About Us

Borders Independent Advocacy Service has established itself as one of Scotland’s leading providers of independent advocacy, delivering exceptional services since 1995. At the heart of our work are the rights of children and young people and the power of their voices to bring about positive change.

We provide individual, relationship-based independent advocacy and a wide range of participatory opportunities for people across the Scottish Borders. We work alongside corporate parents and communities to broaden understanding, and with policymakers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice based on the lived experience of Scottish Borders people.

The Role

As an independent advocacy worker, you will have the privilege of providing one-to-one independent advocacy to children and young people who live in the Scottish Borders. Through this role, you will ensure that their voices and wishes are heard, enabling them to make informed choices, protect their rights and have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect their lives.

The post-holder will be a key member of the advocacy team, supporting children and young people to ensure their rights are upheld and their voices are heard. In this role you will have the opportunity to provide independent advocacy, children’s rights, and participation opportunities for children and young people who are looked after, Care Experienced, or subject to formal processes and structures. The role will see you actively participating in child’s plan meetings, children’s hearings, and other formal processes, as well as assisting children and young people to prepare for them.

Working in partnership with professionals, carers, and organisations, you will help to achieve the best outcomes for children and young people by keeping detailed records of the work you undertake, writing liaison reports, and monitoring statistics.

As a vital part of the work of Borders Independent Advocacy Service your role will include facilitating group opportunities for and with children and young people. This includes providing engagement and participation opportunities throughout the Borders Independent Advocacy local and national network, as well as meeting with care experienced children and young people to introduce the service in agreement with the local authority. Raising awareness of Borders Independent Advocacy Service and its services with children, young people, professionals, and carers you will also be responsible for facilitating training amongst professionals, carers, and organisations.

The successful candidate for this post will be able to form positive relationships with children and young people and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. You will be confident communicating with individuals and groups, both in writing and verbally, and be able to adapt to a wide range of situations. You will be confident in making effective plans, as well as evidencing your work, you can prioritise and meet deadlines. You take enjoyment from working collaboratively with partners, believing in equal opportunities and inclusive working.

Committed to children’s rights, you are someone who knows that all young people can make transformative change happen in their lives if given the opportunity. You will demonstrate knowledge of the current structures, developments, policy, and practice in relation to children and young people experiencing care in Scotland. You are also flexible, given the remit of the role, as some evening and weekend work may be necessary. A full driving licence and access to transport are essential.

While we would welcome the knowledge gathered through relevant qualifications, we are just as interested in relevant work experience. We welcome and encourage applications from those with experience of care.

The successful candidate will be joining Borders Independent Advocacy Service at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are in or have experienced care are growing in power, individually and collectively – bringing with them insight, challenge, hope and change.

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you. To arrange an informal conversation about this opportunity or any other enquiries, please contact us, at recruitment@bordersadvocacy.org.uk and a member of the team will get back to you.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and expertise align with the criteria outlined in the person specification, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please complete the application form, ensuring that you provide examples of how your knowledge and experience fulfil each aspect of the person specification.

Why Join Us?

You will join Borders Independent Advocacy Service at an exciting time, when the voices of those who are the most vulnerable are growing in strength and influence, bringing insight, challenge, hope and change. You will play a key role in shaping and strengthening advocacy services across the Scottish Borders.

We offer:

• A generous pension contribution scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement, plus public holidays
• Flexible working where possible
• A highly supportive, values-led organisation
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development.

Borders Independent Advocacy Service is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible working environment. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights works to eliminate racial discrimination and harassment and to promote racial justice across Scotland. We are looking for an outstanding candidate to take forward our communities and campaigns work.

Key duties include driving CRER’s public education campaigning work (including on Black History in Scotland), and mobilising communities and other stakeholders to engage, empower, educate and advocate for racial equality and social cohesion.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, an understanding of community development and awareness of Black History in a Scottish context. They will have experience in building networks and campaigning. Most importantly, they will have the desire and ability to make a real improvement to racial equality in Scotland.

