2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Curious Seed. As we move into an exciting new phase of development, we are seeking a new Chair and 2 additional Trustees to support our work.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As we move forward from our 20th anniversary year with secure Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding until March 2028, we wish to work with people who can bring a range of experiences, skills and backgrounds on our Board to help us to shape, support and realise our renewed strategic vision.

We are seeking people from all sections of the community who:

• have enthusiasm for Curious Seed’s artistic work and support our vision
• are passionate about the impact and power of the arts and creativity
• can bring sound, independent judgement
• are creative and strategic thinkers
• thrive working collaboratively
• can advocate for Curious Seed and champion for the company’s work

We are especially, but not exclusively, interested in people who bring knowledge of one or more of the following areas:

• Legal / HR
• Fundraising
• Finance / Charity Accounting
• Being a resident of North Edinburgh
• Working in community settings, such as arts, social care, health & wellbeing

For the role of Chair, we are interested in people who also bring knowledge and experience of:

• Leadership and People Management
• Facilitation
• Charity Governance

More information and our full Trustee Recruitment Pack is available on our website in PDF, large print, dyslexia-friendly and audio formats. curious-seed.com/joinourboard

We particularly encourage applications from those who have been or are historically underrepresented on boards due to age, disability, ethnicity, faith or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, education, socio-economic background, or those with caring responsibilities. Candidates who may not think they fit the typical criteria required for Board membership, but who are inspired to contribute to our work, are warmly encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in joining our Board, but have questions about what is involved, we are happy to have informal conversations with any potential candidates - this can be done online, over the phone, or in person - please get in touch.

Lead the change you want to see

Set the agenda for community action on climate change

FEL is the Scottish environmental charity that’s changing our world for the better, project by project.

We believe that powerful change can be simple to make.

From e-bike libraries to vertical gardens, we bring innovative solutions that combine the latest technology with a hands-on approach. By working with communities, we show people how to make everyday improvements that help them, their neighbours, and the planet.

Now we’re looking for the best people to keep us striding in the right direction.

Could you be an FEL Trustee?

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board and help shape FEL’s long-term direction.

If you care about community-led climate action, can think strategically, and are willing to offer constructive challenge and support, this could be a meaningful role for you.

We are particularly interested in people with experience in:

• Digital and technology
• Impact and evaluation
• Finance
• HR and organisational development
• Community sports, education or youth engagement
• Community or sustainable energy
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

However, we welcome interest from people of all backgrounds. Different perspectives strengthen our governance, and your experience may be exactly what we need.

We are especially keen to diversify our Board in terms of age, background and lived experience. We encourage applications from younger people, individuals from ethnic minority communities, and anyone who has participated in or benefited from FEL’s work.

Previous Board experience is not essential. We provide induction, mentoring and ongoing support to help you contribute with confidence.

FEL is a registered charity committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community.

What’s involved?

FEL Trustees play an important role in setting our strategic goals and in making sure we have the structure and resources to achieve them. They promote and represent our vision, mission and values. They agree the policies and procedures through which we work and offer support and advice to the FEL board, staff and volunteers. They make sure we’re monitoring and reporting on what we do correctly, that we comply with regulations, meet our legal obligations and manage our finances properly.

Above all, our Trustees use their skills, knowledge and experience to help our Board make the right decisions that will keep us changing our world for the better. Project by project.

As a result of planned retirements and Board renewal, we have two opportunities to join our Board as Trustees for Shelter Scotland:

Role 1 Trustee

Role 2 Chair of the Scotland Committee and Vice-Chair to the Board of Trustees.

We’re looking for people with a range of professional and personal experiences. Strong candidates will relish the chance to join a high-performing Board, working with an extremely talented and highly motivated Executive Leadership Team. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve in Scotland.

Experience in the following areas would be key:

• Knowledge and understanding of the operating environment for third sector organisations in Scotland.
• Experience of public affairs or social policy development in a Scottish context.
• Experience of delivering anti-racism policy and in practice.
• Knowledge and understanding of fundraising in the Scottish context.

What is the Voluntary Sector?

The ‘voluntary sector’ refers to organisations whose primary purpose is to create social impact rather than profit. It is independent from local and national government, and distinct from the private sector. Charities are the largest single category within the voluntary sector.

About Shelter and Shelter Scotland

We are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent. Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that we achieve our core purpose.

Being a Trustee

Our Board of Trustees is a non-executive Board with overall legal responsibility for the direction, management and control of Shelter and is collectively accountable for compliance with charity law, company law and other legislative and regulatory requirements. As a Trustee, you will have the chance to support and shape our work and strategic direction. Trusteeship can help you gain experience of strategy and leadership. It will give you experience of setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. As a Trustee, you will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. People with lived or learned experience of homelessness can bring powerful perspectives to our Board and play an important role in shaping our strategy. Terms of Appointment Terms of office are normally limited to a maximum of two terms, each of three years.

Remuneration

Trustees receive no fees, remuneration, salary or other financial benefits nor any other material benefits in their role at Shelter. However, they can claim reasonable expenses for attendance at Board and other meetings or events in line with the Trustee Expenses Policy.

Application Criteria

Charity Commission CC30 Guidance and the Charities Act 2011 disqualifies some people from acting as a trustee. Shelter will not appoint a person who is not allowed by law to be a trustee.

One in five of Scotland’s population is living with a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid. Too many are struggling alone, frightened about the future and we’re determined to change that.

In becoming a trustee, you will be leading our efforts to ensure there is No Life Half Lived in Scotland and ensure that CHSS is best placed to meet our strategic goal of No Life Half Lived. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as we embark on the second year of our new strategy.