An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior management post within Families Outside. This is a key role for a dynamic and passionate individual interested in making a real difference in the lives of families affected by imprisonment. If you are skilled and motivated to take strategic and operational responsibility for the support of children and families and have the skills and experience to lead a team of dedicated staff, among other attributes, we would like to hear from you!

This role is primarily based in our Head Office in Edinburgh but would be feasible for anyone in the central belt.

About the role

Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely to support children and families affected by imprisonment. This senior management post leads the strategic development and implementation of the work of Families Outside’s Family Support team, linking the work of the Regional Managers and Regional Family Support Coordinators, national Helpline, and support to Prison Visitors’ Centres to improve outcomes for children and families throughout Scotland who are affected by imprisonment. The post holder will lead and inspire a team of managers to deliver high quality integrated support within our values framework (Compassion, Integrity, Tenacity, and Expertise). Undertaking and leading on significant projects, providing strategic leadership, and promoting and representing Families Outside are all key components of this challenging role.

About you

You will need a proven relevant track record, possibly gained in a range of sectors where you operated at a senior level with external audiences and engaged with, and influenced, a variety of stakeholders. You will also need demonstrable experience in managing and developing a diverse family support service, working collaboratively to support families caught up in criminal justice processes, significant experience of child and adult protection and trauma-informed practice, and extensive experience of managing staff, students, and volunteers.

Someone who thrives on working collaboratively with others for the good of the business, you will be adept at building a network of good relationships and have an ability to develop a thorough understanding of the organisation and the wider sector quickly. You will be a good listener and positive influencer who communicates clearly, verbally and in writing; is reasonably comfortable with the media and Parliamentary bodies; and, where appropriate, is able to persuade others to change their views, intentions, or actions.

The leadership role of Director of Services is key for the organisation: you will lead a team of 4 – 5 managers, and as a member of the 3-person Senior Management Team will report directly to the CEO. Providing leadership and effective day-to-day management of the Family Support Team, you will ensure that Families Outside is a key contributor to local and national policy and the lead national voice on issues relating to families affected by imprisonment.

This is an exciting role for the right applicant. It comes at a time where Families Outside has undertaken a major restructuring programme and is regrouping to make best use of our capacity. This is an exciting time to join the team, where you will have the opportunity to deliver the ambitions of Families Outside on a national and international stage.

Staff Benefits

25 flexible leave days plus 10 public holidays

4% matched contribution workplace pension scheme

Hybrid & flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme (Health Assured)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Laptop and mobile phone for all staff

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a difference to lives of children in Scotland using their knowledge and experience in income generation and fundraising across different sectors.

Working in a busy and target-driven environment, the Senior Business Development Officer will work closely with the Income Generation Manager, Leadership Team and other key parts of the charity to ensure that income generation opportunities are maximised in line with Strategic and Delivery Plans, and Income Generation Strategy.

Based within the Development & Engagement department and reporting to the Income Generation Manager (department Head in the interim), the role specifically focusses on activity linked to:

• Corporate relationships and partnerships – development of new ones and maintaining current ones, with a focus on income and other benefits-in-kind
• Income generation – through sponsorship / exhibition / advertising sales and supporting consultancy and commissioned training offers
• Grant and tender applications – researching opportunities and supporting applications
• Fundraising – donations and new opportunities

About Children in Scotland

Giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish is at the heart of everything we do.

By bringing together a network of people working with and for children, alongside children and young people themselves, we offer a broad, balanced and independent voice. We create solutions, provide support and develop positive change across all areas affecting children in Scotland. We do this by listening, gathering evidence, and applying and sharing our learning, while always working to uphold children’s rights.

Our range of knowledge and expertise means we can provide trusted support on issues as diverse as the people we work with and the varied lives of children and families in Scotland.

Diversity

Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.

