Top job! Head of Support Line
- Full time
- £51,257 – £57,613
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 9th January 2026
Do you want to create a safer, brighter future for all children in Scotland?
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We are seeking to appoint the Head of Support line. Guided by our values - with love, with purpose and with strength - we work to keep children safe, families strong and communities connected. Our support line is a lifeline for families, offering emotional, practical and financial support when it’s needed most. The role will be based in Edinburgh with hybrid and flexible working options available.
The role
We’re looking for an inspiring, experienced leader to head this vital service for Scotland’s families. In this role, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our high quality multi-channel support line, ensuring families receive timely, effective support through calls, webchat and email. You’ll lead a multi-skilled, experienced passionate team as they modernise this trusted national service. You will, champion children’s rights, innovation and make sure our services evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families.
This is more than an operational role - it’s delivering on our strategic priorities, collaborating with all stakeholders and about amplifying families’ voices, influencing policy and shaping services that make a real difference to children and families. You’ll also work closely with colleagues in business development and fundraising, helping to inspire supporters, strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the impact of our work to funders and donors.
If you have experience managing a helpline or multi-channel services, strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, we’d love to hear from you.
What we are looking for
You will be an inspiring leader and will possess a degree or equivalent experience in social care, business management, or related field. In addition to professional training in leadership, safeguarding and service delivery (desirable).
What you can expect from us
As well as a rewarding career and development opportunities, 35 hour week, we offer 40 days annual leave per year pro rata, a contributory pension scheme, generous maternity/adoption and paternity leave, flexible working opportunities and wellbeing support.
With a supportive and inclusive working environment, the salary for this role is £51,257.00 - £57,613.00 per annum.
Our values
Living our values, you will make a direct impact to the lives of children across Scotland. With love, we put children first. With purpose, we transform children’s lives together. With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
Top job! Director
- Full time or Part time
- £45,000 – £48,000
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 19th January 2026
The Director is the senior leader of Firefly International, responsible for driving the charity’s mission to support war-affected children through the provision of education, mental health and peacebuilding programmes delivered in genuine partnership with our overseas partners. This is a hands-on leadership role within a small, donation-dependent charity, suited to an adaptable allrounder who is motivated to lead growth and change rather than maintain the status quo. Firefly has a good track record and a good reputation and has both the will and the capacity to do more and do better, for the children it exists to serve. To do that, it needs to recruit the right Director.
Organisation Profile
Firefly International was established as an arts-based playgroup, as civil war was coming to an end in Bosnia, to bring Bosnia’s Croat, Serb and Muslim children together. The founder, Ellie Maxwell, was a student at the University of Edinburgh at the time. Firefly still works in Bosnia, supporting its locally registered partner, Svitac (Firefly in local language) which is based in Brcko in the north-east, where the population is divided between the three ethnicities. It runs daily classes for pre-school children, outreach sessions with high schools and a youth group for the 16+ age group. All activities aim to build tolerance between different ethnicities and tackle the ignorance that fuels hatred and fear.
Since 2016 it has also been working with a Syrian partner organisation, delivering trauma-informed education. Initially it was working just in the Syrian refugee communities in Turkey. Later, it began work in northern Syria and more recently it has begun teaching in and around Latakia in western Syria. This is the largest of our three programme areas and the one with the most pressing demands for expansion, in response to the gaps in education in Syria today.
Until 7th October 2023 we partnered with a child mental health centre in Gaza. We have had to close the centre but aim to return to Gaza when we can. Meantime, we partner with an Egyptian group who help child medical evacuees from Gaza with therapeutic and educational activities.
Firefly is a long-established charity, small but with a long reach and ambitious goals. It is distinctive in its stated aim of remaining with its partners for as long as it is needed and useful. It encourages the development of projects by local staff in response to local needs. Its income and scope have grown considerably in recent years. It is driven by the need to be as effective as it can be, supporting partners in their aspirations for the children and young people of their own communities.
The Role
This is a full-time role based in Edinburgh for a Director at Firefly International (open to discussing part time or flexible working arrangements). The Director will oversee the strategic direction, daily operations, and overall performance of the organisation. Key tasks include managing budgets, fundraising efforts, supervising staff and volunteers, maintaining strong relationships with partner organisations, and ensuring the effective delivery of programmes. The Director will also represent Firefly to stakeholders, including donors and international partners, and work to enhance its impact and visibility.
Top job! Head of Influence and Campaigns
- Full time
- £51,257 – £57,613
- Hybrid: Edinburgh or Glasgow
- Closing 9th January 2026
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood. We protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national and local services.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead the development and delivery of high-impact influence and campaigning activity that drives policy and practice change for children and families.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across communications, policy, services and fundraising to deliver bold, integrated campaigns.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, partners, influencers and decision-makers.
- Ensure campaigns are informed by evidence, data and the lived experience of children and families.
- Provide leadership and direction across policy and participation, creating a culture of connection, accountability and impact.
