About Us

Borders Independent Advocacy Service has established itself as one of Scotland’s leading providers of independent advocacy, delivering exceptional services since 1995. At the heart of our work are the rights of children and young people and the power of their voices to bring about positive change.

We provide individual, relationship-based independent advocacy and a wide range of participatory opportunities for people across the Scottish Borders. We work alongside corporate parents and communities to broaden understanding, and with policymakers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice based on the lived experience of Scottish Borders people.

The Role

As an independent advocacy worker, you will have the privilege of providing one-to-one independent advocacy to children and young people who live in the Scottish Borders. Through this role, you will ensure that their voices and wishes are heard, enabling them to make informed choices, protect their rights and have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect their lives.

The post-holder will be a key member of the Advocacy team, supporting children and young people 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.

Working 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 Borders Independent Advocacy Service your role will include facilitating group opportunities for and with children and young people. This includes providing engagement and participation opportunities throughout the Borders Independent Advocacy 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 Borders Independent Advocacy Service and its services with children, young people, professionals, and carers you will also be responsible for facilitating training amongst professionals, carers, and organisations.

The successful candidate for this post will be able to form positive relationships with children and young people and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. You will be confident communicating with individuals and groups, both in writing and verbally, and be able to adapt to a wide range of situations. You will be confident 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 will demonstrate knowledge of the current structures, 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 may be necessary. A full driving licence and access to transport are essential.

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 Borders Independent Advocacy Service 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 or any other enquiries, please contact us, at recruitment@bordersadvocacy.org.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Why Join Us?

You will join Borders Independent Advocacy Service at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are the most vulnerable are growing in strength and influence, bringing insight, challenge, hope and change. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening advocacy services across the Scottish Borders.

We offer:

• A generous pension contribution scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus public holidays
• Flexible working where possible
• A highly supportive, values-led organisation
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

Borders Independent Advocacy Service is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible working environment. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

About Us

Borders Independent Advocacy Service has established itself as one of Scotland’s leading providers of independent advocacy, delivering exceptional services since 1995. At the heart of our work are the rights of children and young people and the power of their voices to bring about positive change.

We provide individual, relationship-based independent advocacy and a wide range of participatory opportunities for people across the Scottish Borders. We work alongside corporate parents and communities to broaden understanding, and with policymakers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice based on the lived experience of Scottish Borders people.

The Role

We are seeking a Service Manager to lead the day-to-day delivery of Borders Independent Advocacy’s services across the Scottish Borders.

You will be a key member of the management team, providing operational leadership and ensuring high-quality, rights-based advocacy services. Working in partnership with professionals, carers and organisations, you will support the best outcomes for people accessing advocacy by ensuring effective systems for referrals, case allocation, recording and monitoring.

You will:

• Provide operational leadership and quality assurance across advocacy services.
• Line manage and support Advocacy Workers and volunteers.
• Ensure safeguarding, contractual and quality standards are met.
• Oversee referrals, case management and performance monitoring systems.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with statutory and third sector agencies.
• Lead service development, reporting and continuous improvement activity.
• Promote awareness of Borders Independent Advocacy Service and its services locally and nationally.

This role will include a particular responsibility for ensuring the effective delivery of advocacy for children and young people up to age 25.

About You

You will be an experienced, values-driven manager who can lead teams and services with confidence and compassion.

You will have:

• Experience managing or coordinating advocacy or related services (e.g. children’s services, social care, youth work, substance use or third sector services).
• Strong knowledge of human rights and safeguarding legislation.
• Proven experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisational, communication and partnership-working skills.
• Confidence working in multi-agency environments.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion and participation.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends when required.

You will be committed to children’s rights and believe that all young people can make positive and transformative change when given the opportunity. You will demonstrate knowledge of current structures, developments, policy and practice relating to children and young people experiencing care in Scotland.

Why Join Us?

You will join Borders Independent Advocacy Service at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are the most vulnerable are growing in strength and influence, bringing insight, challenge, hope and change. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening advocacy services across the Scottish Borders.

We offer:

• Generous pension contribution scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus public holidays
• Flexible working where possible
• A highly supportive, values-led organisation
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

Borders Independent Advocacy Service is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible working environment. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

Borders Carers Centre has been providing support to unpaid carers in the Scottish Borders for over 30 years, and we now have a vacancy for a Carer Liaison Worker.

We provide comprehensive support and services to unpaid carers throughout the region. Our focus is always on improving the quality of life for carers, offering tailored support to help them in their vital role whilst ensuring they have a strong voice in the design and delivery of services.

We offer advice, information and support, which includes assessing carer needs and producing carers support plans, benefits support, grants & funding, short breaks and peer support groups. We also offer a counselling service, hospital services and a programme of events and activities.

The successful candidate will provide person centred support leading to improved outcomes for carers in the Scottish Borders and will work closely with colleagues across local organisations to increase numbers of unpaid carers being supported. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with an understanding of the needs of unpaid carers and the ability to build strong, positive relationships both internally and externally.

The full job description and person specification for this post along with the application form can be found on Borders Carers Centre website: borderscarerscentre.co.uk

About Borders Pet Rescue

Borders Pet Rescue (BPR) is a trusted and much-loved animal welfare charity serving the Scottish Borders since 1988. From our Rescue Centre in Earlston, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers cares for animals in need and works tirelessly to help them find safe, loving homes.

The charity also operates two successful retail shops in Galashiels and Kelso. These shops are run by passionate and committed staff and volunteers, and they provide the main source of sustainable income that enables our rescue and rehoming work.

