Poverty and inequality are the greatest challenges Scotland faces. The Poverty Alliance is working to create a wide coalition that can bring about real change. As our network in Scotland continues to grow, we have created a new role in our senior management team to support and manage the sustained development of our organisation.
As a result of the continued growth and development of the Poverty Alliance, we have created the post of Director of Operations. This is an important new development for the Poverty Alliance, one that will play a key role in ensuring we have the resources and policies in place to enable us to deliver on our purpose of supporting the prevention and reduction of poverty by building a strong network that influences policy and changes practice.
We are looking for someone who has significant experience at a senior leadership level, with a sound understanding of operational management and project and service development. You will not only have experience in budgetary management, but a strong track record in income generation. We will need someone who is focused on securing ambitious outcomes and impact, particularly in a social change context.
The Director of Operations will play a critical role in continuing to develop our approach to agile working and will have experience of ensuring continuous improvement and innovation is at the heart of organisational development. You will have commitment to inclusive working, and knowledge of policy and practice in relation to diversity, inclusion and equality.
The Poverty Alliance is a values and mission driven organisation. We bring together hundreds of organisations who share our desire to see an end to poverty, and a Scotland where everyone can flourish. If you share that desire to bring about real social change, then we would love to hear from you.
LEADING A STRONG NATIONAL CHARITY
Shared Parenting Scotland (SPS) is the expert voice in Scotland promoting parenting arrangements after separation that benefit children by trying to ensure that both parents remain fully involved in their lives.
Our telephone helpline and support meetings across Scotland help parents to stay involved after separation and provide information and support about all forms of dispute resolution including mediation, legal negotiation and court action. Each support meeting is attended by a family lawyer. Around a thousand parents contact these services every year or make use of our WhatsApp closed group chats which offer support 24/7.
Our training programme delivers two innovative programmes for separated parents.
New Ways For Families® helps parents to avoid high conflict behaviour, strengthens their abilities to make parenting decisions and communicate with their ex-partner and helps them rely less on experts and the courts to make decisions for them and their children. It is licensed by the High Conflict institute to SPS for delivery throughout the UK and we have recruited a team of freelance coaches.
Love, Loss and Living was developed by SPS in partnership with psychotherapist Jan Montgomery. It helps parents who are not seeing their children to understand and manage the grief and stress. It is now being delivered through a mixture of online course material and online or face-to-face group support sessions.
We also work to influence statutory and voluntary organisations to remove barriers to shared parenting and support parents to reach agreement rather than fight each other in court. We meet regularly with civil servants and MSPS across a range of departments and are the secretary to the Cross Party Group on Shared Parenting at the Scottish Parliament We publish a range of guides on different aspects of family law, courts and other shared parenting issues. Every summer we have hosted a student intern who undertakes a project supporting our work, such as a study of the views of young people on how parental separation affected them (Sharing My Parents), a review of developments in family courts in various countries (Learning from Abroad). In 2024 our student has worked on improving the accessibility of information about family court and dispute resolution processes and developed some new information sheets and videos for us.
We have built up links with other shared parenting organisations across the world and presented papers about our work at international conferences of the International Council on Shared Parenting and the Association of Family And Conciliation Courts.
BUILDING ON FIFTEEN YEARS OF GROWTH
The charity has been operating on a volunteer basis in Scotland for a long time, but was formalised as the Scottish project of Families Need Fathers when funding was obtained in 2010 to open a Scottish office. Families Need Fathers Scotland was registered as a separate charity and has operated independently of Families Need Fathers since 2012. The name of the charity was changed to Shared Parenting Scotland in 2020.
The current national manager Ian Maxwell and Policy Manager John Forsyth have both worked for the charity since 2010, during which time the staff has grown to six people. The new chief executive will take on the challenge of maintaining and developing the organisation at a time when the need to support separated parents and their families is even greater than in 2010.
Our vision is a Scotland in which the norm after separation will be equal sharing of responsibilities between parents and more support for children after separation.
This is an exciting time to join SPS and lead on the delivery of our training and support programmes.
The Chief Executive provides leadership for the SPS team, promoting our work to funders and stakeholders, working with other sector leaders, and helping shape developments in the sector and wider political environment.
While being an expert in family law or dispute resolution is not an essential requirement, we are looking for a leader who is interested in organisational learning and development and who cares about the outcomes for separated families.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
We would like to hear from compelling communicators with excellent team leadership skills and the ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships. Our ideal candidate will also be experienced in financial and strategic planning with the ability to identify opportunities for SPS to develop, thrive and continue to innovate in the years ahead. Direct experience of one or more of the main areas of work (helpline, training delivery and policy work) is necessary although it does not need to be directly related to co-parenting or family breakdown.
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including experienced managers who may be considering a CEO role for the first time.
Post Overview
The purpose of the job is to:
Shared Care Scotland is recruiting a new Head of Policy and Communications following the promotion of the current postholder. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic communicator to join the team at a pivotal time with short breaks and respite care policy high on the political agenda.
