Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) seeks to appoint a Head of Policy and Strategy to coordinate policy development initiatives.

This role involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to policy and influencing strategic policy and legislation relating to the historic and built environment across Scotland. Key responsibilities include:

1. Consultation: Co-ordinate and compile responses to strategic Government (and other key stakeholder) consultations on behalf of BEFS and BEFS Members.
2. Advocacy: Develop shared statements (manifestos, legislative ‘asks’, written evidence to parliamentary committees etc) on strategic issues arising from within BEFS work.
3. Events: Working with colleagues and external stakeholders, plan and facilitate stakeholder engagement events which inform policy development and produce written reports for these events.
4. Secretariat: Act as secretariat to multiple working groups, preparing agenda and meeting papers, recording meetings and circulating minutes.
5. Horizon-scanning: Undertake regular horizon-scanning through contact with Government and key stakeholders, to identify key issues of interest to BEFS Members.
6. Communication: Provide colleagues with written material to communicate key messages arising from BEFS discussions (such as website content, blogs), and contribute strategic content to BEFS bi-monthly bulletin.
7. Project development: Develop and shape projects (from initial idea to project brief) which will inform/evidence advocacy activity.
8. Reporting: Provide and contribute to regular reports to funders and BEFS Board.
9. Facilitation: Provide facilitation for Members events, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
10. Team: Participate actively as part of a small and busy team, supporting and working with colleagues as necessary.

Person specification

Essential

1. Strong ability to demonstrate breadth of sector knowledge, particularly across policy frameworks.
2. Experience of the process of strategic policy and legislative development within Scotland, across the wider policy landscape.
3. Strong analytical skills, with an ability to distil policy information and stakeholder opinions, across a broad range of policy topics/disciplines in the built environment sphere.
4. Knowledge and experience of the historic and wider built environment sector, including key stakeholders and lead organisations.
5. Highly self-motivated, able to work flexibly, balancing priorities as necessary.
6. High attention to detail, with strong written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation experience.
7. Advanced use of IT packages including Office 365 and Adobe etc.

Desirable

1. Degree or post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in built environment-related discipline (e.g., planning, conservation, surveying, archaeology, architecture) or public affairs.
2. Experience of stakeholder engagement/facilitation skills.
3. Confidence with online/remote working technologies and programmes such as Teams, Zoom. (Knowledge/familiarity of other programmes such as Miro, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, WordPress and MailChimp are also an advantage.)

BEFS expects all applicants to support the values, ethos and objectives of BEFS, demonstrating credibility and integrity, and proactively committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion

Background

Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust is a registered charity committed to the revitalisation of the Old Town through stimulating growth in community participation, the arts and enterprise. It supports a vibrant community in the Old Town that is inclusive to all. The organisation operates the Crannie Community Hub; this is a venue for local residents and organisations to come together, create and share activities, events and connections as well as campaigns to improve the area for residents. The Crannie runs a health and wellbeing program, including a walking group, music circle, creative writing, cooking and craft groups.

With the help of new funding, we aim to enhance our services by offering weekend access, personalized energy advice, and expanding our warm space to a full 7-day schedule. We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Energy Officer to lead this exciting project.

Purpose of the role

EOTDT is seeking an experienced person to be responsible for managing the delivery of critical energy support services to our community members and supporting the Facilities and Operations Manager team in running the Crannie Community Hub.

This includes hosting weekly group advice sessions, offering personalized energy guidance, and providing drop-in support to help individuals reduce their energy costs and improve their efficiency. The Energy Officer will also help ensure our space remains a welcoming and accessible resource for individuals seeking warmth, meals, and community support.

The activity programme will be based at The Crannie Community Hub but will involve working on an outreach basis across the Old Town area as appropriate. This role will include essential weekend working.

The Supported Housing Worker role requires assisting in the management of the development thus ensuring the tenants are able to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in an environment which is clean, safe and friendly. You will be responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the tenants and for assisting them in maintaining their independence.

As Housing Care Worker your role will involve working with our tenants to ensure they receive the support and personal care identified in their care plans. You will directly support tenants in their homes by providing individual advice, practical housing support assistance and personal care.

Both roles are to ensure that we are able to offer the best service to our tenants and make it possible for our tenants to continue enjoying as much independent living as they’re able.

As well as a competitive annual salary, our valued team also benefits from:

• competitive hourly rates of £12.25 - £12.50 per hour
• guaranteed rota hours working between 7.30am & 10pm
• generous annual leave entitlement
• a choice of pension scheme with employer contributions
• flexible working policies
• access to extensive paid training and development opportunities
• a supportive and inclusive culture.

We also have opportunities with our Trust Staff Agency - for employees who want to work across different locations, in various roles, with highly flexible hours to suit family commitments - it's a great opportunity with the same training and development that our other roles benefit from.

Previous experience working in social care or the housing sector would be an advantage but this is not always necessary. Our ideal candidate is someone with enthusiasm, a caring nature and willingness to learn as full training, support and ongoing development will be provided.

We have an exciting leadership opportunity to join the Edinburgh Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Team as a Team Leader. Within this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the day-to-day delivery of our mental health and wellbeing support services. As well as supporting the team, you will be responsible for having initial conversations with people looking to access support, to identify outcomes and match them with the appropriate support.

You will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of our: Guided Self Help Service, Peer Connecting Service, Women’s Wellbeing Service, Thrive Welcome Team and the Peer Community of Practice.

You should have experience in; leading and managing services, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing, managing volunteers, and working as part of a team. We are also seeking candidates who have a knowledge or understanding of peer work.

If you have experience in these areas and are passionate about supporting people to fulfil their potential, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsible to: Senior Services Manager (North)