The Presbytery of Lothian and Borders ( Presbytery of Lothian and Borders ) offers an exciting opportunity for someone who is visionary, approachable and passionate about mission and the work of, and reform in, the Church of Scotland and who is willing to help shape Presbytery to best serve God and its communities.

The Presbytery was established on 1 January 2023 when the former Presbyteries of Duns, Jedburgh, Lothian and Melrose and Peebles came together as part of the reform programme established by the General Assembly.

Currently the Presbytery consists of 86 congregations in 57 charges; however as we continue to implement our Mission Planning process this may change. We have developed a set of planning principles in order to bring one cohesive Presbytery plan into being.

The successful candidate will lead a team consisting of a part-time Administrator and a full-time Mission officer as well as working closely with the Buildings Officer appointed by both the Presbytery and the General Trustees. We are seeking an individual who will bring experience of the Church of Scotland, inspirational leadership and flexibility on working practices to respond to the changing needs of our presbytery. The Presbytery Clerk is a key support to those serving in our parishes, such as Ministers, Deacons, MDS, Readers and voluntary office bearers.

The successful candidate will be expected to live within the bounds of the new Presbytery to facilitate an understanding of the needs of the people we serve.

churchofscotland.org.uk/get-involved/vacancies-and-volunteering/locally-funded-posts

About the Church of Scotland

The Church of Scotland is a national Church providing ministry, care, witness and service across the whole of Scotland and engaging in other parts of the UK and across the world. It has been a significant part of the life of Scotland for more than 450 years. As well as providing worshipping communities of faith that testify to the truth and relevance of the Christian faith, it also plays a significant part in the community life of Scotland in a variety of ways and adds significantly to its social capital.

The Church of Scotland today works in partnership with others, including churches from around the world, ecumenical partners, interfaith networks, charities and individuals. It engages with Government and civic society, believing that the Good News of Jesus is relevant within the spheres of politics and decision-making, as well as in our local communities and congregations.

Central Services Committee

Providing the support functions to the Church and to the Councils of the Church, the Central Services Committee (CSC) recruit for areas such as Central Properties, Human Resources, IT, Law and Office Management.

Central Services also supports recruitment for the Office of the Assembly Trustees, the Office of the General Assembly, Faith Action Programme, as well as other committees, to provide support in areas of administration, outreach and strategy.

As staff working in the national offices of the Church of Scotland we aim to provide excellent professional services to support the work of the wider Church and its Forums, Committees, Presbyteries and Congregations throughout Scotland, the United Kingdom and across the world.

Our six values, in equal order of importance, are:

Grace - Acting with humility in all our endeavours

Integrity - Acting with honesty, responsibility and accountability

Respect - Valuing others, ensuring inclusiveness and equality

Professionalism - Demonstrating commitment and striving for excellence

Collaboration - Working together to connect and communicate in an open and transparent environment

Innovation - Thinking creatively about building for the future and embracing change

We are committed to each of our six values in all that we do and this informs our attitude to working together.

About the Department

The General Trustees are the property-owning arm of the Church of Scotland. The Trustees have an extensive portfolio of buildings and land throughout Scotland which they manage on behalf of local congregations. The General Trustees are supported by professional staff based in their offices in central Edinburgh, including, surveyors, solicitors, health and safety and fire safety advisors, and a business support team.

Context of the Role

This role will primarily work to provide administrative support across the General Trustees Business Support Team who provide adminsitrative support to the wider General Trustees staff and the Trustees.

The post will work in a hybrid manner, with a maximum of 3 days per working week required in the office and the remainder from home.

We are looking for a Night Shift Worker who will maintain the therapeutic centre as a safe environment for residents as the only waking night shift worker, while promoting a caring environment through high standards of professional practice.

This post is restricted to female applicants in order to reduce barriers of access for the all-female residents.

Your tasks include establishing and maintaining the general security of the building during night shift hours, in accordance with policies and procedures and accepted customs and practices, and, in the absence of a Project Worker, with ‘on-call’ management support, lead shift. You will also undertake general household duties including the cleaning of public areas during each shift.

Experience of working with vulnerable and homeless people, experience of working within a team and an understanding of mental health issues, addiction problems and chaotic behaviour are needed for the role.

As Bethany is a Christian organisation this post carries an Occupational Requirement in line with Equality Act 2010. Please note that one reference must be from your church minister or leader to endorse your live and active Christian faith and commitment. Successful applicants for this post will require an enhanced disclosure and membership of the PVG scheme.

We are committed to helping our employees flourish personally and professionally. Below are a few examples of the ways we support our employees.

• Bethany provides 30 days of annual leave initially to all contracted staff, rising to a maximum of 40 days depending on length of service.
• Bethany provides enhanced payments for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
• Bethany operates a company pension scheme to which all staff are auto-enrolled, with option to opt out. We will match any staff member’s pension contribution up to a maximum of 5%.
• Bethany provides a death in service benefit scheme.
• (Depending on the role) Optional clinical supervision will be offered in line with best practice and fully funded by Bethany.

“They helped me through thick and thin. From when I came out of the hospital…they were there for me.” – James, Person Supported by Carr Gomm

Supporting people to live their best lives is at the heart of this role. As Service Manager, you’ll take a leading role in shaping high-quality, person-centred support within our Edinburgh and Lothians services for people living with enduring mental ill health in supported living environments.

Carr Gomm is a leading social care and community development charity working across Scotland. Every week, thousands of people rely on our support to live independently, stay connected to their communities and make choices that matter to them.

Our values of Choice, Control, Interdependence, Respect, Openness & Honesty and Kindness & Compassion shape our work. Joining us means being part of an organisation where every voice matters.

Why This Role Matters

In this Monday-to-Friday role, you will make a meaningful difference for people living with enduring mental ill health by supporting them to achieve their outcomes and live their best lives.

You will create the conditions for good support to happen by guiding and empowering a team of Support Practitioners, so they feel confident, supported and equipped in their work. You ensure support plans and risk assessments remain relevant and person-centred, and you keep day-to-day arrangements running smoothly so people receive consistent, high-quality support.

Above all, your leadership helps create an environment where people feel listened to, respected and able to access the support they need.

“I think Carr Gomm is very good at putting the needs of people at the forefront, and that’s what’s important.” Rab, Person Supported by Carr Gomm

Who We Are Looking For

We’re looking for a compassionate and effective leader who can engage, inspire, and support others. You should have experience in adult social care, excellent communication skills, and a creative approach to problem-solving. You’ll bring:

• Experience in adult social care: You should have an SVQ 4 in Health and Social care, or be willing to work towards this, as well as experience leading or supporting teams in social care, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities this role brings
• Leadership skills: You’re a supportive leader - approachable, adaptable, and able to empower your team, especially during times of change or challenge
• Problem-solving: Strong critical thinking and the ability to find solutions that make a positive impact on the people we support and your team
• Knowledge of the sector: A solid understanding of the Scottish Social Care sector, including regulatory bodies such as the Care Inspectorate and SSSC

Why Join Carr Gomm?

You’ll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking organisation that invests in its people. Staff have opportunities to shape how we work through specialist working groups and our Futures innovation programme, and we proudly hold the LGBT Charter for our commitment to inclusion.

You’ll also receive:

• 35 days holiday per year, increasing to 40 days with length of service
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and sick leave
• A Defined Contribution pension scheme, with incremental employer contributions
• Access to the Carr Gomm App: which includes free physiotherapy, health coaching and counselling
• Free Blue Light Card (giving access to thousands of discounts and promotions)
• Membership of a credit union
• Cycle to work scheme; and more!