Shared Care Scotland is an innovative national charity, based in Dunfermline, working to support Scotland’s unpaid carers to access short breaks and respite. We aim to be an influential, leading voice advocating for carers’ rights and helping shape the future of short breaks provision in Scotland; a trusted partner that can be relied on for consistent high-quality information and guidance; and an organisation that connects good practice, ideas, and people to support learning and improvement.
The Head of Policy & Communications role will help us achieve this ambition by ensuring we have effective links between our policy, communications and evidence-related activities to optimise our impact, strengthen our reputation and increase our visibility. The successful candidate will lead on the development and implementation of our influencing and communication activities across all workstreams of the organisation and oversee policy-related work of the organisation. This will involve building relationships and engaging with government, policymakers, sector leads and influencers and developing joint working with strategic partners.
For the right candidate this offers huge potential to develop and deliver innovative and creative ideas and be part of a team that can have real impact of the lives of unpaid carers.
In return we offer a supportive, collaborative team environment with excellent terms and conditions. Staff benefits include a pension scheme with 15.5% employer contribution, employee health plan, flexible working and opportunities for professional development.
Mark Ruskell MSP is seeking a proactive leader to join his team on a fixed-term basis with a passion for community engagement and office management. In the role of Head of Office, you will be responsible for the daily operations of Mark’s office both in the constituency and at Parliament. The role will also involve driving regional engagement initiatives and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders.
The successful candidate will provide essential support for Mark’s parliamentary duties and constituency work. By enhancing Mark’s regional presence, you will play a crucial role in supporting his constituents across the Mid Scotland and Fife region.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of Mark Ruskell MSP in serving his constituents and shaping public policy.
Fixed term over 9 months (with the potential for extension to 12 months).
Responsibilities
About You
Shelter Scotland is seeking a new Managing Principal Solicitor to lead the Shelter Scotland Housing Law Service. This is an exciting opportunity to head up a dynamic team of talented specialist housing solicitors.
The role will require strong leadership supervising and managing strategic litigation pursuing complex or novel points of law. The team have been at the forefront of some of the most influential pieces of strategic housing legal work in Scotland over the years. A keen interest in developing and testing the law in this area will be a key attribute for the role.
About the role
As Managing Principal Solicitor, you will:
About you
See the JD on our website for further details on the role specific responsibilities. They will include having:
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About Shelter Scotland Law Service
Currently, Shelter Scotland Housing Law Service operates as a sole practitioner firm, with a wider legal team who are both lawyers and lay people. All individuals are employed by Shelter Scotland, with the Principal Solicitor or their nominee entitled to take part in the recruitment of firm staff. Whilst the Firm undertakes to operate within the policies and parameters of Shelter Scotland, it is the Firm’s responsibility to comply with LSS compliance and obligations to maintain its registration with the LSS.
Shelter Scotland are actively looking at different business models for the future of the Law Service, in which the Managing Principal Solicitor would play a key role.
About Shelter
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for transforming services and making a lasting impact in the social care sector? Care Support Scotland is looking for a dynamic Director of Service Delivery & Development to shape our strategic direction and lead with purpose." We are looking for an inspiring individual to join our Senior Leadership Team as Director of Service Delivery & Development, guiding our strategic direction and ensuring top-quality service delivery. This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, shape our future, and leave a lasting impact in our organisation and the community.
At Care Support Scotland, we are dedicated to providing high-quality social care services that enhance the lives of those we support. As a forward-thinking and compassionate organisation, we champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.
About the Role
Key Responsibilities:
Your Benefits:
We offer an exceptional benefits package to ensure your personal and professional well-being:
Why Join Us?
At Care Support Scotland, you will be part of a mission-driven organisation committed to making a meaningful impact in our communities. We offer a collaborative and supportive environment where your professional development is a priority, and you can lead transformative initiatives.
If you’re a forward-thinking, values-driven leader ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you!
As the National Body for Neurodiversity, The Donaldson Trust (‘Donaldsons’) strives to lead by example to enhance public understanding of neurodiversity, foster excellence in practice, and empower neurodivergent individuals to find their voice.
We believe there is a genuine opportunity to create positive societal change – making a difference with, and for, neurodivergent people. As our new Chief Executive, you will drive the organisation’s future strategy, focusing on broadening our reach, increasing our societal impact and influence, and amplifying neurodivergent voices. Ensuring that neurodivergent individuals remain central to everything we do will be your guiding priority.
In this role, you will enhance and build upon Donaldsons’ profile by fostering strong networks with a diverse range of stakeholders. Acting as the organisation’s primary ambassador, you will champion awareness of neurodiversity and issues facing neurodivergent individuals and raise the profile of both the organisation and its impact at both a local and national level.
As a visionary, ambitious, compassionate, and forward-thinking leader, you will bring a proven track record of achievement in a senior strategic role. You will have expertise in resource and budget management, delivering long-term financial sustainability. With strong commercial acumen, you will balance mission-driven objectives with the long-term financial health of the organisation, and your high levels of political acuity, emotional intelligence, and advocacy skills will empower you to champion neurodivergent individuals and their families.