We’d love to hear from you if you have:
- Significant experience leading influence, campaigning, policy or public affairs work at a senior level.
- A proven track record of delivering campaigns that achieve meaningful change.
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and partners.
- A collaborative, values-led approach and commitment to children’s rights and inclusion.
What we offer:
- A workplace with values of with love, with purpose and with strength
- 40 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Pension scheme and wellbeing support
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Access to Westfield Health, giving colleagues and their families confidential counselling support, wellbeing resources, and access to health and lifestyle benefits to support physical and mental wellbeing.
- Blue Light card discount
- A Fair Work accredited workplace
Our Values
Living our values, you will help create a workplace where our people can thrive, ensuring we deliver the best possible support to children and families.
With love, we put children first.
With purpose, we transform lives together.
With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
Ochil Tower School offers highly personalised residential care and education for children and young people aged 8-21 with complex additional support needs. Our welcoming and supportive community is based in a parkland location in Perthshire where our central values are living, learning and growing together. We currently have four residential houses accommodating 15 young people plus two day pupils.
An opportunity has arisen for a Head of Care at the school. The post holder will drive forward the continuing improvement of our residential provision to ensure we provide the highest quality of care for our children and young people. They will work collaboratively with the Head of Education and the Executive Director and carry the responsibilities of the Registered Care Manager.
If you have a history of effective leadership combined with the professional experience and personal enthusiasm to fulfil this senior role, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our HR Manager for a job description and person specification at hr@ochiltowerschool.org
Top job! Service Head, Residential Care
- Full time
- £75,160 – £81,938
- On site: Montrose
- Closing 6th January 2026
The Service Head of Residential Care, is a key member of the Senior Leadership and Management Team (SLMT) and has a critical role in achieving Rossie’s vision and mission. This post has both an inward and outward organisational focus, ensuring delivery of safe trauma informed residential care in line with all internal and national requirements. Our organisation is multi-disciplinary and the post-holder must work collaboratively, in line with our values, with all departments and services. As a Senior Manager, the post-holder will contribute to the development/delivery of the Business Plan, operate within budget and manage all resources effectively and efficiently. This post will be responsible for developing and improving Residential Care and Throughcare services, fostering a sound organisational culture and in line with The Promise and other national developments.
About Aberlour Children’s Charity
Aberlour is one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, celebrating 150 years helping to improve the lives of Scotland’s disadvantaged children and young people. At Aberlour we know that not all children are born with an equal chance so we work to support children, young people and families overcome poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Our staff teams are critical in delivering this support and therefore need exceptional training. Many of our services are registered with the Care Inspectorate and staff have to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council. This registration includes a requirement to meet a minimum level of qualification.
What we are looking for....
We are looking for a qualified assessor to support SVQ assessment across the organisation.
We are approved by the SQA to deliver SVQs in Social Services (Children & Young People). To enable assessment in this award you should have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above along with your assessor award.
Your experience should include working in a relevant care setting, assessment of at least 4 candidates through to completion of their SVQ’s. You must be able to demonstrate that you have experience of planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation of learning activities in a social care setting.
The post is 37.5hrs per week and will require travel across Scotland. Your work base can be flexible, we are able to support a mix of office and home working as required.
What we offer...
As well as a supportive team, 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. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.
At Aberlour we strive 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 click here.
SVQ Assessor & Internal Verifier
- Full time
- £33,941
- Hybrid: Across Scotland, flexible work base
- Closing 15th January 2026
About Aberlour Children’s Charity
Aberlour is one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, celebrating 150 years helping to improve the lives of Scotland’s disadvantaged children and young people. At Aberlour we know that not all children are born with an equal chance so we work to support children, young people and families overcome poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Our staff teams are critical in delivering this support and therefore need exceptional training. Many of our services are registered with the Care Inspectorate and staff have to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council. This registration includes a requirement to meet a minimum level of qualification.
What we are looking for....
We are looking for a qualified assessor and internal verifier to support SVQ assessment across the organisation.
We are approved by the SQA to deliver SVQs in Social Services (Children & Young People). To enable assessment in this award you should have a relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 7 or above along with your assessor and verifier awards.
Your experience should include working in a relevant care setting, assessment of at least 4 candidates through to completion of their SVQ’s and evidence of internal verification. You must be able to demonstrate that you have experience of planning, preparation, delivery and evaluation of learning activities in a social care setting.
The post is 37.5hrs per week and will require travel across Scotland. Your work base can be flexible, we are able to support a mix of office and home working as required.
What we offer...
As well as a supportive team, 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. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.
At Aberlour we strive 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 click here.
If you have any queries please e-mail: jobs@aberlour.org.uk. Applications are welcome from diverse ethnic minority and cultural communities, and under-represented faith and religious groups.
We also follow Data Protection Guidelines - Here is our privacy policy.
