Who Cares? Scotland is Scotland’s only national independent membership organisation for Care Experienced people. Our mission is to secure a lifetime of equality, respect, and love for Care Experienced people in Scotland and we currently have over 3000 Care Experienced members.

At the heart of Who Cares? Scotland’s work are the rights of Care Experienced children and young people, and the power of their voices to bring about positive change. We provide individual relationship-based independent advocacy and a broad range of imaginative participatory opportunity for Care Experienced young people across Scotland; we work alongside corporate parents and communities of all sorts to broaden understanding; we work with policy makers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice on the basis of all that can be learnt from the voices of those with experience of care – working together to build on the aspirations of The Promise and secure positive change.

This unique role offers the opportunity to listen to and work directly with children and young people with experience of care, in an individual relationship-based advocacy role, and within participation and group activity across our South East region.

The post-holder will be a key member of the Advocacy and Participation team, supporting young people from across to ensure their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. In this role you will have the opportunity to provide independent advocacy, children’s rights, and participation opportunities for children and young people who are looked after, Care Experienced, or subject to formal processes and structures. The role will see you actively participating in child’s plan meetings, children’s hearings, and other formal processes, as well as assisting children and young people to prepare for them. In partnership with professionals, carers, and organisations, you will help to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people by keeping detailed records of the work you undertake, writing liaison reports, and monitoring statistics.

As a vital part of the work of Who Cares? Scotland, your role will include facilitating group opportunities for and with children and young people. This includes providing engagement and participation opportunities throughout the Who Cares? Scotland local and national network, as well as meeting with care experienced children and young people to introduce the service in agreement with the local authority. Raising awareness of Who Cares? Scotland and its services with children, young people, professionals, and carers you will also be responsible for facilitating training amongst care corporate parents.

The right candidate for this post will be able to form positive relationships with children and young people and have good interpersonal skills. You will feel confident communicating with individuals and groups, both in writing and verbally, and be able to adapt to a wide range of contexts. Secure in making effective plans, as well as evidencing your work, you can prioritise and meet deadlines. You take enjoyment from working collaboratively with partners, believing in equal opportunities and inclusive working. Committed to children’s rights, you are someone who knows that all young people can make transformative change happen in their lives if given the opportunity. You can demonstrate knowledge of the current structure, developments, policy, and practice in relation to children and young people experiencing care in Scotland. You are also flexible, given the remit of the role, as some evening and weekend work will be necessary, along with a full driving licence and access to transport.

While we would welcome the knowledge gathered through relevant qualifications, we are just as interested in relevant work experience. We welcome and encourage applications from those with experience of care.

The successful candidate will be joining Who Cares? Scotland and working within the South East team at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are in or have experienced care are growing in power, individually and collectively – bringing with them insight, challenge, hope and change.

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you. To arrange an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ray MacLean, Manager of Advocacy and Participation, at rmaclean@whocaresscotland.org.

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.

Purpose of role

We help young adults with additional support needs to realise their potential by providing person-centred education, life and social skills.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Head of Service, the Centre Manager will be responsible for the co-ordination, management and supervision of a staff team in the delivery of the TEENS+ Programme at the Ravenscroft Centre. The post holder will work closely with other members of the MDT team to ensure successful delivery of education programmes to our students in line with the organisational values.

The successful applicant for this post will be required to join for membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) Scheme.

What we offer:

• A full and robust training and induction programme, including access to additional training during the course of employment
• Holiday entitlement of 36 days from the start of employment
• Free Confidential Employee Counselling Service
• Flexible and agile working
• Family-friendly policies, including family-friendly working hours (8.30 am – 4.30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 2pm finish on Fridays)

About Teens+

Teens+ is a charitable service provided by the non-profit, Capella. Teens+ provides post-school education and lifelong learning services for young people with complex communication needs, including autism and learning disabilities. It is based in four centres (Gilmerton, Liberton, Leith and Musselburgh).

The service is person-centred and individualised to ensure each student, regardless of their needs, can reach their fullest potential.

Our values

Tailored – We always put people at the centre of our work.

Humour – Great things can be achieved when we are happy and have fun.

Resilient – Flexibility, confidence and creativity turn challenges into opportunities.

Integrity – Passion and professionalism are vital for all involved in our organisation.

Value – Everybody deserves respect and we are enriched through our differences.

Empathy – Compassion and care are in everything we do.

Purpose of role

As the Business Support Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the smooth and effective running of Capella’s central operations. Your work will ensure strong governance, robust data protection practices, and high-quality organisational coordination, helping us deliver meaningful impact for the people we support.

