wellbeing of Glasgow Citizens.

• Opportunities to network with senior professionals Influence to shape innovative projects and highlight public policy issues.

• Contribute to supporting the people of Glasgow with financial inclusion services.

Time Commitment

The minimum expected commitment is 4 hours per quarter for scheduled Board meetings, including preparation (held 4times per year in Glasgow).

Background

Ecas is seeking to recruit a new chair for its Finance and Personnel Committee (F&PC). This role is a unique opportunity to contribute your financial expertise to a charity that has been supporting adults with physical disabilities for over 100 years.

Ecas is an Edinburgh-based charity and works to improve the quality of life of physically disabled people across Edinburgh and Lothian: promoting equality, choice and participation through our activities, befriending service, and grants fund.

As the charity is largely self-financed from income from its own investment portfolio (worth circa £4.5m), it provides Ecas the freedom to deliver its services in a way that works best for our service users. Latest impact stats here.

Role

The purpose of the F&PC is to advise the Board on the investment of Ecas’ assets and oversee implementation of the Board’s strategic policies relating to finance, personnel and health & safety. The focus of the F&PC and Board is to continue the policy of maximising benefit to disabled people whilst keeping expenditure under control.

As Chair of the committee, you will play a key role in overseeing the charity’s finances, including the management accounts, annual audit, budget, and investments. You will be responsible for reviewing the draft F&PC meeting papers prepared by the Chief Executive. The Chair of the F&PC will also be a Director (trustee) appointed by the Board.

This is a voluntary role that requires attendance at three F&PC meetings and three Board meetings a year. Occasional ad hoc meetings may be required. In-person attendance preferred for F&PC meetings.

Person Specification

Ecas is looking for someone who:

• Has experience in finance, accounting, auditing procedures, and investments.
• Has good communication skills and an ability to think strategically.
• Is passionate about using their expertise to support people with physical disabilities across Edinburgh and Lothian.
• Is committed to Ecas’ mission statement.

We value diversity, promote equality and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity to support the ambitions of a rural community in Highland Wester Ross?

Wester Loch Ewe Trust (WLET) was formed to benefit the community of Wester Loch Ewe

specifically to

• manage community land and associated assets for the benefit of the Community and the public in general; to
• advance community development, including rural regeneration within the Community;
• advance education for all ages in the Community, and the public at large, with the object of improving the conditions of life of the Community;
• provide, or assist in providing, facilities and/or activities for those in need in the Community by reason of age, isolation, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage;
• to provide, or assist in providing, facilities and/or activities, for recreation and for the advancement of the arts, culture, history and heritage to be available to members of the Community and the public at large, with the object of improving the conditions of life of the Community;
• to advance conservation and preservation of the natural environment, and of buildings and sites of architectural, historic, cultural or other importance to the Community.

WLET’s voluntary Board of Trustees seeks to appoint a committed and capable individual to help make a step change in their capacity to support the local community. Providing support to the Board, acting as the point of contact with funders and stakeholders and actively progressing a range of projects, this post has transformative potential.

In addition to supporting a range of volunteer led services, the Trust is currently working on two significant projects:-

1. Phase 2 of the redevelopment of The Old School, Inverasdale

2. Poolewe development project

Candidates for the post of Development Manager are likely to have a background in charity and financial management or business development, have the ability to multi-task across a range of projects and have good experience of working in and for place-based communities. A track record in income generation, marketing and fundraising would be desirable.

The post holder will be required to explore and develop the potential for new initiatives both within and beyond existing projects. They will contribute significantly to strategic discussions and work closely with the Trustees. We are looking for a team player with great ideas, a practical hands-on approach and strengths in communicating and building relationships.

This post is funded by Foundation Scotland through the Recovery and Resilience Programme and administered by DTAS (Development Trusts Association Scotland).

The job description is varied so if you think you meet some or most of the criteria, please get in touch or apply.

Contract: The post is currently fixed term for 2 years.

The post holder will be an employee of WLET with 5 weeks annual leave and pension contributions will be paid. There is potential for the post to become permanent, subject to the success of the post holder in securing recurring core funding.

Start date: The successful candidate should ideally be able to start work in February 2026.