Lead a respected charity - Change lives - Create a Legacy

Advocacy North East (ANE) is an independent charity dedicated to ensuring that individuals who may be disadvantaged or at risk of exclusion have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.

For over 25 years we have supported people (and their carers) affected by mental illness, learning disability and problematic substance use to understand their rights, make informed choices and have their views heard in matters relating to their health and care.

As our leader prepares to retire, we are seeking an exceptional individual to become our Executive Manager and lead the organisation into its next chapter.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a highly respected advocacy organisation with a strong reputation for independence, professionalism and person-centred support.

About the Role

This post is deemed to be a Regulated Role with Vulnerable Adults and Children and therefore recruitment is subject to satisfactory PVG Scheme Membership and references.

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation.

You will be responsible for:

• Delivering the organisation's strategic vision and objectives
• Leading and developing a skilled and committed staff team
• Ensuring the highest standards of advocacy practice, service quality and safeguarding
• Maintaining strong governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Managing budgets, contracts and organisational resources effectively
• Developing sustainable funding and income opportunities
• Building productive relationships with commissioners, partners, funders and stakeholders
• Acting as an ambassador for Advocacy North East locally and nationally
• Promoting a positive culture based on inclusion, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement

You will work closely with the Board to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, strategically focused and responsive to the changing needs of the communities we serve.

About You

We are looking for a values-driven leader who combines strategic vision with practical management experience. You will be:

• An effective strategic thinker who can balance operational delivery with long-term organisational sustainability.
• A collaborative leader who can build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, the Board, commissioners, stakeholders and the community we serve.
• A confident decision-maker who demonstrates integrity, accountability and sound judgement.
• An individual with a genuine passion for empowering people to have their voices heard.

You should have a strong track record in organisational management, strategic development, financial management and people leadership.

Experience within the advocacy, third sector, health, social care or community sectors would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why Join Advocacy North East?

This is far more than a management role. It is an opportunity to:

• Lead an organisation that changes lives every day
• Influence the future development of independent advocacy services across Scotland
• Build meaningful partnerships that improve outcomes for marginalised people
• Create a lasting legacy within a respected and trusted charity

If you are an inspiring leader who shares our commitment to independence, empowerment, inclusion and respect, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Borders Independent Advocacy Service (BIAS) has established itself as one of Scotland’s leading providers of independent advocacy, delivering exceptional services since 1995. At the heart of our work are the rights of advocacy partners and the power of their voices to bring about positive change.

We provide individual, issue-based independent advocacy for people across the Scottish Borders. We work alongside corporate parents and communities to broaden understanding, and with policymakers, leaders and elected representatives locally and nationally to shape law, policy and practice based on the lived experience of advocacy partners in Scottish Borders.

About the Role

BIAS is seeking passionate, values-driven individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our organisation. If you have experience in finance, HR, law, or advocacy, and a passion for supporting others, we would love to hear from you. We are looking to strengthen our Board to help guide the charity forward.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dedicated and experienced team.
• Make a real impact in your community.
• Flexible meeting options (in person and online).
• Help us continue our important work and make a difference.

What does the role involve?

Board Members support the strategic direction, governance, and sustainability of Borders Independent Advocacy Service. Responsibilities include:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings (held both online and in person).
• Attending occasional additional meetings, particularly during key development periods.
• Meetings usually lasting less than 2 hours
• Reviewing Board papers in advance, which are circulated by email (hard copies available on request)
• Supporting good governance and effective decision-making.
• Acting as an ambassador for BIAS.
• Contributing skills, expertise, and insight.
• Supporting the organisation to achieve its strategic objectives.

This is a voluntary role, offering the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of advocacy partners across the Scottish Borders and contribute to the organisation’s continued growth.

What we offer

• The opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
• A supportive, inclusive and values-led Board.
• Induction, training, and ongoing development.
• Opportunities to contribute strategically to a growing organisation.
• Experience of charity governance and strategic leadership.