The position is offered on a 0.6 FTE basis (21.75 hours per week). This role will be home-based but will require travel to Edinburgh and/or other parts of Scotland for in-person meetings as required.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in children's lives through impactful policy and public affairs engagement? Are eager to develop your skills working with Scottish Government, MSPs, and other key decision-makers in Scotland? If so, we want to hear from you.

Barnardo's is looking for a Policy & Public Affairs Officer (Scotland) to help shape our influencing in Scotland. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone eager to build on their existing knowledge and experience with policy influencers in Scotland while playing a pivotal role in creating positive, lasting change for children, young people, and families.

In this role, you'll work closely with our Senior Policy and Public Affairs Lead (Scotland) to implement our influencing plan. You'll help raise Barnardo's Scotland's profile among key stakeholders and policy influencers. You'll be involved in:

• Monitoring key developments within the Scottish policy landscape
• Managing relationships and liaising with stakeholders at all levels
• Conducting research and producing reports to support our policy objectives
• Supporting reactive policy work to respond to emerging issues
• Organising events to showcase Barnardo's vital work and engage decision-makers

Your efforts will ensure that the voices of children, young people, families, and our services are central to our influencing activities in Scotland.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values. We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people.

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay.

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours. More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application.

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

The world of work has changed. We are understanding of what works best for our colleagues both current and future as we look to embrace this new way of working. Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or any combination of these.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

About Barnardo's

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Our basis and values

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.
• Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Action for Children's Intensive Intervention Service is a voluntary service that aims to support children and young people aged 11-18 years who may be at risk of or coerced into, involvement with serious offending and criminal activity.

The service forms partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, Police Scotland, and Education as part of a multi-agency partnership strategy to intervene in a child or young person's life as early as possible to prevent the likelihood or impact of criminal exploitation.

The aim of the service is to provide intensive 1:1, group work and diversionary activities to help equip the child or young person with the necessary skills and tools to make positive choices and to re-engage and sustain education, training, or employment.

We’re seeking a dedicated Practitioner to provide targeted intervention to children and young people, fostering their potential and aiding them in overcoming personal barriers. The goal is to empower positive lifestyle choices by collaborating within various community settings. Working closely with families is paramount, as we strive to strengthen relationships and address vulnerabilities.

We highly encourage applications from individuals who have lived experience relevant to this role.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of a Young Persons Practitioner role are;

• Leading interventions, ensuring positive outcomes, in line with policies and regulations.
• Supporting children and young people to re-engage in education and employment.
• Managing a caseload within the Services.
• Building strong relationships with individuals, organizations, and agencies and undertaking home visits where necessary.
• Attending meetings as required, including presenting cases at monthly meetings.
• Upholding safety policies and procedures for a positive work environment.

Let's talk about you

• SVQ /Diploma Level 3 or equivalent qualification in early years and childcare, social care or related background.
• Experience of working with young people in social work or experience in criminal justice.
• Working within a multi-agency social care, early years or health environment and applying safeguarding procedures
• Experience of managing cases, in accordance with agreed procedures and completing assessments, planning and reviews to ensure positive outcomes
• Ability to communicate effectively and engagingly and to maintain independent professional relationships, boundaries
• Provide outreach support across Edinburgh (Car mileage expenses reimbursed)

Good to know

Application Process

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Contact: Laura McCarthy at recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk quoting reference 10925

Diversity, equality and inclusion

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.

Male staff are under-represented within our Children Service roles. We would like to encourage more male applicants for our Children Service roles.

Don't meet every single requirement?

If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with the job description, we'd love you to apply anyway. You might just be the perfect person for this role, or another role within the Action for Children family.

Relationships Scotland Borders is looking for their next part-time Administrator to join our small, but highly committed and supportive team.

Are you looking for a flexible, home-based role that can offer hours to fit around the school run, or other commitments you might have? If so, then read on…………….

Relationships are at the heart of our lives and here at Relationships Scotland Borders, we support people with their relationship difficulties. We understand and know that everyone’s experiences and struggles are unique. We provide a range support, from individual and couples counselling, Child Contact Centres, to mediation services that can all help to support people to find their own solutions and enhance their wellbeing, mental health and happiness.

We deliver our range of services to help and support children and their families across the Scottish Borders. To support this work, we are looking for someone dynamic, enthusiastic and passionate, with a genuine desire to help others.

Within this role the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that our operations and processes run smoothly and to a high standard, with a core focus on excellent customer service.

We are looking for someone that is based in the Scottish Borders, with at least 5 years of previous experience as an administrator. You will be able to demonstrate experience of working remotely, a self-starter that understands the importance of meeting deadlines and managing your workload effectively. You will have excellent administrative and financial experience, be able to handle confidential information, communicate with clients and their families with care and sensitivity, as well as the ability to manage our work with local solicitors and other partners across the Scottish Borders. We can offer you a varied and interesting role with plenty of support as and when needed.

Join us and you'll become part of a team that cares about the work we do and the people we work with. You'll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that'll bring the best out in you. And you'll get to find your own way to make the difference that means more to the families we support across the Scottish Borders.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fantastic role, please take a look at the Job Description and Person Specification, or why not visit our website: relationships-scotlandborders.org

Join Achievement Bute as Our New Care Manager!

About the Role: We are excited to announce a vacancy for a Care Manager to join our dedicated team and manage Achievement Bute’s Registered Care Service. This role is both challenging and rewarding, playing a crucial part in connecting the desires and needs of children and families with engaging activities and excellent care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compassionately understand the dynamics of the lives of the children we support.
• Communicate the children’s needs and interests to our Activity Coordinator.
• Manage our team of Support Workers to deliver the support.
• Maintain required records, policies, and liaise with relevant services as needed.
• What We’re Looking For: We are seeking an individual who is:
• Welcoming and Enthusiastic: Able to create a warm and inviting environment for all.
• Highly Motivated: Committed to ensuring that ALL children can experience fun, interesting, and worthwhile activities of their choice.
• Compassionate and Understanding: Capable of comprehending the various dynamics of our supported children’s lives.
• Efficient and Organized: Competent in managing records, policies, and liaising with relevant services.

Why Join Us?

• Make a Difference: Play a vital role in enhancing the lives of children and families on the Isle of Bute.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a passionate and supportive team.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for personal and professional development.

If you are enthusiastic, highly motivated, and committed to making a positive impact, we would love to hear from you!

The position constitutes regulated work with children under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where applicable, the position also requires an Overseas Criminal Record Check. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the position will be subject to the outcome of both these pre-employment checks being deemed satisfactory.

The position requires someone who meets the SSSC and Care Inspectorate Requirements for Manager of a Support Service: Care at Home or is able to work towards those requirements. For more details sssc.uk.com/knowledgebase/article/KA-02526/en-us