- Advertised from 18th May 2026
Role
Disability Equality Scotland (DES) are looking for up to six enthusiastic and committed volunteers to join the existing members of our Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with lived experience of disability.
We are a registered Scottish charity, a national membership organisation for disabled people, and the umbrella body for the Scottish Access Panel Network. We work to make life more accessible, equal and inclusive for disabled people across Scotland.
Our new Board members will have the skills and knowledge needed to help DES meet our strategic aims. Members of our Board work closely with each other to provide us with important governance and contribute to our overall strategy. They help ensure we meet our objectives and primary aims as a charitable organisation.
Application notes
The closing date for applications is Friday 12 June 2026
We will review all applications and create a shortlist of suitable candidates during the week of 15 June 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the Convenor and CEO of DES during the weeks of 22 and 26 June 2026.
More Information and How to Apply
Visit our website to access a Recruitment Pack and the Application Form.
The Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) Board of Trustees is looking for new trustees who can help make Scotland a fairer place where people with learning disabilities live full, safe, loving and equal lives. This is a pivotal and exciting moment for our organisation. As we approach our 25th anniversary, SCLD is proud of its history, its values and its contribution to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities across Scotland.
As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance and oversight, working collaboratively with people with lived experience, fellow Board members and the senior leadership team. You will help shape our future direction, support strong organisational performance and champion inclusion and human rights.
The SCLD Board is keen to hear from people who can bring new perspectives and experiences, and who are motivated to help drive positive change. We welcome applications from people of all abilities and backgrounds. We are looking for individuals who bring insight, sound judgement and a commitment to our values. Whether you have prior board experience or are looking to take your first step into governance, your passion for creating positive change and amplifying the voices of people with learning disabilities is what matters most.
We are particularly interested in people who bring experience of advancing human rights and tackling inequalities, alongside leadership in health, social care or learning disability services, and a strong commitment to supporting people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives. Insight into communications or campaigning, legal or regulatory matters, and experience of senior leadership, strategy and driving meaningful change within purpose-driven organisations would be highly valued.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, values-driven organisation and play a meaningful role in influencing change.
Please note that SCLD will be running two rounds of recruitment for new Trustees in 2026. The first round will take place in April-May. A second round will take place in September-October.
About WSDCS
At WSDCS, we ensure that deaf children have a voice and the support they need to thrive.
We work in partnership with deaf children, young people and their families, empowering them to ask for what they need, understand their rights and know that their voice matters.
We believe in the power of community. Deaf children belong not only to the deaf community but to many other communities — at school, in hobbies, in friendship groups and across all areas of life. We are committed to strengthening and connecting these communities, helping society become more confident and equipped to include, value and support deaf children so they can participate fully without barriers.
Role Purpose
We are seeking a trustee with expertise in fundraising, partnerships and income generation to help WSDCS grow its impact and secure resources for vital services.
You will work with the board and staff team to:
· Develop and guide WSDCS’ fundraising strategy
· Support the organisation in building partnerships and donor relationships
· Advise on campaign planning, grant applications and income diversification
· Help maximise opportunities for community engagement and fundraising events
Who Would Thrive on Our Board
You don’t need prior trustee experience, but you should bring:
· Experience in fundraising, development, partnerships, or income generation
· A passion for making a difference for deaf children and young people
· Ability to attend occasional in-person meetings in Glasgow city centre
We are looking for someone who can think strategically and creatively about income generation and help embed a culture of sustainable fundraising across the organisation.
What You’ll Bring
· Connection to/understanding of deafness or the deaf community
· Fundraising strategy, partnerships, and income generation
Why Join Us
As a WSDCS trustee, you will:
· Help shape strategic fundraising initiatives to support deaf children and families
· Influence the future sustainability of an impactful, community-focused charity
· Work alongside a passionate and experienced board and staff team committed to inclusion and accessibility
Top job! Director of the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research (CPPR)
- Full time
- £85,700 – £90,000
- Hybrid: Alloa/Home Working – travel throughout Scotland as required
- Closing 4th June 2026
Embracing difference, leading change
We are looking for a strong leader who is able to play a key role in our Executive Leadership Team – helping shape strategy for your own directorate but also contributing to the development and implementation of our corporate strategy.
Leading your team and reporting to the Board as well as a diverse range of stakeholders, you will be able to communicate at all levels and take people with you.