You will be a trusted source of support to the Senior Management Team and Board, enabling strategic decision-making that advances our mission. Through strong administration, excellent organisation, and attention to detail, you will help safeguard our organisational integrity while contributing to a positive, collaborative charity environment.

What we offer:

• A full and robust training and induction programme, including access to additional training during the course of employment
• Holiday entitlement of 36 days from the start of employment
• Free Confidential Employee Counselling Service
• Flexible and agile working
• Family-friendly policies, including family-friendly working hours (8.30 am – 4.30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 2pm finish on Fridays)

About Capella

At Capella, we believe in lasting change through lifelong learning, because everybody deserves to thrive.

Capella is a registered charity that runs a number of charitable services, including Teens+, a transitional education project for young adults with complex and severe communication needs and Sleep Action, the UK’s oldest sleep charity and leading provider of sleep support, training, and resources in the UK.

Capella is a great place to work with fantastic people, strong values and a clear sense of the difference we make. 94% of our team are proud to work for our organisation and 98% think we take positive action on health and wellbeing. We invest in our staff and offer extensive training and mentoring opportunities. As a growing organisation, we want to attract ambitious staff with a desire to achieve great things. If this sounds like a journey you’d like to join us on, we would love to hear from you.

Capella was awarded Employer of the Year at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Awards 2023 and is nominated for the Outstanding Leadership Award at this year’s Scottish Living Wage Awards.

Our values

For us, it’s not so much about what you know, but your attitude and values that are most important. We will provide full training on what you need to know, but you must be able to live our values:

Tailored – We always put people at the centre of our work.

Humour – Great things can be achieved when we are happy and have fun.

Resilient– Flexibility, confidence and creativity turn challenges into opportunities.

Integrity – Passion and professionalism are vital for all involved in our organisation.

Value– Everybody deserves respect and we are enriched through our differences.

Empathy – Compassion and care are in everything we do.

Unique Opportunity: Youth Practitioner at Paws for Progress

Do you love dogs? Are you passionate about helping young people thrive? Do you believe in the power of human-animal interactions to create meaningful change?

Paws for Progress is seeking a Youth Practitioner to join our expert team, delivering our rescue dog training programme at HMP & YOI Polmont. This is a unique, hands-on role combining practical work with dogs and educational support for young people aged 18–23. You’ll help both students and dogs grow, learn, and succeed in a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment.

About the Role

As a Youth Practitioner, you will:

• Collect and transport rescue dogs safely to and from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home and HMP & YOI Polmont (normally twice weekly, with 8am collections)
• Co-deliver practical dog training and educational sessions, supporting students’ personal development and learning
• Monitor and enhance student progress and dog welfare
• Collaborate with Scottish Prison Service staff, partners, and volunteers
• Help create an enjoyable, strengths-based, dog-centred and person-centred learning environment

Please download our Recruitment Pack for the full Job Description and Person Specification.

About us

For nearly 300 years, Dean & Cauvin has been dedicated to caring for young people, young parents, babies, and families. Our mission is simple: to provide the highest quality of care in settings that feel like home. We believe everyone should grow up safe, loved, and respected, with every opportunity to thrive.

We’re proud of our deep history and our unique model of residential, fostering, and community support—and most of all, we’re proud of our young people, young parents, babies and families.

Our values of Care, Perseverance, Acceptance, and Hope guide everything we do.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and skilled Property Maintenance Administrator to support the Corporate Services Manager in maintaining and improving the Trust’s properties across Edinburgh.

This is a hands-on role involving inspections, repairs, coordination with contractors, and leading on Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) matters. You’ll play a key part in ensuring our spaces are safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for young people, tenants, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine inspections and carry out reactive and planned maintenance.

• Coordinate facility jobs and liaise with external contractors.

• Support void maintenance to prepare rooms for new occupants.

• Lead on HSE compliance and implementation across the Trust.

• Assist with property strategy including buying, selling, or repurposing properties.

• Engage with tenants and young people to ensure understanding of property responsibilities.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in property maintenance or facilities management.

• Knowledge of HSE legislation and building regulations.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• A valid driving licence is preferable due to travel requirements.

• Commitment to our values: Care, Acceptance, Perseverance, and Hope.

Location

Primarily based at our St John’s Road Wellbeing Hub (Corstorphine, Edinburgh), with travel required to other Trust properties around Edinburgh. There may be an occasional requirement to attend our caravan site in Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Ready to help us build a future full of care, connection, and opportunity? Apply now.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds?

One Community Scotland is seeking a dedicated Youth Engagement Worker to join our team in Glasgow!

