We are seeking a dynamic, visionary and dedicated Chair as we embark on a new and exciting chapter at the Book Festival. We are looking for someone who embodies our values and will act as a credible ambassador for the Festival whilst being able to lead the Board, motivate external support, and inspire the team.
A willingness to fully commit time to the role is necessary as well as the ability to approach the many responsibilities as Chair with enthusiasm and professionalism. This will include, but not limited to: attending Board and Committee Meetings, keeping informal contact with Trustees, team members and stakeholders as well as attending events.
The Chair will serve an initial five-year term, with the potential for the role to be extended for a further three years, at the Board’s discretion.
Closing date for applications: Monday 8 April 2024
Initial meetings for shortlisted candidates:w/c 29 April
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Postcode: EH2 4YN
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The Scottish Government and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are seeking a new independent Chair for the National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group (NSPAG) – someone who can be a visible, creative, inclusive and active leader for suicide prevention work in Scotland.
The Person
We are seeking a professional, from any field, who is dynamic and engaging, and who has the skills and passion to help us achieve our shared ambition of preventing suicide and supporting anyone affected by suicide.
The role of the Chair is to lead the Advisory Group, so it can fulfil its vital role in driving forward the Scottish Government and COSLA’s ambitious 10 year Suicide Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together, which is complemented by a 3 year action plan 2022-2025 and our current delivery plan.
Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM is the current Chair of the Advisory Group. Rose has provided exceptional leadership on suicide prevention in Scotland since 2018 and is stepping down having come to the end of her second term. You can read more about Rose’s experience as Chair here.
The Vision
The strategy is jointly owned by the Scottish Government and COSLA with the vision of reducing the number of suicide deaths in Scotland, whilst tackling the inequalities which contribute to suicide. Its aim is for any child, young person or adult who has thoughts of taking their own life, or are affected by suicide, to get the help they need and feel a sense of hope.
We recognise that to deliver on this bold strategy we need strong, collaborative partnerships across and beyond national and local government, into all parts of society. That will allow us to support communities to be safe, compassionate, inclusive, and free of stigma – which together will protect against the risk of suicide.
We place enormous value on lived and living experience guiding and shaping all our work, alongside practice, data and academic research.
The Advisory Group
The Group's role is to provide independent strategic guidance to Suicide Prevention Scotland (our delivery collective) and assess (and report) progress in delivering the 10 year strategy. Both functions are underpinned by impartiality and constructive challenge. Members are also asked to actively support our suicide prevention work in Scotland - by identifying opportunities and networking connections to deepen the reach and impact of our collective work.
The Group is highly collaborative and plays an influential role in this high profile, impactful and sensitive area. Membership of the Group reflects many of the sectors which are linked to, or affected by suicide - such as poverty, criminal justice, and health, as well as representing groups likely to be more affected by suicide, such as the care experienced community.
Members work together by creating a safe and supportive environment where they bring their expertise and insights, together with all available evidence, and through constructive, open and creative discussion, drive forward Scotland’s suicide prevention work. The Group’s first annual report of progress against the 10 year strategy has just been published.
The Group’s work is informed by continuous engagement, and gives equal weight to evidence by experience, practice, data and academic research. At all times members seek to work in a spirit of critical friendship towards all partners, organisations and communities who contribute to suicide prevention in Scotland. The Group aims to keep the wellbeing and recovery of those at risk of, and affected by, suicide at its heart. We are looking for an independent Chair whose values exemplify respect, empathy and kindness.
The Suicide Prevention Policy Team in the Scottish Government act as secretariat to the Group, and will provide support and induction for the new Chair.
Key priorities for the new Chair include:
Responsibilities and Competencies
The most important qualification for this job is having the right skills and values to lead the Advisory Group, so that it can make a positive impact on suicide prevention in Scotland.
We are keen to hear from leaders from all walks of life. You do not need to be a specialist in any particular field to apply, but you will be skilled in convening and leading groups of people.
You may, for example, have gained your skills through your profession or your experience of being active in your community in a voluntary capacity. Previous experience of suicide prevention is not necessary, but you should be passionate about using your skills, experience and values to advance the mission of the NSPAG.
Renumeration
The remuneration will be £300 per day, plus expenses. Please note that this is not a pensionable role.
Time Commitment
We expect that the time commitment will vary across the year but estimate that you should be able to dedicate 3 days per month, including an ability to attend meetings and events beyond the central belt of Scotland.
Location
The primary location will be St Andrews House, Regent Road, Edinburgh, EH1 3DG. As Chair, you will be able to work flexibly, but the role is likely to involve an element of travel.
