Are you passionate about making a difference to your local community? Are you willing and able to give up some of your valuable time to work with a Charity that has a social ethos and values to make a difference in the local communities we serve? As the need for our services has grown, we are looking for new trustees to contribute to help us develop and deliver our strategy, values and vision.

About East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau

As a member of the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux network, East Ayrshire CAB provides free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice and information to ensure that people understand their rights and responsibilities and can express their needs effectively. We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face and work to strengthen their rights.

East Ayrshire CAB currently operates from two offices in Kilmarnock and Cumnock. We have 17 staff and are supported by 12 volunteers including board members. The Bureau supports individuals with a wide range of general enquiries whilst project staff provide specialist support on topics including benefits, debt, utilities, and money matters.

The Role

We’d like to enhance our board to better reflect the diverse individuals and communities we work alongside, so we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Our bureau is a place for learning, innovating and connecting, so whether you’re already an experienced trustee, or taking your first step, we’d love to hear from you. Just some examples of the experience or expertise you may bring include:

• Equality, diversity and inclusion

• Third sector leadership and governance

• Digital strategy

• Legal

You may bring different skills and strengths – more important is your passion to use your skills and experience in guiding and supporting us as we tackle the challenges people face today.

Becoming a volunteer Board member is not just about what you can offer us, it is a rewarding role that helps you learn new skills, broaden your network, raising your profile and make a real difference for the people in East Ayrshire.

There are an average of six Board meetings per year to commit to as well as preparation time and regular collaboration /communications with the team and stakeholders.

We are currently seeking a new Treasurer to join our board of trustees and we hope to find someone who has experience of financial management and accountancy. Our current Treasurer will remain on the board until the 31st March 2025. We would like our Board to be representative of our local community. We encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Role and responsibilities

As well as bearing all the fiduciary duty of a board officer, the Treasurer is the person specifically entrusted with management of the bureau funds. The finance director is also responsible for ensuring that accurate records are maintained and the board is informed of all relevant financial matters.

The tasks associated with this post are:

• liaising with and advising the Chief Executive and Board of trustees on financial matters
• ensuring that proper financial procedures and accounting practice are in place to safeguard the bureau’s resources
• preparing financial statements for board meetings and for the annual general meeting
• liaise with the appointed Independent examiner for the annual review of accounts
• preparing an annual budget and advising the board of its financial requirements for the year ahead

Please note this role is a voluntary position with no renumeration. Please see role description.

To assist welfare rights & housing advisers in their work providing high quality advice and representation to individuals affected by addiction on matters of income maximisation, welfare benefits, housing rights, and money advice, in line with the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers.

The case support will be provided within a range of settings from recovery hubs and local community venues.

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

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