Key Responsibilities

• Support disadvantaged young people, primarily from black and minority ethnic backgrounds
• Facilitate one-on-one and group interventions based on guided assessments
• Create and implement sustainable diversionary plans and group work programs
• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people and their families
• Connect service users with community supports and specialist services
• Work in partnership with Police, Social Work, Health, and Education sectors

What We Offer

• Opportunity to make a real impact in young people's lives
• Collaborative team environment within the One Community Scotland programme
• Professional development opportunities and continuous learning
• Chance to work with diverse communities and partner organizations
• Contribute to the ongoing development of an innovative service model

Ideal Candidate - we're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about youth work and community development
• Experienced in working with diverse communities
• Skilled in building relationships and facilitating interventions
• Committed to professional growth and program evaluation
• Able to maintain accurate records and respect confidentiality
• Join us in empowering young people to achieve positive outcomes and create lasting change in their communities.

About Options Fife Continuing Care

At Aberlour we listen to understand what our young people want and need within our local area. Our Options Fife Continuing Care service in Glenrothes supports young people with learning disabilities and/or autism to live and thrive within the local community.

This service will be home to 4 young people aged 16 plus who will all have their own individual flat. Our rota has been drafted to suit the needs of the young people.

What we are looking for....

We are looking for a full time (37.5 hours, working 3 x 12.5 hour shifts per week) Young People’s Worker to join our team. You will play a fundamental role in our young people’s lives to ensure that they get the best possible experience whilst working towards goals in their care plan. Using a person-centred approach, you will provide enabling support ensuring the highest level of physical and emotional care, supporting our young people in their daily living and within the local community.

If you have an interest in working with young people, we would like to hear from you. Ideally, candidates will have social care experience, understanding of autism, complex needs and disability. You will hold, or be willing to work towards, a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above (for example: SVQ3 Care plus an HNC) together with relevant experience of working with children or young people. You must also be able to demonstrate awareness of the key elements of working with people affected by disability as well as an understanding of, and commitment to, young people’s rights.

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. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees please see our website for further information.

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.

sparqs is a charity funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), working with Scotland's university and college sectors. Our purpose is to ensure students are partners in shaping the quality of learning, making positive change to their own and others’ experience, however and wherever they learn. It aims to foster a culture of partnership between students and staff which enables the Scottish education sector to respond to challenges and realize its ambitions to provide the best possible experience for each and every student.

Volunteer Chair of Trustee Board

We are looking for a chair of Trustees who will lead our Board with integrity, insight and enthusiasm. This is an opportunity to guide a highly-regarded charity into its next exciting chapter.

As our new Chair you will have:

• Experience of being a strategic leader, including experience of working with a board either as a CEO/Director reporting to board, or as a board member/chair.
• Commitment and enthusiasm to the work of sparqs in terms of a student-led approach, role of student engagement in quality enhancement and value of partnership approaches.
• Ability to represent and promote the organisation publicly, acting as an ambassador and networker to further the attainment of organisational aims.
• Ability to influence, at a senior level, partner, and other stakeholder organisations particularly in the Scottish post-16 education sector.
• Commitment to the positive value of diversity, promoting equality and challenging discrimination and willingness to play an active role in creating an environment that promotes these values.

If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to contribute to this important organisation, we very much look forward to hearing from you. Working in a diverse sector and with diverse students, we are keen to receive applications from people of all backgrounds and with all different kinds of life experiences.

Who We Are

We are Scotland’s leading youth homelessness charity. We believe that no young person should ever face homelessness. That’s why we deliver bold, youth-specific solutions, built around young people’s experiences and what evidence tells us works.

We support young people to avoid and move on from homelessness, helping them build the confidence, skills and stability they need to thrive in adulthood. We also influence policy and practice to create a Scotland where no young person is left behind.

We don’t follow the system, we change it, continually championing the voices and experiences of all young people.

Context

Rock Trust delivers the Upstream prevention project in schools and the post holder will work with the Upstream Team, pilot schools and education departments to create a toolkit for the implementation of Upstream. This will involve working with current pilot schools to document the changes required in school systems, the challenges and how to overcome them and an assessment of the resources required to deliver Upstream. The Ask & Act Education Manager will use this learning to create a toolkit and implementation plan to be used for national implementation.

This role is responsible for:

• Coordinating work with multiple local authority Education departments, senior leaders and cross-sector partners (Housing, Social Work, Health, third sector)
• Designing and documenting processes, guidance and training materials that enable schools to embed early identification of housing risk
• Capturing learning, gathering data and producing a national implementation framework
• Ensuring all activity aligns with statutory duties, local contexts and Rock Trust’s prevention approach

The Ask & Act Education Manager will need to be methodical, have strong report writing skills and interpersonal skills to co-ordinate the information gathering and documenting. They will be responsible for delivering the toolkit to a high standard, making a lasting contribution to Scotland’s homelessness prevention system.