The Ecology Centre is looking for a Chair to lead our community and environmental charity in collaboration with the Board of Trustees. We are looking for an individual to join our dedicated and expanding Board of Trustees to ensure effective strategic oversight and governance of the charity in line with our mission, vision and values. If you might be the right fit for our charity, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us:

The Ecology Centre’s vision is to connect people and nature for the sustainable wellbeing of both. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and green space for communities to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of nature. We foster connections between people and the environment through environmental education for all and provide benefit to community, health and wellbeing.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an individual who shares our values and who brings suitable commercial acumen and leadership skills to drive strategic growth and effective governance. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a critical role in designing and overseeing the strategic direction of our charity in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and General Manager. You will act as Chair to a close-knit, committed Board of Trustees, ensuring robust financial oversight, governance and innovation. We are looking for an individual who can help to bring our mission and vision to life and who can oversee the effective commercial management of the charity. Proven leadership experience within the charity sector is preferred but we are open to hearing from any individuals who can bring a proven track-record and understanding of leadership and financial management and who fits our values. Key responsibilities will include:

Providing strategic leadership to the charity in collaboration with the Board of Trustees

Guiding the short and long-term strategic development of the charity

Assuring and strengthening effective governance, including effective controls and monitoring of financial health, risk management and legal compliance

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders (in the community and beyond) to establish best practice sharing and an effective fundraising strategy

Managing a collaborative and inclusive culture at all levels of the charity and working closely with the Board of Trustees, General Manager and management team to ensure a thriving charity in line with our values.

Liber8 are looking to appoint people to our new service, Rehabilitation to Reintegration (R2R) This is a new service for people’s pre and post discharge from residential rehabilitation (RR), returning to South Lanarkshire.

The service would operate on two strands: practical and emotional support and personal development planning. R2R will help individuals prepare to enter residential rehabilitation and continue that support post discharge to help them navigate the landscape they’re returning to. Support workers will work with the person to establish and access recovery opportunities and activities and also link them with wider services where necessary, including mutual aid, housing, benefits, and other wraparound networks.

The post is aimed at mentoring and supporting people at this critical transitioning stage of their lives. The postholder will help the person prepare for entering RR and to build recovery capital, increase confidence while encouraging them to achieve their full potential: together setting realistic goals to assist in their own individual recovery journey.

Ideally, the successful candidate will have some or all of the following: an SVQ Level 3 qualification in Social Services and Health Care (or an equivalent qualification) and experience of holding a responsible position in this field of work or similar.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have experience and be able to demonstrate working effectively in a similar role.
• The ability to build trust based effective, relationships, both internally and externally.
• Have a proactive and dynamic personal style, with flexibility in style and approach.

In return we offer

• Competitive salary rates
• Annual leave: 34 days (incl), increasing 1 day each year to a max of 42days.
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Paid Membership of Disclosure Scotland’s PVG Scheme.
• Working in a supportive environment
• Training & Development Opportunities
• Working for a well-established small organisation where person centred values are at the core.

This is an exciting time to join our expanding and innovative recovery programme in South Lanarkshire, which provides recovery activities and opportunities, ensuring people have the tools and skills needed to continue on their recovery journey.

Youth Vision is a children and young people's charity that provides a range of nature-based projects that aim to develop the skills and self-esteem necessary to support a healthy transition to adulthood. Our unique range of integrated services enable vulnerable young people to experience nature and personal growth in a safe and supported environment.

The Role:

Working alongside the Field Manager you will oversee all our various programmes and work in the office to support the running of the Charity.

You will have experience of project management and lead facilitation with vulnerable young people, staff, and volunteers in the outdoor environment. You will be involved in practical outdoor project delivery at Threipmuir Farm Steading and in the community. The role will also require good knowledge of relevant policies and procedures relating to working with vulnerable young people, communicating with clients and partner organisations, and updating social media.

Practical rural and horticulture skills would be an asset, as would previous experience of charity funding and grant applications.

You can have a mix of hybrid working from our office base in Balerno and from your home. As Balerno and our steading base are located rurally, you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a car.