Demand for our services has never been greater, with increasing numbers of animals requiring our help. To meet this challenge, the charity has entered an exciting period of growth and development, aligned with our 2024–2027 Strategy. As part of this next chapter, we are creating a brand-new role to strengthen, support, and grow our retail operation.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Charity Manager, the Retail Operations Manager will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day support to our charity shops in Kelso and Galashiels. You will work closely with Shop Managers to maximise income generation, enhance customer experience, and ensure the smooth and effective running of all retail operations.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and motivated retail professional — ideally with charity retail experience — who is passionate about animal welfare and keen to make a meaningful difference.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Leadership & Performance

• Provide proactive leadership, guidance, and support to shop managers, staff, and volunteers
• Develop and implement sales strategies to drive income growth across both shops
• Monitor and analyse shop performance, identifying opportunities for improvement
• Ensure effective merchandising, stock sourcing, pricing, and presentation
• Embed best practice in line with Charity Retail Association standards (BPR is a proud member)

Strategic Retail Development

• Create and deliver a Retail Strategy aligned with the BPR 2024–2027 organisational strategy
• Lead the introduction and growth of online sales channels
• Identify and develop new retail income streams and opportunities
• Contribute to long-term sustainability planning for the charity

People Management & Development

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of shop volunteers
• Assist with staff recruitment where required
• Develop and coordinate training programmes for staff and volunteers
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture

Compliance & Operations

• Ensure shops meet legal, financial, and health and safety requirements
• Maintain strong financial controls and accurate reporting
• Work collaboratively with the Charity Manager and wider team

About You

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in retail management — charity retail experience is highly desirable
• A proven track record of achieving sales growth and operational improvement
• Excellent people-management and motivational skills
• Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving ability
• Confidence working both strategically and hands-on
• A collaborative, positive, and proactive approach
• A genuine commitment to the mission and values of Borders Pet Rescue

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in the future development of a small but impactful animal welfare charity — helping create a stronger retail presence that directly supports animals in need across the Scottish Borders.

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, as well as the further development of exceptional visitor storytelling experiences. If you also have some experience of volunteering and educational visits in a similar organisation, that will be an advantage. 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. 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.

Full time at 35 hours a week, salary of £38,311 per annum plus benefits, including 34 days annual leave.

Everyday people with chest, heart and stroke conditions are leaving hospital scared and alone. You can be part of our mission to make sure that there is no life half lived in Scotland.

By joining Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) as a Health Care Assistant you can be the difference between people just surviving and really living.

You will be part of Scotland’s leading health charity providing support to people with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live life to the full again. Our Community Healthcare Support Service provides access to a range of supported self-management and community recovery services to support people across Scotland to manage their health as well as possible and adjust to life after a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition or after a stroke.

About the Role

This is a newly launched service and an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. We are seeking a compassionate and motivated individual to join our Borders Stroke Nurse Team, supporting patients after a stroke and their families.

As a Stroke Health Care Assistant, you will play a vital role in helping stroke survivors and their families access the care and support they need to live their best lives. You’ll work closely with healthcare professionals to provide practical and emotional assistance tailored to individual needs.

We are looking for someone with experience working in a healthcare setting, ideally with stroke patients, and a good understanding of stroke and its impact on patients and families. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and hold a full, clean driving licence with access to their own vehicle, as driving is essential for this role. Flexibility, empathy, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for stroke survivors are key qualities we seek.

CHSS employees enjoy a variety of organizational benefits including Company pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, company sick pay, employee welfare support and life assurance.

For an informal discussion please contact recruitment@chss.org.uk

CHSS also supports flexible recruitment through Working Families, and we are “Happy to Talk Flexible Working”.

In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a PVG check. CHSS is committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a service which is free from unfair and unlawful discrimination. We therefore aim to ensure that no applicant, volunteer or member of staff is unfairly treated on the grounds of offending background.

Lead Stroke Nurse – Borders

Join Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and help ensure no life is half lived.

Every day, people with chest, heart, and stroke conditions leave hospital feeling scared and alone. At Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), we’re on a mission to change that—and you can be part of it.

As Lead Stroke Nurse – Borders, you’ll play a vital role in helping people move from simply surviving to truly living. You’ll join Scotland’s leading charity supporting people with chest, heart, and stroke conditions to live life to the full.

Our Stroke Nurse service is part of CHSS’s Community Healthcare Support services, offering person-centred care underpinned by self-management principles for individuals and families affected by stroke. The Stroke Nurse will work in close partnership with the NHS Borders Stroke Service, ensuring seamless support across hospital and community settings.

In this role, you will manage a caseload of stroke patients, delivering high-quality, person centred care. You will lead and support a team of Stroke Nurses and Health Care Assistants, ensuring that service delivery meets organisational standards and performance targets. Additionally, you will champion continuous improvement in line with our No Life Half Lived strategy.

We’re looking for a clinically qualified professional who is registered the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of stroke care and patient support, along with proven experience in a management role. A management or leadership qualification is desirable but not essential. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and hold a full, clean driving licence with access to their own vehicle, as driving is essential for this role.

CHSS employees enjoy a variety of organizational benefits including Company pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, company sick pay, employee welfare support and life assurance.

CHSS also supports flexible recruitment through Working Families, and we are “Happy to Talk Flexible Working”.

In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a PVG check. CHSS is committed to equality of opportunity and to providing a service which is free from unfair and unlawful discrimination. We therefore aim to ensure that no applicant, volunteer or member of staff is unfairly treated on the grounds of offending background.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.