Help shape the future of neurodiversity support in Scotland

We're looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial Head of Business Development to establish and lead Donaldson's first dedicated business development function.

This is a rare opportunity to build something new. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, you'll identify, develop and secure opportunities that increase our impact, diversify income and support long-term sustainability.

The Role

You'll lead Donaldson's growth agenda by:

• Developing and delivering our business development strategy.
• Building a pipeline of strategic growth opportunities.
• Securing partnerships, commissioning opportunities and sustainable income streams.
• Turning ideas into successful bids, partnerships, services and commercial opportunities.
• Expanding our training and consultancy offer.
• Establishing the foundations for long-term organisational growth.

About You

You may come from the charity, public, education, health, social enterprise, consultancy or commercial sectors, but you'll bring:

• A successful track record in business development, growth or income generation.
• Experience developing partnerships, bids, tenders, contracts or commissioned services.
• Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking.
• Excellent networking, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A proven ability to turn opportunities into tangible results.

Most importantly, you'll be energised by opportunity and motivated by impact. You'll be naturally curious, commercially astute and skilled at spotting potential where others see challenges. Comfortable working in ambiguity, you'll thrive in an environment where there is freedom to create, shape and influence, bringing entrepreneurial thinking and the drive to turn ideas into meaningful results.

Why Join Us?

As the National Body for Neurodiversity, Donaldson works to improve outcomes for neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland.

This is an opportunity to shape a brand-new function, influence organisational strategy and play a key role in our next phase of growth and impact.

If you're excited by growth, partnerships, innovation and creating lasting social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Kate, Director of People and Engagement, at kclement@donaldsons.org.uk

This is an exciting opportunity to join the independent office with responsibility for biometric data in the criminal justice and policing sector in Scotland. Further information on the functions of the Scottish Biometrics Commissioner can be found in the legislative Act or on our website.

The Scottish Biometrics Commissioner is recruiting an Operations Manager to join his current small team. Reporting to the Director, the Operations Manager works in a cross-functional team with responsibility for operational activities in support of the Strategic Plan. This includes liaising with Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority and the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner and other stakeholders and regulatory bodies on the use of biometric data. The Operations Manager will conduct independent reviews and ensure compliance with the use of biometric data in Scotland.

To be successful in this role, ideally you will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a supervisory or management position in a policing, human-rights, criminology or criminal justice environment. However, the Commissioner would especially welcome applications from candidates with sector-specific knowledge and practical experience in the use of biometric or forensic data. You will be able to demonstrate strong analysis and decision-making skills; you will have experience of building and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels with well-developed written and oral communication skills.

Venture Scotland are looking to recruit a skilled and experienced, values led CEO to lead our organisation. This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established charity, to work as part of an inclusive, supportive team culture and to make a real, often life-changing difference in the lives of our participants. Our work is meaningful, varied and challenging and in return, you will be able to lead on the delivery of our organisation’s strategy and direction, have opportunities for self-development and training and benefit from our comprehensive staff support package.

Venture Scotland offers a long-term, outdoor-based personal development programme which empowers young people aged 16-30 and adults in addiction recovery, who face complex and difficult challenges in their lives, to create and sustain change. There are currently 9 employees and we have a turnover of just over £600,000.

We focus on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of our participants, working with them both in group settings and 1-2-1, to make lasting changes in their lives and help them play a positive role in their communities.

We are seeking a CEO, who identifies with our values of Trust, Respect, Belonging, Compassion and Empowering, to lead our team to deliver on our strategy. Volunteers are at the heart of our organisation and you will support our volunteer team and young ambassador programme. We welcome applications from diverse communities.

As the key leader within our organisation, the CEO evaluates, supports and develops volunteers and staff, manages logistics and ensures the highest standards of safety while building on our caring, open, collaborative and inclusive work culture.

As CEO within the organisation, you will also manage and work closely alongside the Senior Management Team comprising Programme Delivery manager, Finance and Administration Manager and Fundraising Manager to use your skills and experience to lead the organisation forward. You will report directly to the Chair and Board of trustees.

Do you want to lead a supportive team of people who really care about the people we are helping? Do you want to work in an organisation which listens, values everyone’s views and cares about the health and wellbeing of their staff? Do you understand the transformative effect of the outdoors? Are you passionate about #ChangingLivesOutdoors?

This role is considered ‘regulated work’ as it involves activities with both children and protected adults. Under our safeguarding policy, this role will require a PVG.

If you are applying for this role, you need to prove that you have the right to live and work in the UK. If you do not possess this right, then your application will not be considered.

**Please note - Unfortunately, we are not able to support sponsorship to work in the UK at this time**

We are looking for an experienced fractional Finance Director to provide senior financial leadership for a values-led charity. This is a flexible, high-impact role for someone who can combine strategic financial judgement with practical oversight of day-to-day finance, helping trustees and senior leaders make confident, well-informed decisions.

