Scotland’s Citizens Advice Network is an essential community service that empowers people through our local bureaux and national services by providing free, confidential, and independent advice. We use people’s real-life experiences to influence policy and drive positive change. We are on the side of people in Scotland who need help, and we change lives for the better.

The Citizens Advice network is made up of 59 local Citizens Advice Bureaux, each its own independent charity, and Citizens Advice Scotland as the national charity and membership body, which includes the GB delivery of Extra Help Unit service, a group of specialist case workers supporting vulnerable energy and post consumers. We provide advice across over 200 locations and deliver 12 national advice projects for UK and Scottish Government including the Money Talks advice service and the Help to Claim Universal Support advice service.

Last year the network helped nearly 180,000 people and unlocked £147million for people through things like social security payments and employment entitlements. Our online advice received over 5.4 million page views and our awareness raising campaigns reached millions of people.

Our vision is for a Fairer Scotland where everyone has the advice and information they need to realise their rights, and that the barriers to accessing those rights are effectively challenged.

Making Change Happen at Citizens Advice Scotland

The Impact team has access to the incredible wealth of data generated through advice giving by our network of Citizens Advice Bureaux and through the Extra Help Unit at Citizens Advice Scotland, and our online advice which is accessed by over 2 million people every month.

We hold the largest dataset on social issues outside of the public sector and this allows us to understand what is happening on the ground in communities across Scotland and reflect our client’s experiences to government and to those who can make a difference. We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face, and to work to strengthen their rights. To achieve change we work with governments, regulators and business at a UK and Scottish level on improving areas of particular detriment, and undertake research and deliver awareness and education campaigns.

Our Network Mission

• We help people navigate systems and access their rights
• We build resilience in local communities
• We support the realisation of human rights
• We help change policies and practices to ensure they work for people

This Opportunity

As a Policy Manager (Strong Communities) you will lead and manage a team dedicated to improving the policy, processes, and practices in the areas of access to justice and telecommunications and advocate for change on behalf of citizens and consumers in order to prevent detriment.

You will be responsible for managing the work plan, developing policy positions, directing the policy outputs of team members, advocating for change, raising awareness, undertaking research, and empowering people to make informed choices.

We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, can lead with drive and enthusiasm, able to efficiently manage a work programme of activity, and play a key role in a team dedicated to making positive change to the lives of people in Scotland.

This is a great opportunity to play a critical role in helping to make society fairer, and in supporting our network of Citizens Advice Bureaux across Scotland.

You will be able to demonstrate experience of working in policy development, advocacy, public affairs, consumer policy, or regulation. While not an essential criteria understanding of the Scottish legal system or legal qualifications, and/or knowledge of current issues and developments related to access to justice in Scotland, such as reform processes and the impacts of the pandemic on the justice system in Scotland would be beneficial to this role. Likewise understanding of telecommunications policy, the free advice landscape in Scotland, or experience of working as part of a network would also be beneficial for this role.

Employee benefits

Citizens Advice Scotland offers excellent terms and conditions. We want our people to have a great work life balance and we have designed our working practices and benefits to support this. Here are some of things our employees benefit from: a 35-hour full time working week, 40 days annual leave, genuine flexibility in working hours with a flexi-time system, and blended/hybrid working opportunities for every role.

Citizens Advice Scotland is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies and flexible working arrangements to support all our staff. We are also committed to equality of opportunity for all and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

CAS provides options for blended working to allow employees to balance their time attending the office with time working from home. The number of days you will be able to work from home each week will be dependent on your job role and can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

HairDreams Glasgow CIC (HDG) is looking to recruit a community development worker to lead and develop our community projects.

About HairDreams Glasgow

HDG is Scotland's most unique specialist training salon. Based in Glasgow’s Finnieston area, HDG launched in September of 2020, offering Afrocentric hair solutions, training, and floor experience. Furthermore, we facilitate community groups for those passionate about styling and learning all there is to know about Afro hair!

