Are you a strategic thinker? An experienced campaigns and policy lead with a proven track record of influencing and bringing about big systems changes?

If so, we might have the perfect role for you at Forces Children Scotland.

About the role

Forces Children Scotland is looking for someone with the expertise, passion and drive to help support change across the sector. We are looking for someone to help the charity realise its strategic vision of becoming the sector-leading charity when it comes to supporting children and young people from regular, reservist and veteran families across Scotland. We need someone with experience of developing and leading campaigns and with strengths in leading policy and influencing work. A core aspect of this role will be implementing our new co-produced approach to influencing change and realising our manifesto calls.

Our children and young people can encounter both positive and challenging experiences as part of a service family and we help them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and gain valuable experiences. We do this by co-producing projects and services to support mental health and wellbeing, education and learning, and put their unique experiences on the radar of civilian audiences. We provide life-changing experiences that forge new friendships and help develop a sense of belonging. We listen and provide financial help in lots of different ways and support those caring for loved ones or a member of the local community as well as those gaining qualifications at college or university.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, deputising as required, as well as ensuring external policy direction and research influences our work internally within Forces Children Scotland. You will champion our work and maximise its impact by sharing knowledge across organisational functions, our communication channels and externally with strategic partners, government, and professional sectors.

About the person we are looking for

To apply for this role, you will need to hold a professional qualification and/or have significant experience in a relevant field, such as health, education, social care. In addition, you will need a minimum of eight years’ experience in working within the children and young people’s sector in a multi-agency capacity. You will need to evidence strong experience of bringing about change through influencing and campaigning, across multiple sectors related to children and young people. Our ideal candidate will also have experience of establishing and leading cross sector partnerships and translating strategy and policy into practice, based on research evidence including data analysis and voices of lived experience. You will also need to have experience of working with academic establishments across the UK and beyond in commissioning and disseminating research/reports as well as significant experience of working with and influencing Scottish and/or UK Government and policy. Furthermore, you will need to possess experience of managing staff. The role will also require a strong breadth of experience in the fields of mental health and wellbeing and/or education.

As Toonspeak embarks on an exciting new chapter, giving more young people the opportunity to access the arts and experience the life changing magic of being a ‘Toonie’, we are delighted to advertise two roles that will form the charity’s Senior Management team.

The Head of Programme and Creative Development will work alongside the Head of Corporate Services under the guidance of the Chief Executive to lead and inspire both the staff team and the community of children and young people.

We are looking for a highly motivated, solutions focused and enthusiastic Wellbeing Services Lead who is passionate about innovation and making a difference.

The Donaldson Trust is the National Body for Neurodiversity. We pride ourselves on our person-centred approach and expertise, recognising the importance of tailored, flexible support services so we can truly meet the individual needs of neurodivergent children, young people and adults.

You will lead the operational management and support further development our collective Wellbeing Services for young people, ensuring best practice and highest standard of safeguarding. Our Wellbeing Services currently include Vibe in Linlithgow, West Lothian, and WoodlaND Learning in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire.

You will lead teams of Learning and Wellbeing Practitioners to ensure young people are supported to achieve their ambitions using a wellbeing framework and a programme of learning and skills development activities designed to meet individual needs.

You will have experience of managing services in a related field, monitoring and evaluating outcomes and impact, and strong approach to performance management and quality improvement. With strong communication, collaborative and influencing skills, you will have a track record of leading, managing and developing effective teams.

As a member of a multidisciplinary leadership team, you will also contribute to the strategic development of services and organisational growth to increase our support of neurodivergent people. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced service manager looking to take the next step in their career.