About Aberlour Options Lothian

Aberlour Options Lothian offers a range of short break services to children and young people with complex needs. We offer a safe, homely environment for a child to come and stay for a short break that gives their families a rest from their caring role. During that break, children enjoy a range of fun activities and experiences with our staff. Our service is very much a 'home from home' for the children who stay with us. We are within easy commuting distance of Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian with access via the numbers 26, 111 and 124 bus routes.

The difference we make to families:

"It's not easy to accept that sometimes you need help. We had reached rock bottom but Aberlour Options Lothian was that lifesaving buoyancy aid. It wasn't easy accepting leaving my son there especially in the early days when it was new to everyone. It is a safe and welcoming place and a second home in many respects now. Somewhere he is safe, cared for and has loads of fun with the carers and other children. It's not just about respite; we have received help with managing behaviour, preparing for hospital visits and operations. Help and advice when there seemed to be no one else listening or who understands. It's hard to look back to where we were but no we wouldn't be here today without their help and support. To sum it up: Saved our lives. Peace of mind. Finally a rest".

What we are looking for....

As part of a small team, you will ensure that the highest level of physical and emotional care is provided to the children and young people. Experience in this type of work is preferred however we will consider all applications. We are looking for someone to work 12 hours per week ; working mainly weekends including sleepovers.

At Aberlour we want to make sure every child and young person has the love, support and opportunity they need to reach their potential. If you share the same vision, we want you to join our team. At Aberlour we have strong values -

Respect, Integrity, Innovation and Challenging - which influence our everyday work. If you choose to apply for this role please tell us about your values in your supporting statement. To have a look at our values to understand more about what we are looking for from our employees click here.

What we offer...

As well as a supportive team and excellent training opportunities, we want all our employees to feel valued and rewarded for the vital work they do. When you work with us, we'll recognise your efforts with generous annual leave, an

excellent employer pension scheme and a range of deals and discounts across various retailers. Please click here to have a look at our Employee Benefits.

A fantastic opportunity to come and join the Children First team

Children First’s ambition is for every child in Scotland to be safe, loved and well with their family. As a charity we offer emotional, practical, and financial support to help families to put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child.

We are looking for a full time Family Group Decision Making coordinator to join our team within West Lothian. As an FGDM coordinator you will work with children and families of all ages and at different stages of risk and need.

Family Group Decision Making is working with family groups in a strengths-based way to support them to create Family Plans, keeping children safe and at home within their family networks.

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in Family Group Decision Making, or strengths-based approaches to working with families, and would like to extend their skill set.

If you would like to know more about this post, please contact Caroline Millar at caroline.millar@childrenfirst.org.uk.

Children First are determined that the full incorporation of the UNCRC means that children will have their rights respected in all areas of their lives and will have a real say in the way they are supported. If you share this determination, we would love to hear from you.

What kind of people are we looking for?

• have experience of keeping children safe in their own families
• are fiercely passionate about children’s rights
• thinks it’s a privilege to work with and on behalf of children and families and,
• are kind and will bring their whole selves to the job: heart and mind

What kind of team member will you be?

Knowing our ambition for children, you will be someone who is:

• resilient, skilled and knowledgeable who wants to transform children’s lives
• determined to support children to stay safely with their own family
• big hearted and courageous
• able to build strong relationships and to manage the tricky conversations
• is compassionate and understanding of trauma
• a cool head and clear minded at times of pressure
• inspiring colleagues and teams to be even better
• an amazing ambassador for children and Children First

Above all else, the most important thing to us is that you are someone who will do the right thing for children and their families at every turn.

At Children First, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects communities across Scotland. Guided by our values, With Love, With Purpose, With Strength, we strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive. We actively work to remove barriers to inclusion and promote equity in all aspects of our work. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those from marginalised communities, and are dedicated to ensuring a fair and supportive recruitment process.

Base

You will be based within our West Lothian Family Wellbeing Hub, Bathgate.

Salary, Conditions, Pension

We will offer you a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement (40 days inclusive of 9 public holidays). ​We have additional benefits such as a cash back health plan, cycle to work scheme, and option to join a ​Credit Union.