HDG is more than just hair care. It allows us to connect with other passionate people, while fostering a sense of community, and providing a comfortable and safe space within a salon environment! HDG is underpinned by a community spirit that supports the running of the business.

Description:

The Afro Hair Training Salon is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Community Development Worker to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing community-based programs and initiatives that support the salon's mission of promoting hair care and empowerment for the black community.

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and evaluate community-based programs focused on hair care education
• and empowerment for the black community.
• Organise and facilitate workshops and events to educate and engage the community in the salon's mission and services.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and businesses that serve the black community.
• Develop and leverage social media and other marketing strategies to raise awareness and engage the community with the salon's services.
• Monitor and report on program outcomes, ensuring that goals and objectives are being met and adjusted as needed.
• Provide regular updates and reports to salon management and stakeholders on program progress and outcomes.
• Identify and address barriers that prevent community members from accessing the salon's services and resources.
• Manage the onboarding process of volunteers
• Support the training and development of the salon's staff to effectively engage, educate, and empower the community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in community development, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in community development, program management, or a related field required.
• Experience working with black communities and an understanding of afro hair care.
• Strong communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Goal-oriented and able to manage and prioritise multiple projects.
• Knowledge of and experience with social media and marketing strategies.
• If you are passionate about community development and haircare and want to make a positive impact on the black community, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Do you want to make a real difference?

Resource Futures works at the leading edge of UK and global policy on resources and waste topics such as circular economy, marine pollution, plastic waste and climate change. We collect and analyse data, provide insights, and help design policies that have a far reaching effect on the environment.

We recognise the need for people with the requisite skills, passion and creativity to help shape our ambitious plans for policy work. If you aspire to be the best at what you do, and want to work at the forefront of environmental policy, come and work with Resource Futures.

About Resource Futures

Our vision is to accelerate progress towards a sustainable world through high quality environmental consultancy. We work collaboratively with governments, businesses and the third sector to help speed up the transition to a circular economy and manage resources and waste in a more sustainable way.

We are non-profit-distributing and have a close-knit team of 50+ trusted employees who collaborate across various areas of the business. Our multi-disciplined and connected approach sets us apart from the competition and enables us to build robust solutions that have a meaningful impact in the world.

We are passionate not only about what we do but how we do it, and we’re proud to be a part of the global B Corp movement to use business as a force for good. Employee-owned and independent, we’re all about helping each team member grow, and together striving towards our goal of a creating a sustainable world. We are ranked in the top 5% worldwide for all B Corps in our size group, we and were named a ‘Best for the World’ 2021 B Corp for our company governance.

We are motivated by the impact of our work and how it feeds into wider issues of climate justice and circular economy. Our work is far-ranging from supporting businesses to advising governments and delivering the evidence to support global change. Read more about our company and how we go beyond for our people, to help them grow and thrive.

The opportunity

We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable individual to join our Policy Team as a Consultant. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience in one or more relevant policy areas, either in a UK or international context, as well as project management skills and a positive attitude to problem-solving. Your knowledge and skills may have been developed in consultancy, government policy, the third sector, industry, academia or a combination of roles.

We are looking for a team member who complements our existing experience and brings their own specialisms. You will already have developed solid skills in either data analysis or writing impactful reports. You’ll be encouraged to expand your analytical toolkit in the role, with the support of senior colleagues, as well as developing your own interests.

We operate at the forefront of environmental policy, and support clients at all stages of policy development from preliminary research to policy design and evaluation. Our work reflects the experience and passions of our team members. As a Consultant, you’ll help to shape the workstream as we build on recent successes and develop new areas of growth. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to the team’s strategy and business development alongside your core role in delivering research projects.

