Big Hearts Community Trust is welcoming applications to join the charity’s Board of Trustees in 2025.

There are two Trustee positions:

• One to be filled by an experienced finance professional or accountant ideally with some charity knowledge
• The other to be filled by an individual who has an interest or experience in charity governance and may be interested in being a future Chair for Big Hearts.

This is a fantastic opportunity for two individuals to join the Board of Heart of Midlothian FC’s official charity and play a part in supporting local communities through the power of the beautiful game.

Big Hearts is an award-winning charity changing lives through football since 2015. With projects including Memories, Kinship Care, Welcome Through Football and School’s Out, we are considered one of the leading football charities in Scotland and recognised for the high standard of our free support services around mental health, equality and social connections. The charity currently runs over 15 projects and employs a core team of 17 staff.

Key-information

• Big Hearts Trustees are appointed for an initial term of 3 years.
• These non-Executive roles are non-paid positions.
• All Trustees are expected to uphold and represent Big Hearts’ purpose, vision, values and mission in a personal and professional capacity.
• Being a Heart of Midlothian FC supporter is desired, but not essential.

To provide high quality advice and representation to individuals and families on income maximisation, welfare benefits, debit, housing and money, in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

The advice will be provided within a range of settings from GP surgeries, schools, Mental Health & Recovery Hubs and local community venues.

By joining our team, you will be helping alleviate poverty and improve individuals, families and children’s lives and ensure our Vision is fulfilled, in that no one in our communities endures hardship.

Role and Responsibilities

Advice

• Provide high quality accurate advice, information and representation in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

• Build positive trusting relationships with individuals and families requiring advice.

• Conduct interviews with clients either in person, telephone or virtual.

• Maintain accurate records and fully utilise the Advice Pro recording system.

• Manage and maintain ongoing advice casework.

• Communicate effectively with third parties on behalf of the client.

• Signpost people to relevant specialist support services where appropriate.

• Maintain accurate computer records in line with CHAI procedures and ensure all client mandates are in line with Data protection legislation.

• Provide consultation support to other professionals on advice.

Service Development

• Support the development of services within their various locations, through maintaining positive relationships with our partner organisations, health care professionals, community link workers, social workers, and support workers.

• Promote the service and represent CHAI to other agencies.

• Deliver training or briefing sessions to help other professionals understand the welfare system and how they can support individuals.

• Prepare as required reports on the outcomes and impact of the service to the Service Manager and Partners.

Personal Development

• Actively participate in all training sessions provided.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of development in welfare benefits, debt issues and housing issues and participate in any training and activities.

• Keep accurate individual training records.

Organisational

• Adhere to the policies and procedures of CHAI.

• Actively participate in Team and Organisational meetings

• Participate in the development of CHAI services.

• Feedback on the review of organisational policies and procedures.

• Promote and represent CHAI services positively.

• Perform other reasonable related duties as required.

We offer the following

• Flexible working

• Access to Simply Health benefit plan

• 32 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)

• Enrolment to NOW Pension Scheme

• Extensive training programme

• Full and part time opportunities

• Supportive work environment

• Opportunities to improve services and make a difference

Are you interested in the heritage sector and / or the community sector? Are you a good coordinator, with excellent communication skills and digitally confident?

We are looking for a motivated and well-organised individual to support a new team working with communities across Scotland on the sustainable transfer of former places of worship into community ownership.

This role is office-based, working in Edinburgh or Inverness, but with the potential for some home working. Travel throughout the country will also be required

Do you have experience of working with groups, able to provide information and to be a mentor? Are you able to work in partnership with a wide range of organisations?

We are looking for a Churches Advisor to cover central and southern Scotland. Working with an Advisor already in post, as well as the Community Ownership Support Service team, this role will work with communities across Scotland on the sustainable transfer of former places of worship into community ownership.

This role is office-based, working in Edinburgh, but with the potential for some home working. Travel throughout the country will also be required