Articulate Cultural Trust was established in 2017 to make sure children with care experience can have a positive childhood. Our purpose is to improve the lives of the young people by scaffolding their innate curiosity and creativity. We provide direct support through the arts for well-being, to build skills and give a voice and platform to children and young people in and those who have left care and who share our vision, mission and passion for creativity as a tool for social, educational, and economic health.

​The Change We Commit To:

Articulate’s vision is for a nation in which the talents of all young people can truly shine, in a society where there are no barriers to creative participation. Our mission is to provide equality of opportunity for marginalised citizens by removing barriers to their enjoyment of and participation in the arts, exploring creative potential and engaging with our contemporary cultural landscape.

​What We Do:

Articulate is a niche and specialist charity that has equality, diversity and inclusion at its core and co-designs services that benefit Scotland’s most vulnerable young people, specifically those who are or have experienced care, homeless, seeking asylum, at risk, or living in poverty in our most challenged communities.

We promote quality and excellence through creative learning and by ensuring diverse and marginalised potential is discovered, nurtured and supported thereby also contributing to the diversification of the creative industries.

How We Do It:

Through our access, participation and employability projects, Articulate improves the well-being, achievement, and attainment of young people of all backgrounds. Articulate works with the most skilled artists in Scotland, across all art-forms and inclusively with children at all ages and stages of their social, educational and emotional development. We deliver highly creative programmes for children that focus on developing positive outcomes for learning, for life and in preparation for the world of work.

​Trustee Recruitment

​Articulate is looking to recruit new Trustees to support the development of the charity's strategic direction, quality assurance, risk management, fund-raising and good governance in line with our ambitious ten-year plan.

We would like to hear from any interested individuals who have the time and commitment to support our activities. In particular, we seek younger applicants and people with care experienced backgrounds and/or with education, human resources, mental health, IT or capital fundraising knowledge.

We would particularly benefit from input by people with lived experience of the care system and we'd also benefit hugely from the guidance of a Trustee from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background*. ACT is committed to diversity and inclusion but at present, we have no Trustees of colour. We are very keen to address this deficit and welcome applicants from ethnically diverse communities.

* We acknowledge that these terms are far from perfect and are following conversations closely in the sector.

A full Role Description is available for download below.

Join Our Board and Make a Difference at Edinburgh Students' Charities Appeal.

Are you passionate about empowering students, supporting charitable causes, and making a positive impact in our community? ESCA is seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Trustees and play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.

About ESCA:

Our Legacy: With a history spanning over 155 years, ESCA is the link between students and charitable giving. We have a rich legacy of empowering students to fundraise for causes they care about.

Our Aim: ESCA's aim is to inspire, support, and enable students to organise innovative fundraising events that benefit both local and global charitable initiatives.

What We Do:

Empower Students: ESCA provides students with the resources, guidance, and support they need to create and manage their fundraising events. We believe in the power of young minds to drive positive change.

Fundraising Support: We offer grants, event planning assistance, technology resources, and mentorship to students, helping them turn their ideas into impactful fundraisers.

Community Engagement: ESCA fosters a sense of community among students, volunteers, and charitable organisations, strengthening our collective ability to make a difference.

What We Are Looking For:

As part of our open recruitment for Board members, ESCA is specifically seeking individuals with expertise and experience in the following areas:

HR/Legal Expertise: We are looking for someone with a background in human resources or legal affairs who can provide guidance on governance, compliance, and HR-related matters.

Finance/Accounting Experience: We seek a Board member with financial and accounting expertise to help oversee our financial operations, budgets, and financial strategy.

Marketing and PR Experience: ESCA aims to expand its reach and impact. We need a marketing and PR expert who can help us develop and execute effective strategies to raise awareness and support.

Why Join ESCA

Make a Difference: Your involvement with ESCA directly contributes to positive change in our community and supports charitable causes.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, students, and professionals who share your passion for philanthropy and community engagement.

Shape the Future: Contribute your expertise to guide ESCA's strategic direction and help us evolve in an ever-changing landscape.

What to Expect at ESCA:

Board Meetings: Trustees typically commit to attending monthly in-person board meetings. These meetings provide a forum for strategic discussions, decision-making, and updates from our students.

Communication Commitments: Alongside Board meetings, trustees will be expected to engage in document reviews and correspondence, ensuring effective communication and preparation for upcoming meetings and ESCA activities.

Event Participation: Depending on your availability and interests, you may choose to participate in ESCA events, engaging with the community and supporting our initiatives.

Who we are

withYOU is an organisation established in the 1980’s, previously part of Castle Rock Edinvar and latterly Places for People Scotland. In 2018, it separated to become its own independent charity.

Our services cover a broad range of social care areas, but have a unifying focus around ensuring those we support are able to have a safe, secure place to stay, and wherever possible are able to maintain their tenancy.

We work with people 16+. Our service models range from housing support in core and cluster, outreach services and we have a number of 24/7 supported services, including homelessness hostels.

Our services cover:

• Homelessness, Prevention and Housing Support

• Older Age Care

• Learning disability and Neurodiversity.

