The Commission protects and promotes the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions.

We are recruiting for a Communications Manager to manage and deliver the Commission’s communications and media relations activity.

The post has a remit to manage the Commission’s communication programme, providing advice to the Executive Leadership Team and senior management on key issues and developing strategies that support its role in influencing policy and opinion in the mental health, learning disability, dementia and related fields, and engendering a positive reputation for the Commission amongst its key external stakeholders.

The post is the expert on communications for the Commission, giving input at a strategic level but also being involved in the day-to-day communications work.

The post holder must have a degree in a relevant discipline, such as communications, media or journalism, and significant and current experience (usually 5 years or equivalent) of working in a communications role/field. Applicants must be able to demonstrate credibility with executive/senior management teams, experience of managing media relations, developing communication plans and strategies, and building stakeholder relations.

Do you have a passion for building strong relationships and community connections? If so, we have an exciting opportunity to join Dates-n-Mates as a Community Engagement & Event Lead. You will be based in our North East Team covering Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Introduction to Dates-n-Mates

Dates-n-Mates Scotland is an organisation run by and for adults who have a learning disability. We are Scotland’s first friendship and dating agency connecting people in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire.

Formerly a project of C-Change Scotland for 15 years, Dates-n-Mates became an independent charity in 2023. Our work is underpinned by a human rights-based approach, and we believe it is people’s right to live life free of discrimination and to develop relationships of their choosing, to love and be loved. We are award-winning and received a Scottish Charity Award for Pioneering Project in 2017 and were finalists in the category of Scottish Charity of the Year in 2024.

Role Requirements

This role requires the postholder to deliver high-quality, safe, fun, and empowering events and workshops in the local community for people with learning disabilities. You will be part of a small team working remotely and must have the ability to be proactive in managing your workload and meeting funders targets. The postholder should have the confidence and ability to engage in a variety of activities including delivering skills development workshops to members and delivering quality presentation to stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities include

• Coordinating and delivering events and workshops across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
• Recording, monitoring, and evaluating your work effectively.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with Dates-n-Mates members, colleagues, volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organisations.
• Upholding and promoting the values of Dates-n-Mates.

Please refer to the detailed job description below.

You can learn more about Dates-n-Mates by visiting our website: datesnmates.org.uk

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and enthusiastic HR & People Manager to join our team at Lifelink. This is a new senior management role within the organisation, ideally suited to an individual who thrives on embedding best in class HR practices, and develops positive workplace culture throughout our organisation.

Role Summary

At Lifelink, people are at the heart of everything we do. As our HR & People Manager, you’ll play a central role in shaping a culture that empowers and inspires. You’ll join a purpose-driven organisation committed to wellbeing, development, and making a lasting difference to the communities we serve.

You will be a professional with experience in human resources management, people and cultural development. You will be capable of leading and implementing all aspects of the HR function, including the team, aligned with the organisation’s goals and objectives. A key focus will be developing a coaching and mentoring culture that empowers managers and employees to take ownership of performance, growth, and wellbeing.

You will demonstrate strong decision making and act with integrity, ensuring all people practices are aligned with organisational values and ethical standards. You will act as a trusted advisor and influencer across all levels of the organisation, building credibility and ensuring HR initiatives have meaningful impact.

You will balance strategic leadership with hands on HR delivery, strengthening leadership capability, embedding a culture of continuous learning, and driving positive organisational change.

You must have:

Experience in a similar HR & People Manager role, with experience of line managing a team.

A Batchelor’s degree in Human Resources Management or related field.

The ability to effectively manage relationships across the organisation to deliver HR business partner support on a day-to-day basis, supporting with queries and complex escalated scenarios.

Knowledge and experience of managing TUPE processes and implementing employee legislation change.

The ability to manage and implement the full talent lifecycle, from recruitment, development and retention.

Experience of organisational design and development including workforce and succession planning and leadership development.

Experience of managing external stakeholder relationships to gain and maintain accreditations and charters such as IIP.

The ability to lead and develop our performance management framework, and our training and development programmes.

The ability to analyse data, driving insight led decisions and change.

Experience of leading employee engagement and wellbeing initiatives promoting a positive workplace culture.

Experience of driving a coaching and mentoring led culture, fostering a continuous learning and feedback environment.

A passion for cultural and change leadership with experience guiding and supporting organisations through periods of transformation.

Experience embedding equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our people strategy and culture.

Ideally you will have:

Membership of an HR related body

Additional coaching, change management, or organisational development qualification.

Experience of working for or partnering with a 3rd sector organisation

A strong understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector

Additional benefits include generous holiday allowance, contributory pension scheme (6% from employer), cash back health plan, life cover, holiday purchase scheme, and 2 wellbeing days.

About us – Lifelink and Lifelink Workwell is a social enterprise with over 30 years of experience supporting adults and young people throughout Scotland, and UK wide workplaces, with their mental health and wellbeing. Our vision is that people are healthier and happier, wherever they live, work or learn.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.