This role presents an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic leader to make a significant impact within an organisation committed to transforming the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
Poverty and inequality are the greatest challenges Scotland faces. The Poverty Alliance is working to create a wide coalition that can bring about real change.
A vacancy has arisen for an experienced social researcher to join the Poverty Alliance’s busy and impactful Research and Information Team. We are looking for a new Senior Research Officer, who will work across a range of qualitative research projects including supporting peer research with people with direct experience of poverty and on projects that span across different social policy areas relating to poverty including social security, employment and health.
The right person for this job will have significant experience and knowledge of conducting and managing qualitative research, preferably in an applied research context. You will have excellent knowledge of a range of qualitative and participatory research methodologies and methods. Alongside a sound knowledge of current issues and trends in relation to poverty and inequality, you will have experience of research focused on delivering real social change.
Above all, we are looking for a dynamic, passionate and committed individual, who not only wants to understand the nature of the social challenges we face but wants to change them too.
SWAN is an autistic-led Charity run for and by autistic women, girls and non-binary people across Scotland.
Reporting to the CEO, the role will involve providing dedicated admin support to SWAN as an organisation and to the staff team. The post holder will be working with other SWAN staff and volunteers to provide the best possible service to those who come to SWAN, and to operate an effective remote office system.
SWAN is a small but very active Charity, so multitasking, time management skills, and the ability to prioritise tasks and function well at busy times are key. The role is interesting and varied and there are opportunities to develop the post in line with your strengths and skills.
You will be working as part of a friendly, supportive team of autistic professionals, in a neuro-inclusive environment.
You can find more information about SWAN on our website and in our Strategy.
Why apply for this role?
Children’s Hearings Scotland (CHS) is undergoing an exciting period of reform, designed to make a step change in improving the outcomes for infants, children and young people who need us most. Children’s Hearings Tribunal Members play a vital role in Scotland’s society. They listen and make legal decisions for infants, children and young people. They ensure that the young person is at the heart of every decision taken – because every decision, no matter how big or small, has an impact.
As Quality Partner, reporting to the Quality Manager you will support the delivery of our ambitious Quality strategy, helping drive continuous improvement and ensure we are delivering effective and high-quality tribunals across Scotland.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Quality Partner who will use their passion and experience for quality to help drive organisational excellence. This role is pivotal in driving and monitoring consistent, reliable performance and high standards of operational delivery. You will play an important part in supporting our people to make high quality decisions that improve outcomes for infants, children and young people. You will deliver a quality offer that supports the knowledge and behaviours that are required of the Hearing Tribunal.
You will have a track record of delivering evidence-informed projects or services and be ambitious about achieving excellence. You will have skill, experience and enthusiasm with managing complexity and using data to deliver robust approaches to quality, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. Working as part of a small Quality team, you will help build and maintain processes to collect evidence and drive progress through the implementation of our strategic plan.
An experienced and effective leader, you will be working with the National Team and partners and must be able to build collaborative relationships. Through engagement and gathering evidence, you will reflect the experience and perspectives of the volunteer community. You will be committed to listening to the voice of people with lived experience of the care system to shape and influence what we do and how we do it.
You can find our Quality Strategy on our website.
Find a news article in Third Force News about Quality in CHS.
For information on how to apply, please see bottom of the advert.
Your Role
Ensuring an agile and robust quality offer, you will work to influence and collaborate with other functions across CHS including Practice and Standards, Participation, Learning and Local Delivery teams to ensure implementation alignment and relevance of the Quality Strategy and its operational delivery.
You will bring experience of working with project teams, diverse stakeholders and leaders to deliver tangible improvements. You will use this track record to work collaboratively, showing leadership and challenging practice and culture when necessary to deliver quality services. You will have excellent communication skills.
Gathering and communicating evidence and data of what we do well, and where we need to improve is a critical element of this role. Working with colleagues, you will help shape practice and policy. You will also influence learning with effective feedback loops that share good practice as well as understanding from situations when CHS has not fully met the expectations of children and young people.
You will play a key role in working with our Tribunal Delivery Managers, as well as supporting our network of 130 Panel Practice Advisor volunteers who work with CHS to improve quality.
Our Positive Outcomes Directorate team
This role sits with the Positive Outcomes directorate, which also includes Practice and Policy, Participation, Complaints and feedback and Learning. The role of the team is to engage with our strong volunteer community, and to raise the profile of who we are and what we do. You will collaborate with other departments and teams across the wider organisation.
Life at CHS
Our 2,500 volunteer Panel Members take part in children’s hearings in their local areas, making decisions with and for infants, children and young people. Our organisation also supports a network of 9 regional teams, made up of volunteers who support Panel Members in their local communities.
As an organisation that works within the children’s hearings system, we are passionate about making a positive contribution to improving outcomes for Scotland’s infants, children and young people.
You can read more about our core values HERE as well as view an introductory video to our organisation. We also offer a generous benefits package from hybrid working, flexi hours and a fantastic pension scheme - you check out our full benefits summary HERE.
Diversity and Inclusion
CHS is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and are committed to providing any reasonable adjustments required during application and assessment process, and upon joining us.