- Advertised from 18th October 2023
- Competitive benefits package
Role
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we've supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business. We’re also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most. With teams across the UK, we work with governments and decision-makers to make real change happen.
Do you want to play a key role in advocating for small businesses and the vital role they have to play in boosting economic growth? We have an exciting opportunity for a policy professional with a proven track record to join FSB Scotland’s team to make a meaningful difference for small businesses.
What will you do?
This is an interesting and varied role. The successful candidate will
- Support the Head of Policy and External Affairs (Scotland) in identifying, researching, developing and promoting policy positions on key issues.
- Develop and deliver in-house policy reports and Scottish Government and Scottish Parliamentary Committee consultation responses.
- Develop and deliver surveys and snap polls in partnership with the Deputy Head of External Affairs (Scotland).
- Support the wider Scottish team to lobby and advocate for FSB policy to external stakeholders, including politicians, civil servants and government ministers.
- Produce briefings, articles and other content for both internal and external publication.
Who are we looking for?
- Demonstrable experience in one of the following: political party, civil service, local government, Scottish/UK Parliament, third sector, policy or public affairs research and monitoring post.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Scottish political environment –with a particular focus on the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament.
- Excellent written, data and verbal communication skills.
FSB is dedicated to helping small businesses survive through these difficult times, and we value our staff enough to provide highly competitive rates of pay, benefits, and internationally recognised qualifications. We provide you with all the tools, skills and support to help our members every day, and help you develop your skills through teamwork and relationship building. We believe diversity is the key to success, and we encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come and join us. Our inclusive environment allows all our employees to bring their whole selves to work.
In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:
- 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with
- your Annual Flex Pot*
- Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership
- Health cash plan* (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing)
- Critical illness and income protection insurance*
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
- Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders
- Group Personal Pension (GPP)
- Ad hoc working from home policy
*Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms
Application notes
All applications to be received by 05 November 2023. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.
To apply for this role please email your CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria to HR.Recruitment@fsb.org.uk.
Additional information
All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department at hr.recruitment@fsb.org.uk.
Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.
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Top job! Head of Walking Programmes
- Full time
- £46,135 – £51,266
- Hybrid: Stirling
- Closing 19th December 2025
Walking Scotland is Scotland’s walking and wheeling charity. Walking and wheeling are the most affordable and practical ways to help solve some of Scotland’s biggest challenges, from health inequalities to the climate-nature emergencies.
We promote the benefits of walking and wheeling on our physical, social, and mental health. Our programmes connect communities and inspire positive behaviour change. We also improve places and spaces to walk and wheel.
A key element of this work involves the delivery of our walking programmes, and we are seeking a senior leader who can inspire and develop our approach to this work. Our programme settings are based on national and international evidence of what works best to support people to become more active with walking and wheeling being one of the best ways to achieve this
So, as a potential candidate for this new post:
- Are you able to take a leading role by managing our walking programme teams to deliver on our commitments?
- Are you able to build, manage and nurture highly effective relationships, influencing key stakeholders, partner organisations and funders to increase walking opportunities in Scotland?
- Can you demonstrate competency as a senior leader and contribute meaningfully to a Senior Leadership Team?.
- Are you adaptable and resilient and able to anticipate challenges and developing plans to solve them?
You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team to champion and deliver Walking Scotland’s Mission, Strategy, and Plans. You will also lead a multidisciplinary team to drive forward Walking Scotland’s key objectives within the programme settings.
We offer the opportunity to be part of an organisation that recognises staff as our most valued asset. Attractive employment conditions include a contributory pension scheme and flexi-time policy.
HTSI brings together a wide range of community groups, charities, and social enterprises. We work collaboratively with five local delivery partners to ensure that the needs of our communities—spanning an area larger than Wales—are met with innovation, partnership, and integrity.
HTSI continues its ambition to be a catalyst for positive change, investing in the strength and resilience of the Third Sector through knowledge sharing, capacity building, partnership, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring our sector’s voice is heard in policy, planning, and service delivery. Our work and impact rest on a team that values expertise, creativity, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact. We foster an inclusive, respectful, and empowering working environment, where staff are encouraged to develop professionally, contribute ideas, and take on responsibility.
We are now seeking an inspiring leader who shares our values and vision. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships. You will be comfortable advocating for the Third Sector at both local and national levels, engaging with policy forums, and championing the interests of our diverse communities. We are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic and challenging environment, who demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and the ability to listen as well as lead. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping progressive change, securing sustainable funding, and nurturing community-led solutions for the Highlands and beyond.
If you are passionate about driving real and lasting impact, and have the experience and vision to take HTSI forward, we warmly invite your application for this pivotal role.
Full details are available in the recruitment pack below.
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Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.
About the role
Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs, media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and overseeing their performance.
Role specifics
You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes – particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder engagement.
The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing need.
Careers that care!
Do you have a passion for connecting with people to achieve their goals in life, and enjoy the sense of achievement in empowering vulnerable people?
If so, we have a fabulous Service Manager opportunity for you to join our awesome team, leading our Dumfries & Galloway Learning Disability service. Because People Matter at Turning Point Scotland, why not join us to reach your full potential.
Embark on an emotionally rewarding journey and apply today!
About the role
As the Registered Manager, you will be an experienced leader leading a team working with individuals who have a wide range of support needs, providing them with practical and emotional support and encouraging them to achieve their own personal outcomes in all aspects of their daily lives e.g. keeping safe, meaningful activities, community involvement, physical health, relationships, emotional health and wellbeing.
As the Registered Manager you will:
- Maintain the continuing relevance of services to individuals’ needs and purchaser requirements by ongoing planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Oversee the financial aspects of the service, managing significant budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and making financial decisions.
- Where a need or an opportunity is identified, lead on the development of new services, support business growth and maintain reputational excellence.
- Comply with governance, law and legislation including local authority compliance, Care Inspectorate (at level 5 and above), SSSC and safeguarding procedures.
- Support the senior management team in the streamlining, promotion and monitoring of quality assurance systems which meets the needs of individual services as well as the overall service delivery in the region.
- Develop, monitor and implement supervision and appraisal systems for staff.
About You
You will have passion and drive to take forward a well-established Service and Team. Be passionate; and committed to the overall aims and objectives of the service and have the belief that people can live fulfilling lives with the right support in place.
You should also have:
- Experience of working with vulnerable people and leading a service delivery team, including managing the provision of a safe operating environment in a relevant context.
- The ability to negotiate with a wide range of internal and external partners and build positive relationships including local authorities and housing associations.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to effectively prioritise your own time and workload to meet a number of different and competing tasks in sometimes pressurised environment.
- Social Service and Health Care at level 9 (SCQF) or other speciality/qualification recognised by the SSSC for registration purposes as well as a relevant management qualification.
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