Chair and Board of Director opportunities at Legal Services Agency (LSA)!

Would you like to help make a difference to address inequality and achieve social justice? Get on board as a Chair or Director joining LSA’s Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors play a crucial role in shaping our vision and mission. This is a particularly exciting time to join the Board as we set our Strategic priorities and enter our Fourth decade of challenging injustice.

LSA takes pride in tackling unmet legal needs, addressing the effects of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. As one of the largest law centre in Scotland, we provide legal advice and representation and enhance legal education through research, publications and seminars.

We are currently looking to appoint:

• Chair of the Board of Directors leading the Board of Directors to ensure it fulfils its governance responsibilities.
• Board of Directors responsible for the overall governance, financial management and strategic direction of LSA.

The incoming Chair will have the opportunity for a handover and transition, working with our current Chair until January/February 2025.

We welcome new directors to our Board with a diverse range of experience – from legal campaigners to community activists. Ideally (but not required) we’d like applicants with experience or knowledge of the following areas - – legal or voluntary sector, , business development and marketing, digital development and IT management, financial management, policy and campaigning, HR and people management, central government or local authorities.

You may be a professional with specific skills which we need to drive our Law Centre forward, or have general experience of committee skills; but you may also be a local campaigner committed to social justice and working to achieve a more equal society. We are looking to build a diverse Board with a range of ages and backgrounds that can reflect the areas of work we are involved in and provide the necessary oversight of the complex work we do.

Enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to get involved are key attributes. Previous Board/Trustee experience is not essential and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds and will support you and provide necessary training where required.

The role of Board of Directors is voluntary and whilst the role is unpaid, Board Directors find the role hugely rewarding and any expenses incurred in the role will be reimbursed. Board of Directors are requested where possible to participate in various Sub-Committees and attend LSA’s AGM and Strategic Development Day. Board of Directors meet at least six times per year. In addition to Sub-Committees meetings six times a year.

We are looking to recruit a passionate, committed person, with experience of working with young people and adults to join our team join our team as a Navigator supporting individuals away from violence.

In this equally challenging and rewarding role you will have the opportunity to be a stabilising influence on young people & adults and walk alongside them as they create healthier, safer lives.

You will be joining a small Fife-wide charity, with a big reach, to support and develop the effective governance of the organisation with the support of the CEO. Established in 1990 as the Elderly Forum Executive to provide a voice for Older People it has expanded to include Advocacy for adults 65+ in a hospital or care setting and Local Area Co-ordination for adults 16+ throughout Fife.

Our key aim is to listen, provide people with a voice; and, in the case of LAC, respond to need by helping people to identify and access the services and resources which will help them to remain independent and healthier for as long as is practicable, alongside encouraging people to utilise their own strengths and assets to help improve their circumstances and well-being wherever possible.

As a Board Member you will have a key role in strategic decision-making, ensuring good governance and will be required to carry out your duties in line with legal responsibilities.

• Are you keen to support the good governance of a local charity which has people at its core?
• Do you possess skills which would support the management of the organisation?
• Are you passionate about working to promote inclusion and engagement?
• Do you possess the creativity, energy and commitment required to work with a broad spectrum of people, some of whom might be vulnerable and/or experiencing challenging circumstances?

If you feel you are up to this challenge, we want to hear from you.

Join Our Board as Treasurer and Contribute Your Expertise

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a meaningful contribution to the arts? We are currently seeking a skilled individual to act as the Treasurer on our Board of Trustees. If you possess financial expertise and our organisation’s mission resonates with you, we invite you to apply for this important role.

Why Become Our Treasurer?

As Treasurer, you will play a crucial role in overseeing our finances, ensuring financial health, and supporting our mission to advocate, nurture, and champion Black talent in the performing arts, screen, and event sectors in Scotland. This voluntary role offers the chance to use your expertise without requiring a significant time commitment.

Key Responsibilities:

• High-level Financial Oversight: Review financial reports and ensure the organisation’s financial stability.
• Board Communication: Keep the board informed about financial matters and reassure them of the organisation’s financial health.
• Budget Oversight: Provide occasional oversight and adjustments to budget models as needed.
• Flagging Issues: The Treasurer should be capable of identifying and isolating financial issues, even if they are minor, and raising flags when necessary.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experienced Professional: Ideally with a career background as a Financial Director or Financial Controller.
• Qualified Accountant: (Must be able to provide membership numbers for verification).
• Confident Communicator: Able to inspire confidence, provide reassurance and communicate financial matters clearly.
• Strategic Thinker: Someone who can provide high-level oversight and has a keen eye for detail.
• Familiarity with Charity Finance: Understanding of charity finance issues and governance, though specific software experience (e.g., SAGE) is not required.

What’s in It for You?

• Make a Tangible Impact: Your financial expertise will directly contribute to our success, allowing us to better serve our community.
• Gain Valuable Experience: Further your skills in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning within the non-profit sector.
• Support Our Mission: Help us achieve our goals and create an equitable landscape for all within the Scottish performing arts sector.

Commitment

• Monthly Meetings: Last Monday of every month, 7 pm – 8.30 pm on Teams.
• Annual Strategy Meetings and Training Days: In-person meetings arranged in advance.
• AGM: In-person attendance required.