Summary

Project Esperanza (SCIO) launched officially in 2021. We are a trusted organisation whose social purpose is to offer practical, emotional and integration support predominantly to families of African heritage but also support a huge base of people from multi ethnic backgrounds. We are the pioneers of race and faith sensitive, culturally authentic and appropriate, specialised support and services in North Edinburgh. We are a registered charity (SC051454) looking for several new members to join the organisation’s Board of Trustees. We are seeking to appoint trustees that will fill vacancies at the end of the financial year in March 2025.

We are looking for a new Non Executive Board to shape our strategy around the future of Black families in Scotland, steer our direction, support the development of our organisation in its next phase of growth and hold us accountable to our mission. We are looking for applicants with specific skills, experience, and interest in any of the following areas:

• Digital marketing and public relations
• Secretary to the Board
• Journalism/Publishing/Media (wider UK)
• Accountancy
• Fundraising
• Employment Law
• Sustainability/climate emergency
• Women’s health

The role of on Executive Board members

This role involves:

• Holding the CEO/Director and staff accountable to delivering our mission
• Reviewing strategy, outcomes and progress against the mission and objectives
• Identifying and agreeing new areas for development
• Overseeing and supporting on strategies for funding and revenue generation
• Making decisions to safeguard the reputation and maximising the success of the organisation, including:
  • Ensuring governance requirements are met
  • Complying with safeguarding and data protection policies

Non Executive Board members will be required to:

• Board meetings take place four times per year in March, June, October, and December.
• Trustees are appointed for a term of 2 years, with the option to stand for re-election for an additional 2-year period after a performance review
• Attend our Annual General Meeting

Remuneration

There is no remuneration for this role but reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings (including costs of childcare) and other Project Esperanza related activities will be paid.

A Treasurer is being sought by the Southside Community Centre Association SCIO

An opportunity has arisen to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer during an exciting time of development in which we are investing in new services and facilities, but also during a time of challenge as we focus on achieving a sustainable future.

As Treasurer you will support the Board to help manage its financial resources. Although you will take the lead in overseeing strong financial management, you will be aided by our Chief Executive and our very supportive accountants, as well as your fellow Trustees.

Key tasks as Treasurer

• Provide a monthly update to the Board on our financial position
• Promote oversight of our financial procedures and practices.
• Liaise with our Chief Executive and accountants.
• With the accountants oversee preparation of our annual financial statement.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations and good practice in conjunction with our accountants.

About you

• Enthusiasm to support our active Community Centre.
• Available to attend our monthly board meetings (in person).
• Strong attention to the detail of financial arrangements.
• Experience of serving as a Treasurer not essential, but experience in financial management would be an advantage.
• Good communication and team working skills.

About us

We became a two tier Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2023. Our charity is led by a Board consisting of nine Trustees (eight appointed by our members, and one co-opted by Trustees. We have over one hundred members. Monthly (in person) meetings of our Board are held in our community centre, with occasional additional meetings as required for working groups and / or sub committees.

The Board is supported in its work by a Chief Executive, appointed in late 2023. Our staffing compliment consist of three part time Community Centre Assistants (Facilities) who support our weekend opening, alongside three part time Activity Workers who deliver various project work within the centre.

As the leaseholder of Southside Community Centre, we work in partnership with the building’s owner, City of Edinburgh Council, to provide a community centre which is safe, inclusive, well managed and which meets the needs & aspirations of the communities it serves.

Our community centre consists of two general purpose rooms, a large hall and a community café, all of which are available for community use seven days per week. Our spaces are used by many regular and occasional let holders for a range of uses such as English language classes, martial arts, community meetings, fencing, drama and more!

Further information about the Association is available at southsidecommunitycentre.co.uk.

Join Our Board and Make a Difference at Edinburgh Students' Charities Appeal.

Are you passionate about empowering students, supporting charitable causes, and making a positive impact in our community? ESCA is seeking individuals to join our Board of Trustees and play a pivotal role in driving our mission forward.

About ESCA:

Our Legacy: With a history spanning over 155 years, ESCA is the link between students and charitable giving. We have a rich legacy of empowering students to fundraise for causes they care about.

Our Aim: ESCA's aim is to inspire, support, and enable students to organise innovative fundraising events that benefit both local and global charitable initiatives.

What We Do:

Empower Students: ESCA provides students with the resources, guidance, and support they need to create and manage their fundraising events. We believe in the power of young minds to drive positive change.

Fundraising Support: We offer grants, event planning assistance, technology resources, and mentorship to students, helping them turn their ideas into impactful fundraisers.

Community Engagement: ESCA fosters a sense of community among students, volunteers, and charitable organisations, strengthening our collective ability to make a difference.

Why Join ESCA:

Make a Difference: Your involvement with ESCA directly contributes to positive change in our community and supports charitable causes.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about philanthropy and community engagement.

Shape the Future: Use your expertise to guide ESCA’s strategic direction and help us evolve as we continue our legacy of student-led impact.

What to Expect as a Trustee:

Board Meetings: Our Board meets once per month in the evening, with the option of joining us virtually via a hybrid format and an expectation to attend two in-person meetings per year. We do not hold meetings during the summer months of May through August.

Communication Commitments: Alongside Board meetings, trustees will be expected to engage in occasional document reviews and correspondence, ensuring effective communication and preparation for upcoming meetings and ESCA activities.

Event Participation: Depending on your availability and interests, you may choose to participate in ESCA events, engaging with the community and supporting our initiatives.

Exciting opportunity to join our Board and contribute to ensuring that Edinburgh is an inspirational and empowering place to live, work, study or visit – no matter who you are.

We are looking for new Board trustees with drive and enthusiasm who are:

• Passionate about Edinburgh and the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Interested in how we connect and engage all people in our heritage

• Skilled and experienced in one or more of the following: conservation and maintenance of the built environment, legal, finance, HR, events and fundraising

Our purpose is to pro-actively protect and champion Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site for current and future generations through the conservation of historic buildings, delivering improvements to the public realm, developing our new climate emergency programme and engaging people directly with the rich heritage of the city.

As a trustee you will be responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and stewardship of public and charitably-given funds, supporting and adding value to the work of its professional team in conservation, engagement and capacity building.

We wish to attract people from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics and cultures to steer and inform our work. We are aiming for inclusivity, richness of experience and diversity on our Board and in our workforce, to ensure that Edinburgh World Heritage reflects the diversity of the world we live and work in. We particularly welcome applications from young people or those interested in applying for their first trusteeship. Appropriate support, including induction and training, will be given.

Board meetings occur four times a year and there is an annual away day for trustees and staff to discuss current issues. Board trustees are also expected to play a role in at least one the organisation’s committees or groups.