Lead Trainer - Safeguarding
- Part time
- £33,941 pro-rata
- Hybrid: Across Scotland, flexible base location
- Closing 15th January 2026
About Aberlour Children’s Charity
Aberlour is one of the largest Scottish children’s charities, celebrating 150 years helping to improve the lives of Scotland’s disadvantaged children and young people. At Aberlour we know that not all children are born with an equal chance so we work to support children, young people and families overcome poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.
Our staff teams are critical in delivering this support and therefore need exceptional training.
What we are looking for....
Through your work in a relevant care setting you will have extensive experience of dealing with child and adult safeguarding concerns. You will also have supported others to respond to safeguarding issues.
You will use this knowledge to review, update and deliver safeguarding training to staff across the organisation either face-to-face or virtually as required.
You may already have delivered training within teams or may be keen to explore training as a new opportunity.
This is a 30-hour post and can be worked over 4 or 5 days. Aberlour has services across Scotland so travel will be required. You will be able to work from a local office or from home and will be expected to travel as required to deliver training sessions.
What we offer...
As well as a supportive team, 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. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity here.
At Aberlour we strive 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 click here.
If you have any queries please e-mail: jobs@aberlour.org.uk. Applications are welcome from diverse ethnic minority and cultural communities, and under-represented faith and religious groups.
We also follow Data Protection Guidelines - Here is our privacy policy.
Senior Playscheme Workers - Aberlour Options Ayrshire
- Part time
- Sessional
- On site: Prestwick
- Closing 7th January 2026
The best thing about working for Aberlour is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
About Options Ayrshire
Our Service is a busy respite service for children and young people with complex health needs, including severe learning and physical disabilities. As well as providing short residential breaks, the service offers outreach to families and is also involved in the managing and running of an after-school club as well as a busy Easter and summer playscheme.
What we are looking for....
We are looking to recruit Senior Playscheme Workers to our Easter playscheme programme. Our playscheme runs 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays.
As a Senior Playscheme Worker you will work flexible hours to assist in developing and planning the fun-filled activities and outings, in keeping with the interests and abilities of the young people and ensuring its successful delivery by overseeing the work of the Playscheme Workers. You will play a key role in ensuring a safe environment for young people and staff by following care plans and support strategies, as well as observing and working in accordance with Aberlour Policies and Procedures. Previous experience in this area of work is essential.
To allow us to provide a consistent, quality service it is desirable that applicants commit to working up to 5 days per week during the Easter school holidays for a minimum of 12 hours per week. There will be an opportunity to work additional hours up to full time hours. Days will be given in advance. Our playschemes run in both Ayr and Girvan and staff may be expected to work at both sites. Mandatory training dates for staff will be arranged during February and March before commencement of the playscheme.
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. Aberlour’s values are critical and drive everything we do. We will be looking for someone who can demonstrate how Aberlour’s values of Respect, Innovation, Integrity and Challenge will be visible in their practice. You must be comfortable working in an environment where Aberlour’s values are lived in practice. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees please go to our website.
What we offer...
You will receive a planned and supported induction consisting of a varied training programme. You will be working alongside a highly motivated and skilled team. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity on our website.
Aberlour is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our service users and uses a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process including PVG Scheme checks to ensure this commitment is not compromised.
Playscheme Workers - Aberlour Options Ayrshire
- Part time
- Sessional
- On site: Prestwick
- Closing 7th January 2026
The best thing about working for Aberlour is making a real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.
About Options Ayrshire
Our Service is a busy respite service for children and young people with complex health needs, including severe learning and physical disabilities. As well as providing short residential breaks, the service offers outreach to families and is also involved in the managing and running of an after-school club as well as a busy Easter and summer playscheme.
What we are looking for....
We are looking to recruit to our Easter playscheme programme. Our playscheme runs 5 days per week, Monday to Friday, during the school holidays. You will work flexible hours as part of a team providing a programme of fun-filled activities and outings as well as supporting young people with aspects of personal care. Some previous experience in this area is preferred. Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and work hard are essential. To allow us to provide a consistent, quality service it is desirable that applicants commit to working up to 5 days per week during the Easter school holidays for a minimum of 12 hours per week. There will be an opportunity to work additional hours up to full time hours. Days will be given in advance. Our playschemes run in both Ayr and Girvan and staff may be expected to work at both sites. Mandatory training dates for staff will be arranged during February and March before commencement of the playscheme.
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. Aberlour’s values are critical and drive everything we do. We will be looking for someone who can demonstrate how Aberlour’s values of Respect, Innovation, Integrity and Challenge will be visible in their practice. You must be comfortable working in an environment where Aberlour’s values are lived in practice. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees please go to our website.
What we offer...
You will receive a planned and supported induction consisting of a varied training programme. You will be working alongside a highly motivated and skilled team. Find out more about our Employee Benefits and our commitment to Equality and Diversity on our website.
Aberlour is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our service users and uses a thorough and rigorous recruitment and selection process including PVG Scheme checks to ensure this commitment is not compromised.