The Scottish Youth Parliament Board is looking to recruit up to 4 External Advisors to support the strategic direction and governance of the charity.

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the national democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) are elected in national elections for a two-year term and represent constituencies and national voluntary organisations. SYP is a rights-based organisation that campaigns for change to make Scotland the best place to grow up.

The board of SYP is entirely youth led, with 8 trustees being elected from our wider membership at our AGM to lead the organisation. SYP Trustees (including Chair and Vice Chair are elected for a 1-year term with the option of re standing for a further year). The SYP board is supported by External Advisors who have a governance role in brining their knowledge and experience in relevant disciplines to support the board and SYP CEO.

SYP is entering an exciting new chapter with a new CEO appointed in July 2023, a new strategy being developed in 2024 and a new youth manifesto launching in 2025. We are looking for passionate and committed External Advisors to support SYP to deliver for the young people of Scotland. We are looking for applications from a broad range of individuals who bring their unique experiences and expertise to the board.

SYP is specifically looking for new External Advisors with expertise in:

Accountancy, Audit and Risk

• Human Resources and People

• Fundraising and Income Generation

• Government/Political Engagement

• Equalities and Human Rights

We welcome applicants who may not have served on a board, but have board exposure at a senior level who are looking for a volunteer position and experience to support our charitable objectives and strategy. SYP is committed to providing a working environment in which employees, volunteers, stakeholders, partners and associates are able to realise their full potential and contribute to our work irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. In terms of our work, we expand this list to consider the needs of employees with part time status and disadvantaged groups, including care-experienced people, carers, people from a lower socio-economic background or living in poverty, asylum seekers and refugees. This is a key employment value to which all employees are expected to give their support.

Successful candidates will be required to be a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme.

As part of our succession planning, we are seeking to have new Board members to work alongside our existing board in supporting the work of Granton Youth.

Becoming a Trustee can help develop transferable skills that can support career opportunities such as leadership, strategic planning and communication skills.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with a background in leading a charity or other organisation and/or would like to have the opportunity to develop leadership skills.

Who we are looking for:

• Those who want to help build the aspirations of local young people, and their families, to promote a more inclusive community.
• Want to support our work to provide a safe environment for young people in North Edinburgh to explore relevant health, emotional, social and economic issues.
• To Increase participation and social responsibility amongst local young people and their families and reduce social isolation.
• People who have an interest in the development of young people in marginalised communities.

As a registered charity with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) Granton Youth trustees have responsibility for the effective governance of the organisation. They are responsible for the legal, financial and organisational overview of the organisation. The board supports a full time Manager who has day-to-day operational responsibility for the charity. GY has a clear strategy that underpins our work. The board includes people from across all sectors who bring their skills and experience to the role.

Granton Youth is guided by the legislation and good practice provided by OSCR.

The Board meets every 8 weeks or, as and, when required. Meetings are a mix of virtual and face to face. Meetings last approximately one hour to one and a half hours.

Successful applicants will require to undertake an PVG application process before taking up role – the charity will pay for associated costs and process applications.

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of families and children?

COVEY has two exciting opportunities available for Coordinators to manage delivery of 1-1 and group-based befriending/ mentoring support to children and young people.

COVEY’s consistent relationship-based support, which is centred on the participant’s needs, interests and hopes, improves health and wellbeing, social connections, confidence and increases their engagement with education, training, volunteering or employment.

As a Coordinator, you will have the ability to work collaboratively with children, young people, their families and others who support them. This will involve engaging with various, community, statutory and voluntary agencies and working in close partnership to support vulnerable families.

You would ideally have experience of supporting volunteers, managing a caseload, evaluation and monitoring. We are looking for someone who has a real passion around supporting those who are most vulnerable in our community.

Essential requirements:

• Available for at least two evenings per week where required
• Enhanced PVG required for this post
• Full Driving License with access to a car for business use/purposes

We are excited to announce the opportunity for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join the SYP team. Working within SYPs youth led structure, this role will be to support on the delivery of our policy, campaigns, influencing and public affairs work across the organisation. Including supporting Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, project participants, support workers, SYP staff and other key stakeholders. This post is subject to membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme.

Visit our website for full details.