Leading the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research the role is about developing quality autism practice through internal research and external collaboration in order to influence national policies and strategies. We are looking for an exceptional leader who is comfortable communicating and networking at local, national and international levels and who can build strong networks and alliances.
The Director of the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research has leadership of the Centre and for the effective delivery and development of:
• Voice and Participation
• Research
• Autism practice
• Engaging and responding to national and local policies and strategies
• Elevate – training and consultancy services
• Learning and Development
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Executive, this role:
• Works collaboratively to ensure the delivery of Scottish Autism’s vision, mission, values and strategy.
• Has strategic leadership for the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research and ensures all areas directly support Scottish Autism’s strategy
• Maintains an external focus and builds appropriate relationships and partnerships.
• Represents Scottish Autism, acting as an ambassador to enhance its reputation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Input- Work with the Chief Executive and other ELT members to develop the short, medium and long-term strategies for all the functions of the Centre for Practice, Policy and Research.
Leadership - Leading across functions in driving advanced autism practice, a learning culture and reflective practice.
Delivery and Impact - Develop and embed internally innovation in autism practice in particular in Voice and Participation and new models of care and support which are recognised and appreciated by the people we support, regulators and other stakeholders.
Compliance and Control - Work with the Chief Executive, ELT and Board members to ensure effective governance and accountability across the Directorate.
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To share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance of St Joseph’s Services, setting its strategic direction and major policies in accordance with the charities objects, vision, mission and Vincentian Values. To be fully engaged with the ethos of St Joseph’s Services and support the development and future growth and sustainability of the organisation.
Specific Duties:
Leadership and Strategic Direction
- To ensure St Joseph’s Services strategic direction, policies and objectives are clearly established and kept under review, maintaining effective communication with the Chief Executive and senior staff
- To discuss and approve the charity’s annual plan and budget, ensuring that these are formulated within a sound and viable financial framework
- To consider the organisation as a whole and the people we support in all discussion of planning, strategic direction and activity
- To work collaboratively with the Board of Advisors ensuring inclusion and representation of the people we support in our strategic direction
- To bring fresh thinking and ideas to the Trustees discussion, enhancing the boards effectiveness and St Joseph’s ability to deliver its charitable services.
Ensuring Policies and Procedures are in keeping with St Joseph’s aims and objectives
- To ensure robust and comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which meet the charity objectives and safeguard the people we support, staff and the organisation.
Safeguarding Ethos and Values
- Safeguarding and promotion of the Vincentian Ethos and the particular Vincentian Values of the organisation.
Ensuring Best Practice
- To fulfil the Trustee’s legal and financial responsibilities – ensuring risk and compliance is appropriately managed
- To maintain partnership and good relations with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, the wider staff team and the people we support.
- To be an active member of the Board and as appropriate, any of its Sub-Committees and Working Groups
- To ensure St Joseph’s Services complies with all appropriate regulatory and statutory bodies: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Companies House, The Care Inspectorate (SCWIS), Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
- To monitor Health and Safety compliance and ensure staff members, volunteers and People we support live and work in a safe and healthy environment.
Commitment:
Four Trustee meetings are held annually plus one development day. Trustees may also be asked to chair / sit on organisational sub-committees.
Meetings are held in St Joseph’s Services Head Office, in Rosewell, Midlothian.
Person Specification:
- A commitment to support services to Adults with a Learning Disability
- A strong commitment to the vision and mission of St Joseph’s Services
- Support the upholding of St Joseph’s Services Christian Principles and Vincentian Philosophy and Values.
- Ability to think and act strategically, using your expertise, skills and knowledge to help our own team deliver this growth.
- Good independent judgement and the ability to communicate effectively with others
- Ability to forge effective relationships with stakeholders internally and externally to further the organisations strategy.
- Knowledge / Experience of the Third Sector
- Ability to devote sufficient time to St Joseph’s Services
- Willingness to attend events in support of St Joseph’s Services
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trusteeship.
About us
Established in 1924, we provide high quality person-centred care and support services to adults with learning disabilities in a variety of locations in Midlothian and Edinburgh. The flexibility we offer means people have individualised care and support plans which are tailored around their current lifestyle. Our large and experienced organisation is set up in models of ‘Circles of Best Practice’ to ensure that all we do focuses on connection, friendship, inclusion and belonging.
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