BEFS Communications Lead will drive the communication activities of the organisation. Working closely with the Board, Director, and team, and communicating with our Member organisations, the post holder will be responsible for managing the breadth of the organisation’s (digital) communications channels. Adopting a proactive cross-sectoral approach, the post holder will play a key role in maintaining and raising BEFS profile with policy makers, the sector, and wider stakeholders.

Responsibilities, supported by the team, range from being the strategic lead for the organisation’s communications, to content creation and design.

In our 20th year we are seeking the right individual – with an excellent turn of phrase, and an eye for detail – to fit into a small, friendly team.

The Communications Lead will be involved in all aspects of BEFS newly funded NLHF project which develops BEFS governance, BEFS strategic framework development, BEFS equalities, diversity and inclusion (EDI) offer for the sector (and internal training) – as well as related events and workshops.

Person specification

Applicants should be confident communicators with strong written and inter-personal skills, and experience of using a wide range of communication methods (which have a focus on digital), including websites, social media, news releases, and press liaison.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key issues affecting the existing and historic environment, with knowledge of the main players and lead organisations in the wider built environment sector.

This post will suit an experienced communications professional and is an ideal opportunity to gain valuable experience working for a national organisation.

If invited to interview, you will be asked to demonstrate how your experience meets the requirements of the post. We will look for evidence of past experience, and your approach to the key responsibilities outlined above.

Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau (ABCAB) is excited to invite applications from the diverse communities across the region for two new Trustees on our Board of Directors to support the strategic direction and development of the Bureau.

The Bureau is an independent charity that provides free, impartial, and confidential information and advice services across the 2,676 square miles and 26 islands of Argyll & Bute. We offer support on issues ranging from Debt, Benefits, and Welfare rights to Energy, Patient rights, and also Armed Service Advice provision.

The Board are seeking applications from individuals representing the diversity of the Argyll area and are particularly interested in those with skills and experience with working in the Third Sector; working locally and dealing with local issues as well as those with qualified skills in areas such as IT, Business Management and Development, Charity Law, Project Management, Fundraising, Human Resources, Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Development.

We encourage applications from groups that are under-represented on charity boards, and would welcome approaches from people who have lived experience of issues facing our clients. We particularly would like to hear from people from Black, Asian, or other minority ethnic communities, as well as young and disabled people. You do not need to have board experience to apply, we will support you with tailored training based on your level of experience.

The ideal candidates will be committed to service excellence, raising standards and continuous improvement. They must also embrace bureau values and show a commitment to wider role activity to improve the quality of life of local people in the community.

The Board currently meets bi-monthly and members will also be expected to participate in projects and attend training when required.

The Board of Directors are responsible for:

• Ensuring that good quality advice is given to the public, including ensuring that Citizens Advice Scotland’s membership standards are met
• Deciding what the bureau should aim for, including input into business planning and budgeting
• Controlling the finances of the bureau
• Overseeing the recruitment and selection, management support and training of all paid staff
• Appraising and supporting the Bureau Manager
• Promoting the image of the bureau
• Ensuring that the bureau fully meets its legal obligations under charity, employment and (if relevant) Company Law
• Dealing with complaints about the service

Candidates should be 18 or over and either live or work in our operating area (Argyll & Bute)

What are the benefits to you?

• The role is unpaid, however incurred expenses are reimbursed (e.g. travel, childcare)
• Induction and training tailored to you needs
• Opportunities to make strategic decisions and develop new skills
• Opportunities to network with senior professionals
• Influence to shape innovative projects and highlight public policy issues
• Contribute to supporting the people & communities of Argyll & Bute with a range of pressing advice issues

Partners in Advocacy is one of the largest providers of independent advocacy in Scotland, delivering high quality advocacy services since 1998.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our supportive and friendly team for an Independent Advocacy Worker for Dundee. The post-holder will provide high quality, 1:1 independent advocacy for children and young people who have been detained under the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 in specialist adolescent psychiatric inpatient units in Dundee, in addition to providing independent advocacy in the community for children and young people, e.g., education, isolation, communication, being a young parent, child or adult protection proceedings and many other issues.

The successful candidate will support children and young people to ensure they know their rights, have their views heard, and they are able to make informed choices so that they have influence over decisions that affect their lives.

The post-holder will adhere to the SIAA Independent Advocacy Principles, Standards and Code of Best Practice (2019). Full induction and training will be provided to the successful candidate.

The location of the role will be within the Dundee City, the Dundee office at Dudhope Castle, and home based. Mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed and calculated from our Dundee office. A hybrid working arrangement will be agreed.

We are interested in hearing from a diverse range of people. If you think your skills, experience and expertise can meet the criteria detailed in the person specification, we would like to hear from you.

Partners in Advocacy is a Disability Confident Employer (Committed)

EARS is an independent advocacy provider – our role is to make sure people’s voices are heard when there are issues in their lives.

Work undertaken for this post will be in the Edinburgh and East Lothian community, with the office based in Livingston, West Lothian.

Applications

We especially welcome applications from people with any of the following:

- some experience of providing advocacy

- working with people with a disability

- experience of the Health and Social Care Sector

- experience of the third sector