Recent work in the UK has focused on tackling marine litter and waste issues from fishing and aquaculture gear, and exploring digital innovation in a UK deposit return scheme, alongside projects looking at extended producer responsibility, textiles, illegal waste disposal and global policy best practice. Internationally, we have been supporting governments of low and middle income countries to develop the evidence and strategies needed to tackle plastic waste.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss whether the role might be suitable for you.

What you will be doing

• Policy research and analysis: Clients may include government departments, public bodies, international development agencies, environmental NGOs and other progressive organisations with an interest in circular economy, resources and waste policy in the UK and globally.
• Project management: You’ll manage a range of projects, with the support of the project director, using project management software.
• Client relationship management: You’ll maintain excellent relationships with clients, ensuring they are well-informed, engaged and receive the value they seek from our work.
• Business development: You’ll support the business to identify new project opportunities, with the guidance of senior colleagues.
• Supporting other teams: You will have opportunities to contribute to projects in other workstreams, for example related to circular economy business support or behaviour change.
• Other responsibilities applicable for a Consultant grade.

Your application

In the ‘Skills and experience’ section of your application, please provide evidence related to the following essential and ‘great to have’ attributes.

The essentials

• A keen interest in environmental issues and sustainable resource use.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent training or experience.
• At least 2 years’ relevant work experience (including postgraduate research).
• Demonstrable subject knowledge related to at least one area of circular economy/waste policy, e.g. EPR, DRS, reuse, eco-design, product passports, electronics, textiles, construction, plastics, packaging, illegal disposal, waste exports, marine litter.
• Experience of designing and conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research projects.
• Strong communication skills, with experience of producing reports tailored to different audiences.
• Highly competent IT user, particularly Microsoft packages, including Word and Excel.
• A positive and proactive approach to problem-solving.

Great to haves

• Postgraduate degree or research experience in a relevant subject.
• Additional analytical skills and interests, for example in GIS, R or other software.
• A track record of successfully managing and delivering projects on time and on budget.
• Previous experience giving presentations tailored to different audiences.

Benefits

• Embedded hybrid working policy.
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, each year.
• One volunteer day each year.
• A generous ethical pension plan (the company will match up to 7% of your contribution).
• Life assurance cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 GP access, mental health support, wellbeing advice, financial and legal guidance.
• Established mental health and wellbeing group with trained mental health first aiders and responders, maintaining a focus on support for our team.
• Cycle to work scheme and on-site showers.
• On-site charging points for electric vehicles at the Bristol office.
• Subsidised professional membership such as CIWM or IEMA.
• An opportunity to become a company member, contributing to decision making and the future of our business.
• Access to our Consultative Group platform – a representative group of employees that provides an anonymous vehicle for employee voice, raising issues and engaging senior management.
• Regular line manager 1:1s and performance reviews, with opportunities to discuss and build targets that inspire and push you professionally.
• Annual training budget to ensure continued progression and development, as well as regular internal ‘Lunch and Learn’ and other sessions to share skills and knowledge across all workstreams and roles.
• Two annual team away days, each followed by evening socials.
• Green Bristol location, surrounded by nature, and only 10 minutes’ walk to the harbourside.
• Central Glasgow location near train stations, with roof terrace.
• An opportunity to join a friendly, fun, professional, challenging, and supportive place to work, and a team that is collectively focused on making a positive impact.

Our mission is to be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their rights respected, and have appropriate support to live the life of their choice. People who work at the Commission play a vital role in promoting rights and welfare of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. It’s challenging and rewarding work that relies on excellent communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our professional and multi-disciplinary team. This role is part of a newly expanded team that will respond flexibly and efficiently to the growing demands of the Commission.

The post-holder will support the visits and telephone advice line functions with day-to-day preparation, monitoring and reporting of local, guardianship, themed visits, and support end of year meetings.

The post-holder will plan, manage and deliver agreed projects within timescales ensuring collaborative working across a range of stakeholders to support the delivery of the project objectives.

The ideal candidate must have a relevant degree or equivalent experience, project management experience and excellent written and oral communication skills.