We work with over 1200 people each year, employ 230 staff and have an annual turnover of over £6m. Whilst our organisation is relatively unknown, we have ambitions to become a more recognised provider of high quality care and support. Alongside substantial internal transformation activity, we are also undergoing a re-branding exercise which will culminate in a new name and visual identity, alongside new external communications approaches to support our development.

Our Vision

To enable the people we support to live their best lives.

Our Mission

We provide expert services that make a positive impact for people who require support with independent living. Our people are passionate, caring professionals, thriving within our progressive learning environment.

Our Values

Respect – “We respect the choices and dignity of our people, and ensure integrity in all we do.”

Compassion – “We care deeply about one another, promote diversity and create spaces of compassion free from judgement.”

Thrive – “We learn, develop, work and grow together, supporting people to thrive.”

Who we are looking for

We are undertaking a substantial transformation and improvement programme, and are looking for several trustees who can play an integral role in the governance of our charity.

You do not need to have been a Trustee before, nor hold a senior position elsewhere. What we are looking for is people with an interest in supporting our organisation to develop through contribution of their own skill sets, a passion for ensuring high quality care and support is provided to those in our services, and a desire to play an active role in our governance.

We would particularly like to speak to individuals with a background in:

• Finance

• Social Care / Social Work / Health

• Legal.

However, if you have a background in an alternative area, but are interested in the work of withYOU and believe you could bring energy and value to our organisation, please do get in touch.

Purpose of the board and the position of Trustee

The withYOU Board provides leadership and direction to the organisation, determining strategy and ensuring that people and financial resources are available to support its delivery.

The Board promotes high standards of governance to ensure that the organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements, both as a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Board monitors performance ensuring that risks are assessed, monitored and managed, and that quality service provision and innovation is thought through and implemented. Working collectively, Board Members share and accept responsibility for the decisions made by the Board.

The role of Board Member is non-executive and unpaid; the Senior Leadership Team, led by the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for operational management within a framework of controls established by the Board. In practice, the Board and CEO work in partnership to develop innovative approaches to business development and delivery and to safeguard the organisation’s future.

We’re one of Scotland’s fastest growing charities, improving outcomes for children by supporting their Dads and families. We are currently looking for two trustees to join our dynamic voluntary Board team at an exciting time.

Our aim is to improve outcomes for children to ensure the best start in life by providing support to Dads and families. Our hope is through achieving this, there will be a larger shift in society toward accepting the vital role Dads play.

We currently have a vacancy for a Board member to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee Board Member, your responsibilities will include:

1. Setting and maintaining the strategic direction of the organisation
2. Sharing responsibility for Board decisions
3. Maintaining an overview of the organisations financial performance
4. Ensuring appropriate governance is in place
5. Attend quarterly Board Meetings.

We're particularly looking for applicants with employment law experience, or applicants who have used Dads Rock services in the past.

Remuneration/Expenses

This is an unpaid role however reasonable expenses associated with the role can be reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• You will be expected to commit to serving on the Board for a minimum of three years.
• Board Meetings take place approximately every quarter and are usually on Zoom. Dates for the following calendar year are circulated prior to, and agreed at, the last meeting of the year.
• To represent Dads Rock at other internal and external events depending on your availability.
• To participate in appropriate sub-committee groups – depending on your area of expertise and availability.
• To attend any other meetings and events by agreement of the Board, as well as our Annual General Meeting.

Main duties:

To ensure that Dads Rock:

• Complies with its governing documents, such as our Constitution and Policies
• Pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Constitution
• Applies its resources exclusively in furtherance of its objects, i.e. Dads Rock must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• Has an effective and efficient administration
• Is financially stable.

Contribute actively to the role of Trustee by:

• Attending Board meetings and other meetings and events
• Offer support and challenge to board colleagues and staff, adhering to collective responsibility once decisions are made
• Setting and reviewing operational policy and practice
• Defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of DR
• Protect and manage the tangible assets (property etc.) of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of all funds
• Promote and represent DR externally as required.

In addition to the above duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they may have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues relevant to the area of work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification:

Essential attributes

• An interest in the ethos and aims of Dads Rock.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Commitment to preparing for and attending board meetings and other meetings and events.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on personal and sensitive information.
• The ability to work as part of the team of Trustees in order to reach sound and fair decisions.
• Ability to understand and analyse complex information, often presented in report form.
• Ability to contribute to Dads Rock strategic planning process.
• To be able to represent at least one key skill/knowledge area on the Board.
• To ensure that you are not disqualified from being a trustee for any reason.

Desirable attributes

• Given the aims of the charity, trustees with experience of one or more of the following areas is beneficial:
  • Third Sector
  • Finance
  • Fundraising
  • Fatherhood
  • Marketing and Communications (including digital)
  • Legal
  • Early Years
  • Healthcare (NHS)
  • Local Authority (i.e. Education and/or Social Work)
  • Social Enterprise
  • Human Resources

Trustee Induction includes:

An induction meeting with the Chair and if desired to be peer supported by an existing Trustee.

Benefits of becoming a Trustee:

The knowledge that you are playing a vital role in the running and development of Dads Rock; enabling the organisation to continue its work and make a difference to Scottish society.

The opportunity to enhance your existing skills and knowledge relating to the development of an innovative and dynamic voluntary organisation.

The ability to enhance your network and broaden your experience of the third sector.

Read about our other Board Members