Essential Criteria and Qualifications
You will need to be able to demonstrate how you have developed and deployed strong skill in three key areas:
1. Ability to be an ambassador for suicide prevention in Scotland, including:
2. Inclusive and strategic leadership skills, including:
3. Communication and engagement skills, including:
About ENSA
Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) exists to enable our 20,000 student members across Edinburgh and around the globe to make the most of their university experience. We do this by representing, supporting and developing Edinburgh Napier University students to be successful in their studies; to try out new things; to engage in, and contribute to, university life; to be healthy and happy; to bring about positive change; and to have fun.
About the role
As our Chair has now come to the end of her term in office, we are looking to recruit a new Chair with the skills and experience to lead the Board of Directors, promoting good governance and providing effective and empowering line management to support our CEO. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has the strategic focus, governance understanding, leadership experience and time to support and develop a committed Board and ensure ENSA delivers the best experience for students.
Please see the Job Description and Person Spec for full details.
About ENSA’s Board of Directors
The Board is collectively in charge of ENSA, for upholding its values and aligning it to the Association’s charitable aims. It has overall responsibility for ENSA’s governance: budget-setting and financial reporting, health and safety, human resources and legal compliance.
The Board is made up of 12 Directors: six External Lay Directors (including the Chair) appointed through a competitive process for their professional expertise; three Student Lay Directors who are registered students of Edinburgh Napier University and appointed through a competitive process; and three Sabbatical Officers who are elected by the student body.
In line with charity law, all ENSA’s Directors (elected and appointed) have equal status. Directors have a variety of experience and skills which offer different perspectives, and are all, jointly and severally, liable for the governance of the charity. Directors are expected to take their responsibilities seriously, attend meetings, and manage any conflicts of interests appropriately.
We are seeking experienced Board Directors to join our Edinburgh Science Ltd Board. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, with enthusiasm for Public Engagement in Science. A science-related background is highly desirable. In addition, we are looking for individuals who can contribute expertise in areas such as Fundraising, Finance, IT, Marketing.
About us:
We are a not-for-profit enterprise that delivers activities in the UK and abroad including Edinburgh Science Festival, the learning programmes Generation Science, Careers Hive and a variety of climate /sustainability events and activities.
Our mission is to inspire, encourage and challenge people of all ages and backgrounds to explore, understand and engage with the world around them and to communicate the educational, social and economic benefits of science and technology. As leaders in our field of Science Communication, we work year-round to create and deliver dynamic hands-on workshops and exhibitions and inspirational shows, discussions, debates and performances that continually push the boundaries of public engagement with science. Communication and engagement is at the core of all our work and we strive to ensure that this is embedded in all aspects of our organisation.
About the role:
We aim to have a Board which covers the key areas in which we work, and we are now seeking to appoint additional members. We are also looking to diversify the Board. We encourage applications from the whole breadth of our ethnically and culturally diverse communities, and from people at all stages in their careers.
A summary of the role, tasks and responsibilities and other background is available here: bit.ly/3SWPhI7
Priority will be focussed on potential new members who have experience and skills in:
· STEM background and experience or
· Income generation and Stakeholder engagement
Our non-executive board have ultimate responsibility for the operation and development of the organisation, including employability, compliance with legislation, fundraising, public relations and financial control.
There are four full board meetings and an AGM of Edinburgh Science Ltd you would be expected to attend. Other sub-committees may meet on an ad hoc basis.
About you:
· Proven executive experience, ideally in an environment where managing change has been required.
· A strong background in strategy in the private or not for profit sector.
· An interest in the work of Edinburgh Science.
· An excellent ability to work in collaboration with other stakeholders.
· Experience of formation, implementation and achievement of a business vision and strategy.
· IT literacy.
If you have the skills, experience, and time to commit to this role, then we would love to hear from you.
We would be particularly interested in applicants who are:
· Women
· From BME or under-represented groups
Join Us as Treasurer at Friends at the End
Are you a passionate advocate for human rights and dignity? Do you have a knack for numbers and a heart for service? Friends at the End SCIO is seeking a dedicated and skilled Treasurer to join our team and help drive our mission forward.
About Us
Friends at the End (FATE) is a Scottish charity that supports individuals' choices at the end of life. We advocate for a change in the law to allow the choice of an assisted death for terminally ill, mentally competent adults. Our mission is to provide information, support, and guidance on end-of-life options, empowering people to make informed decisions.
Role Overview
As our Treasurer, you will play a critical role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of FATE. You will oversee our financial management, reporting, and planning, ensuring that we can continue to support our community and advocate for compassionate end-of-life choices.
Key Responsibilities:
What We're Looking For:
Why Join Us?