This is an executive part-time role working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and leadership team to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, compliant and able to deliver its mission effectively.

The successful candidate will bring sound judgement, technical expertise and the ability to translate financial information into clear, practical insight for decision-making. They will support budget setting, forecasting, risk management, audit preparation, statutory reporting and financial policy development, with responsibility for charity finance in Scotland, including restricted and unrestricted funds, reserves, grant reporting, funder requirements, Scottish charity law and OSCR compliance.

This role is ideal for a qualified finance professional who is values led and enjoys working strategically and collaboratively in a mission-driven Scottish charity environment and who can provide high-quality leadership on a fractional basis.

Terms

Hours, working pattern, day rate and contract length are open to discussion. We anticipate this will be a fractional engagement, suitable for someone available for a regular part-time commitment each month. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements can be considered.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is recruiting an experienced and motivated Finance Manager to lead our finance function and play a key role in supporting our mission to protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

As an independent statutory body, we ensure that care, treatment and support across Scotland are lawful, ethical and person centred. This is an exciting opportunity to join a values driven organisation with a strong public service ethos.

About the Role

The Finance Manager is the most senior finance professional within the Commission, responsible for delivering robust financial management, statutory compliance, payroll oversight, and strategic financial advice. You will oversee an annual budget of approximately £7m and act as the organisation’s subject matter expert for all financial matters.

Working closely with the Head of Culture & Corporate Services, you will lead on:

• Financial reporting, analysis and advice to the CEO, executive leadership team and the Board
• Annual budget setting and multi-year forecasting
• Year-end accounts and external/internal audit
• Payroll and the annual pay award process in line with Scottish Government Pay Policy
• Financial controls, policies, procedures and risk management
• Procurement compliance and value for money
• Managing the shared services arrangement with Scottish Government (Oracle)

This role offers significant autonomy, influence and the opportunity to shape financial stewardship across the organisation.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• A professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAS or equivalent)
• Significant experience in public sector financial management
• Strong knowledge of the Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) and Scottish Government Pay Policy
• Experience managing payroll and related processes
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills
• The ability to work independently across a wide remit
• A commitment to public sector values, integrity and continuous improvement
• People management experience and familiarity with Scottish Government shared services (Oracle) is desirable.

What We Offer

• Flexibility on contracted hours, subject to a minimum commitment of 21 hours/3 days per week (0.6 FTE).
• Hybrid working
• Modern open plan office and facilities in the centre of Edinburgh
• Generous annual leave and NHS pension
• Supportive, inclusive organisational culture
• Opportunities for professional development
• A meaningful role contributing to human rights and public service in Scotland
• An organisation which is keen to continue to adapt and transform to meet the needs of the people it serves

Four Square is a charity operating solely in Edinburgh and focussing on supporting people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness. Established in 1982, we have a strong presence in the city and a national reputation.

Our charity is ambitious and we’re scaling our projects and pioneering new approaches to have more social impact in 2026 and beyond. We are looking for a Director to lead this work, energise and empower our staff team, create and embed innovative approaches and ensure our services truly support people out of homelessness and onto a positive future.

The social care sector can be precarious and restricted by contractual funding. At Four Square, we can offer something different. The significant financial support of our social enterprises means we have resources for training, we can pay staff ahead of market and we own our properties and have created beautiful spaces for people to live in. We also have our major contracts in place until 2033/34.

So, there is space to think, innovate and plan. If you are looking for a role where you can bring your expertise and have the freedom, time and support to apply it, please read on and get in touch.

The Coalition of Carers in Scotland is looking for an experienced trainer or facilitator to help unpaid carers build the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to understand their rights, navigate local and national systems, and have a stronger voice in decision-making.

Working as part of the Carers Championing Change partnership, you will deliver leadership, rights awareness and advocacy training to carers across Scotland. You will adapt and deliver existing programmes, develop a train-the-trainer approach for experienced carers, and work with local carer organisations to ensure learning is relevant, accessible and impactful.

We are looking for someone with experience of designing and delivering training for adults, developing learning resources, and supporting people to build confidence and advocacy skills. You will be an engaging facilitator, able to communicate complex information clearly and work effectively with partners across Scotland.

This is an exciting opportunity to help carers develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to influence the decisions that affect their lives, while contributing to a national programme aimed at increasing carers' participation and leadership.

Benefits include:

• Home-based working
• Flexible working arrangements
• 32 days annual leave plus 6 public holidays (pro rata)
• Up to 6% employer pension contribution
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

As Policy and Engagement Lead you will be an integral part of the CJS National Engagement Unit, working closely with the Head of National Engagement to develop and deliver CJS’s strategic approach to policy.

This post will be responsible for developing key policy proposals relating to community justice and, where necessary, engaging with a wide range of national stakeholders to support the adoption and implementation of those proposals.