Location: While aspects of the role may be deliverable remotely, we are seeking a candidate who is able to live in or near to Inverasdale and be present at The Old School when necessary. The establishment of strong community relationships will be important.

To discuss the role, please contact Liz Nicholson on 07967 115317

All Roads Lead to Whithorn SCIO is seeking an experienced, motivated Charity Manager to lead the next stage of growth for our newly refurbished community hall, gym, luxury bunkhouse and small portfolio of social housing. This is a rare opportunity to shape a high-quality rural community hub and asset that creates new opportunities for Whithorn and the wider Machars.

The trustees are determined to appoint the right person and can offer flexibility in how the role is structured for a candidate with the skills and track record we need. We will also consider an interim Charity Manager arrangement for the right person. Hybrid working (part hall-based, part home-based) is possible, and for candidates from further afield we can offer overnight accommodation in our on-site bunkhouse as part of the package.

About the role

The Charity Manager will have overall responsibility for strategic, financial and operational management across:

• Whithorn’s community hall and activity space
• The on-site gym
• The luxury bunkhouse
• A small number of social housing properties
• Wider community projects and development activity

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership – Working with trustees to develop, implement and review the charity’s strategy, turning ideas into deliverable plans and projects.
• Funding and opportunity sourcing – Identifying opportunities, leading high-quality grant applications, developing relationships with funders and partners, and building new income streams linked to the hall, gym, bunkhouse and housing. Proven experience in grant and opportunity sourcing is essential.
• Financial oversight – Working with our external bookkeeper to review reports, approve payments, monitor budgets and cashflow, lead annual budgeting and provide clear financial updates to the Board. Oversight of VAT, HMRC and payroll through external providers.
• Governance and compliance – Ensuring policies and procedures (health & safety, safeguarding, GDPR, insurance, housing compliance) are up to date and followed.
• People and operations – Line-managing the Facilities, Gym & Bunkhouse Coordinator and a casual Community & Hospitality Support Worker, supporting volunteers and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across all sites.
• External relations – Acting as an ambassador for the charity with community members, partners, funders and visitors; promoting the facilities and the Whithorn area as a destination.

About you

You will bring:

• Proven experience in charity, community or social enterprise management.
• A strong track record of successful grant and opportunity sourcing (must-have).
• Confidence with budgets and financial information, and experience working with finance/admin support.
• Good understanding of governance, health & safety, safeguarding and GDPR.
• Experience line-managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

Experience in housing management, community facilities, tourism, accommodation or rural regeneration would be an advantage but is not essential.

Working arrangements

We are committed to getting the right person in post and can offer:

• Hybrid working (hall-based and home-based) by agreement.
• Consideration of an interim Charity Manager arrangement for suitably skilled candidates.
• Overnight bunkhouse accommodation for candidates travelling from further afield where needed.

Whithorn is a beautiful rural area with rich heritage, stunning landscapes and a growing reputation for cycling, walking and cultural tourism. This role is ideal for someone who wants to make a tangible difference by turning a high-quality physical resource into a vibrant, sustainable hub of community life and opportunity.

The Presbytery of Lothian and Borders ( Presbytery of Lothian and Borders ) offers an exciting opportunity for someone who is visionary, approachable and passionate about mission and the work of, and reform in, the Church of Scotland and who is willing to help shape Presbytery to best serve God and its communities.

The Presbytery was established on 1 January 2023 when the former Presbyteries of Duns, Jedburgh, Lothian and Melrose and Peebles came together as part of the reform programme established by the General Assembly.

Currently the Presbytery consists of 86 congregations in 57 charges; however as we continue to implement our Mission Planning process this may change. We have developed a set of planning principles in order to bring one cohesive Presbytery plan into being.

The successful candidate will lead a team consisting of a part-time Administrator and a full-time Mission officer as well as working closely with the Buildings Officer appointed by both the Presbytery and the General Trustees. We are seeking an individual who will bring experience of the Church of Scotland, inspirational leadership and flexibility on working practices to respond to the changing needs of our presbytery. The Presbytery Clerk is a key support to those serving in our parishes, such as Ministers, Deacons, MDS, Readers and voluntary office bearers.

The successful candidate will be expected to live within the bounds of the new Presbytery to facilitate an understanding of the needs of the people we serve.

churchofscotland.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies-and-volunteering/locally-funded-posts