Almond Enterprises Limited (AEL) is seeking Board Members from candidates with a keen interest in driving the strategic direction and growth of the organisation to maximise its benefit to the local community. This is a voluntary role with no financial remuneration however travel expenses will be reimbursed.

AEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Almond Housing Association, and is an established social enterprise, working for over fifteen years to provide cleaning and environmental services throughout West Lothian. The parent company, Almond HA owns over 2,500 properties, 655 garages, and delivers a factoring service for 176 properties.

Much has been achieved by AEL since its inception, however we recognise that it has the ability and resources to do much more. As a subsidiary of Almond HA, it has the ability to deliver real impact within the community and to assist the parent company in achieving the aims of its community impact strategy.

The subsidiary receives support from the Almond HA Board and senior management team. Almond HA delivers large programmes of planned and cyclical maintenance works and there is significant opportunity for AEL to deliver additional workstreams. We are also keen to create training and employability opportunities for our local communities. AEL is a Real Living Wage employer, and it is proposed that as the scope of services increase the terms and conditions offered to the team will be enhanced.

Having recently appointed a new Chair of the AEL Board, the role of Board member represent an exciting opportunity to help lead AEL through a period of significant growth as it looks to realise its significant potential and increase its considerable positive impact within West Lothian. Commitment, enthusiasm and relevant experience are valuable assets.

We would welcome all applications and particularly from those with knowledge or experience in the following areas:

• Managing and delivering property related services
• Finance
• Legal
• Third sector knowledge

Ideally, we are looking for individuals with an appetite and drive to help AEL increase its activity and range of services. We would love to hear from you if you think you can bring added value, experience, and leadership to the Board. Previous experience as a Board member is not required as induction and training will be provided. The Board currently meets remotely 3 times each year and once in person – in the early evening.

Are you passionate about making a difference to your local community? Are you willing and able to give up some of your valuable time to work with a Charity that has a social ethos and values to make a difference in the local communities we serve? As the need for our services has grown, we are looking for new trustees to contribute to help us develop and deliver our strategy, values and vision.

About East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau

As a member of the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux network, East Ayrshire CAB provides free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice and information to ensure that people understand their rights and responsibilities and can express their needs effectively. We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face and work to strengthen their rights.

East Ayrshire CAB currently operates from two offices in Kilmarnock and Cumnock. We have 17 staff and are supported by 12 volunteers including board members. The Bureau supports individuals with a wide range of general enquiries whilst project staff provide specialist support on topics including benefits, debt, utilities, and money matters.

The Role

We’d like to enhance our board to better reflect the diverse individuals and communities we work alongside, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Our bureau is a place for learning, innovating and connecting, so whether you’re already an experienced trustee, or taking your first step, we’d love to hear from you. Just some examples of the experience or expertise you may bring include:

• Equality, diversity and inclusion

• Third sector leadership and governance

• Digital strategy

• Legal

You may bring different skills and strengths – more important is your passion to use your skills and experience in guiding and supporting us as we tackle the challenges people face today.

Becoming a volunteer Board member is not just about what you can offer us, it is a rewarding role that helps you learn new skills, broaden your network, raising your profile and make a real difference for the people in East Ayrshire.

There are an average of six Board meetings per year to commit to as well as preparation time and regular collaboration /communications with the team and stakeholders.

We are excited to share this great opportunity to join our Board of Directors.

It is a very important time for Cornerstone with our current strategy ‘Future proofing Cornerstone’ coming to an end in 2025 we begin looking ahead, understanding the landscape in which we operate and developing a new strategy which will allow us to continue providing high quality care and support to people with autism, learning disabilities and other support needs across Scotland.

As a member of our Board, you will be instrumental in guiding the strategic future of the charity and ensuring exemplary governance and fiscal control. The main Board meets four times a year and board members will be expected to be a member of one of the sub committees. You will also act as a local ambassador for Cornerstone.

We are keen to hear from those with skills, knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas who feel they can make a positive contribution to our charitable activities: -

Senior management experience in the social work / social care sector preferably with strategic planning skills

Accountancy/financial experience preferably at management level

Personal experience of providing care and support of a relative or carer of a person who has experience of care

About Us

Cornerstone is one of Scotland’s largest charities and is a leading provider of social care services to more than 1,200 adults and young people with disabilities and other support needs. We employ over 1,900 people across Scotland and are fully committed to delivering high quality care and support.

In addition, we also operate our Cornerstone Self-Directed Support service. Across this service, we have over 200 Personal Assistants on our books and approximately 1000 active clients.

We’re committed to building a workforce that represents the true diversity of Scotland, where every single one of our colleagues feel enabled to deliver their best. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer who selects the best person for the job. We value the diversity of our workforce and work hard to create an inclusive environment where each individual can bring their unique skills, experiences and ideas to the table to help us grow, bring create innovative solutions and develop of our people. We are keen to receive applications for board position that reflect the diversity of the organisation.

We welcome applications from anywhere in Scotland and are particularly interested in receiving applications from women and individuals from an ethnically diverse background as they are currently under-represented on our Board.

There is no remuneration attached to the role but expenses will be reimbursed.

Muirshiel Centre is a small local independent charity offering day opportunities and support to adults within the Inverclyde East area for over 30 years.

We offer a day support service in Port Glasgow which promotes various social, therapeutic and recreational activities designed to boost self-esteem and encourage socialisation amongst participants. We aim to maximise independence, support older people to remain active through an active and rewarding lifestyle and promote social interaction.

We are actively seeking Voluntary Directors who can oversee the direction, aims and guide the strategic future of our Centre. We are offering a collaborative environment where your insights and expertise will be valued and a unique opportunity to influence the direction of a respected organisation within the community.

No previous board experience is required, however, we are looking for people with a commitment to the successful future of Muirshiel Centre.

We are keen to hear from individuals with skills, knowledge and experience in areas such as accountancy/ finance, senior management in Social Care/ Social Work or individuals with strategic planning and decision making skills.

We are also keen to hear from those who have other relevant skills and experience that they consider could benefit Muirshiel Centre.

Our board meets once a month, generally in the afternoon, within the Muirshiel Centre and tea and coffee is provided!

Muirshiel Centre is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of its staff and board members.