Dundee Bairns is a Dundee-based children’s charity working to reduce the impact of poverty on local children, young people and families. Through its food and activity provision, clothing programmes and Bairns at Home multibank, Dundee Bairns helps ensure children have access to essentials such as food, clothing, household items and opportunities to take part in positive experiences. This is an exciting new opportunity to join a growing, practical and values-led organisation at the heart of Dundee’s community support network, helping to develop and coordinate a vital service for families who need it most.

Job Purpose

The Finance and Business Manager is responsible for the operational management of Dundee Bairns' finances, ensuring robust financial controls, effective budget management, compliance with charity accounting requirements, and the provision of high-quality financial information to support decision-making.

The role will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees and external accountants to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity.

This role also provides Business Support across the organisation.

Job Tasks

Financial Leadership

• Lead all aspects of the charity's financial management.
• Develop and maintain strong financial systems, policies and controls.
• Support the Executive Director in financial planning and organisational development.
• Identify financial risks and recommend mitigating actions.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process.
• Prepare financial forecasts and cashflow projections.
• Monitor organisational and project budgets.
• Support budget holders in understanding and managing finances.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts.
• Produce quarterly reports for the Board of Trustees.
• Analyse income and expenditure trends.
• Provide financial information to support strategic decisions.

Fund Accounting and Grant Management

• Maintain accurate accounting records within the charity accounting system Xero
• Monitor restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Support managers to ensure grant expenditure complies with funding conditions.
• Prepare financial returns and claims for funders.
• Maintain accurate records for grant-funded projects.

Statutory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSCR requirements and Charity SORP.
• Liaise with auditors or independent examiners.
• Coordinate year-end accounts preparation.
• Oversee payroll and statutory reporting obligations.

Payroll and Banking

• Oversee the charity bank accounts to ensure that all payments and receipts are properly authorised and optimum cashflow is achieved
• Oversee payroll processes and pension administration.
• Authorise payments in accordance with financial controls.
• Manage relationships with banks and financial service providers.

Support the Board of Trustees

• Set agenda for Board meetings, in conjunction with Chair of Board of Trustees
• Gather/write papers as required for Board meetings
• Formulate/update policies as directed by Executive Director and Chair of Board of Trustees
• Support the Finance, Audit and Risk Subcommittee; arrange meetings, prepare reports collate and circulate papers, take minutes and maintain records.
• Maintain the risk register, with timely submission to Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee and Board as appropriate, considering changes in legislation, operating environment, internal factors etc.

Business Management

• Manage contracts for IT, telecommunications, insurance, and other services
• Oversee health and safety arrangements
• Support the Board and Executive Director in developing organisational strategy and business plans.
• Contribute to funding applications and financial sections of bids.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and efficiencies.
• Maintain and develop Airtable capability, including training staff members across the organisation.
• Support with HR-related tasks – setting up 1:1’s, diary input and supporting staff management where appropriate

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Financial Management
• Budget preparation and monitoring
• Financial forecasting and cash flow management
• Management accounts and financial reporting
• Year-end accounts and audit preparation
• Payroll, VAT, and tax compliance
• Strong understanding of charity accounting principles, including restricted and unrestricted funds
• Ability to build strong relationships with trustees, funders and stakeholders
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing staff.

Desirable

• Accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA or equivalent).
• Experience within the Scottish charity sector.
• Experience supporting funding applications and grant management.
• Understanding of OSCR requirements.

People First Scotland is looking for a values-led Chief Executive to help shape the next chapter of an organisation that is run by and for people with learning disabilities. Established in 1997, People First Scotland is a national self-advocacy organisation supporting people with learning disabilities to speak up, make choices and have a meaningful say in the decisions that affect their lives. This is an important time to join People First Scotland. Following a period of organisational and governance change, we are looking for a Chief Executive who can work alongside our Board and members to build a strong, sustainable organisation in which member leadership is at the centre of how decisions are made.

As Chief Executive Your responsibilities will include developing and delivering the 2027–2030 business plan; supporting the Board to exercise its responsibilities with confidence; progressing a new governance model; ensuring strong financial management; leading income generation and diversification; and strengthening People First Scotland’s profile and influence across the disability rights, self-advocacy and social justice sectors.

You will bring senior leadership experience gained within the third sector, public sector or a similarly values-led organisation, with experience of working with or supporting a governance Board. You will also bring financial literacy, experience of business planning, income generation and funder relationships, alongside the ability to communicate clearly and accessibly with a wide range of audiences.

Above all, you will have a genuine commitment to the rights, agency and leadership of people with learning disabilities. You will be comfortable distributing and rebalancing power, listening to members and creating the conditions in which their voices genuinely shape the organisation.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability or learning disability and from people from communities currently underrepresented in third-sector leadership.

For a confidential discussion please contact Catriona Mackie or Linda Baldwin at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.