Are you passionate about supporting families?

We are seeking new Board members, including those with HR, Digital, Finance or Business expertise

Scottish Families supports anyone who is concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use. We were established in 2003 by families themselves, who came together to support each other and to campaign for recognition. Our five Outcomes are that Families are Supported, Included, Heard, Connected, and that Families Create Change.

We are a national charity based in Glasgow but working right across Scotland. We provide a range of national and local services, including a national helpline, one to one support, bereavement counselling and local family support services. We also deliver a national workforce development programme; Connecting Families; My Family, My Rights; communications; fundraising; and policy/ campaigning work, as well as our Routes young persons programme, and Grow Your Own Routes national development programme.

We are Scotland’s leading charity supporting families affected by substance use, and are recognised by the Scottish Government as one of their Key Third Sector Partners in the field of alcohol and drugs. We are funded through a combination of Government grants, commissioned services, charitable trusts and fundraising.

You can find out more about our work by reading ‘The Cost of Loving’, our Strategic Plan 2023-26, and ‘Celebrating Families’, our Impact Report 2023-24. Our website is at sfad.org.uk.

We are seeking a number of new Board members in response to recent and upcoming changes in our Board membership.

(Board members serve an initial three-year term, which can be extended for a further three years).

You should be available to attend quarterly meetings, which are held in person at our national office in Glasgow city centre (with the option of joining online via MS Teams). Meetings are held on Saturday mornings and the schedule is set well in advance.

About us

Break The Silence make a profound and positive difference in the lives of those affected by childhood sexual trauma, their partners and family members. We support all genders, age 13+ across East and North Ayrshire. Operating since 2004, Break the Silence is a registered charity in Scotland (SCO36263), a company limited by guarantee (SC341157) and strives to be a centre of excellence for clients and stakeholders. We hold British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy service accreditation and won Ayrshire Chamber’s prestigious Business Excellence Award, 2004.

We offer a professional counselling service, working collaboratively at the client’s pace, facilitating positive change through healing to challenge the effects of sexual trauma and to assist post-traumatic growth; provide psychoeducational support for partners and family members; and explore opportunities to influence, promoting early intervention and prevention and representing the collective voice of those affected by sexual trauma to educate and inform, reducing inequalities by improving education and understanding of trauma in our communities.

Applicants

We celebrate diversity, recognising and valuing different perspectives, experiences, opinions and thoughts which a new board member can bring. We welcome applicants that reflect the community we serve.

The role may appeal to someone wishing to volunteer as a trustee for the first time, or to an experienced trustee seeking a new challenge. We are especially keen to hear from candidates with experience in marketing/communications, digital skills, human resources and general business knowledge.

The board meet quarterly on-line and a full induction will be provided including training in trauma, safeguarding and governance. As a third sector trustee appointment, the post is unremunerated.

A PVG is required for this post as it is considered a regulated role.

Company Description

Action Against Stalking is a charity organisation that provides free professional confidential independent support advocacy for individuals who are experiencing stalking. Founded by Dr. Ann Moulds CBE, AAS shares knowledge and expertise with justice agencies, provides training and CPD to professionals, and influences policy and practice nationally and internationally. See our website actionagainststalking.org for information.

Role Description

This is a non-renumerated Board of Trustees role at Action Against Stalking. The Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight of the charity. The role involves attending board meetings, participating in committee work, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic plans, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. alongside the chair, CEO and appointed trustees. This is a hybrid role, ideally based in and around Ayrshire, Glasgow, the Lothians and Lanarkshire. Remote work is the norm, with a requirement to attend at least two board meetings per annum, along with the AGM in person

We are seeking individuals with a passion for supporting our charity with our primary focus on victim rights and victim support. We hold relationships with agencies and support partners across Scotland, and the wider national and international communities.

You may have a background in social care, policing, or previous experience with championing the rights of victims. You could be a HR specialist, or a communications expert. We are seeking committed individuals from wide and varied backgrounds to join us.

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, heritage, culture, religious beliefs, colour, race, sexual orientation, and gender.

We welcome you with or without physical challenges, if you are neurodivergent or anything else that celebrates your uniqueness.

If you have the skills, and you think you’ve got what it takes, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications

• Experience in governance and strategic leadership
• Appreciation and understanding of the issues surrounding stalking
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, as a team player and make collective decisions
• Financial literacy and experience in financial oversight
• Experience at a senior level with committees and board representation
• Commitment to the mission and values of Action Against Stalking
• Availability to attend board meetings and engage in committee work

We are looking for an experienced leader to be the next Chair of our Board of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact, alongside our Trustees and CEO, to support the charity’s strategic vision.

About The Organisation

We are Scotland’s leading bereavement charity, providing bereavement support to anyone in Scotland who needs us. The range of support includes helpline, individual and group counselling support, children and young people’s services, bereavement support and training to workplaces……and so much more! The services offered to clients are delivered by a volunteer workforce of around 200 people, who are trained to professional standards, and whose motivation and commitment is the heartbeat of our organisation.

We have a small in size, but mighty in spirit, staff team of 22 (15 WTE) who are responsible for the co-ordination of client services, volunteer management, training and fundraising. The staff team, like our volunteers, are located all across Scotland, based within in the local communities which we serve.

Our Board of Trustees bring a diverse mix of skills and professional expertise across all aspects of the organisation. Trustees contribute to a specialist committees relevant to their interests, as well as the wider board meeting. Our Trustees will provide a wealth of experience to our incoming Chair, who will find them a welcoming and engaged team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead with Confidence: Provide clear strategic direction and strong governance.

• Partner with Purpose : Work closely with the CEO to support and challenge in equal measure.

• Inspire Collaboration: Chair 8 meetings annually across the Board and Executive Committee, creating space for constructive, engaging and inclusive dialogue.

• Champion Our Mission: Be an ambassador for Cruse Scotland, enhancing our influence and reach

• Drive Impact: Help shape a positive future for bereavement support in Scotland.

Advantageous skills and experience

• An established leader with a passion for ethical and inclusive leadership

• Experience of charity governance

• Understanding of board dynamics

• Skills in chairing meetings, facilitating discussion, and gathering consensus

• A confident communicator, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels

• Financial acumen

• Familiarity of Scottish Government and/or HSCP structures and decision making

• An appreciation for the mission of Cruse Scotland and the impact of volunteers

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from people with protected characteristics currently under-represented on our existing Board.

Why join us as the Chair of Cruse Scotland

∙ Hold a rewarding leadership role in a respected organisation

∙ Work with a highly motivated team dedicated to improving bereavement support in Scotland

∙ A key opportunity for you to shape strategy to provide long-term impact and legacy