Next Chapter Scotland exists to help anyone in Scotland who has been involved with the criminal justice system to navigate the stigma and discrimination that they can face throughout their lives.
We established in 2022 and became a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) in 2023.
We are run by a Board of Trustees made up of at least 50% people with a criminal record or a close family member of someone with a criminal record. We made this commitment because we believe that people who have lived through the experience should be at the heart of any changes that will improve their lives and the lives of their peers.
Our Vision
Our vision is of a society that no longer judges people based on their worst choices but, instead, sees them as they are today.
How will we get there?
Our priorities are to:
Why are we needed?
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 men and 1 in 10 women in Scotland have a criminal record. In their words:
“The punishment only started with prison. 23 years on from release and it hasn’t ended yet”
“You’re not classed as a valuable member of society. You’re tainted”
“I was better off in prison because I at least had people to talk to and didn’t worry about having to sleep on the street”
“I’ll be forever known as someone who’s been to prison. No matter how much time passes or what good I do, I’ll always be judged for my past crime”
“(It's so hard) Having to disclose to a faceless call centre operator every time I need insurance”
The Role
We are recruiting an Outreach and Amplifying Voices Project Officer to work 21 hours per week for 12 months.
With the support of the Trustees and Chief Executive, the Outreach and Amplifying Voices Project Officer will deliver a series of engagement sessions across Scotland to capture the experiences of people who have been involved with the criminal justice system, identifying core themes relating to stigma and discrimination in order to amplify their voices to decision-makers in positions of power.
The Outreach and Amplifying Voices Project Officer will be required to:
The Outreach and Amplifying Voices Project Officer will need:
Applications from people who have been involved with the criminal justice system are particularly welcome.
This role does not require membership of the PVG scheme.
There is a fixed budget available for travel expenses. Travel time will be included in working hours.
Closing date: 5th July
We expect interviews to be held in the weeks beginning 22nd or 29th July.
Start date: 1st September 2024
Please apply by emailing your CV and a covering letter explaining why you think you would be appropriate for the role to: eppie@nextchapterscotland.org.uk
Please also contact us should you have any questions about the role.