Help shape bereavement support across Scotland
Every day, Cruse Scotland supports people all across Scotland who are grieving the death of someone important to
them. Through the compassion and commitment of our highly trained volunteers and staff, we provide bereavement
support that helps people navigate one of the most difficult times in their lives.
We're looking for an experienced, compassionate and confident leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as our
Head of Client Services.
This is a unique opportunity to lead our national bereavement services, ensuring they remain safe, effective,
accessible and responsive while helping shape how we continue to develop and improve support for people across
Scotland.
"The support group more than exceeded my expectations. I felt heard, felt safe, felt understood and felt less
alone." – Cruse Scotland client May 2026
About the role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership for Cruse
Scotland's client services. You'll lead a team of Area Managers, our Helpline Development Manager and
Client Services Co-ordinator, to ensure our core services and projects are delivered consistently and continue
to meet the changing needs of the people who rely on us.
This is a busy and varied leadership role. Alongside supporting and developing your managers, you'll oversee
service quality, safeguarding, clinical governance, service performance and continuous improvement. You'll
contribute to organisational strategy, work closely with the Board and senior colleagues, and use data, feedback
and lived experience to help shape future services.
About you
We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical operational leadership.
You will have experience of leading services, developing managers and driving continuous improvement within
psychologically informed, counselling, therapeutic, health, social care or similar environments. You'll be
comfortable leading through complexity, making sound decisions, managing safeguarding responsibilities and using
data and insight to improve services.
“Cruse Scotland got me to the place in my life I need to be and not blaming myself about my mum’s death”
- Cruse Scotland client March 2026
Most importantly, you'll be someone who leads with compassion, integrity and confidence, building positive
relationships and creating an environment where staff and volunteers can thrive.
Why join Cruse Scotland?
This is a role where you'll make a genuine difference - not only to the people who access our services, but to
the volunteers and staff who make those services possible.
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their commitment, compassion and generosity are truly inspiring,
and you'll have the privilege of supporting services that enable them to make such a positive impact across
Scotland.
“Volunteering with Cruse Scotland has given me a real sense of connection—both with the clients I support and with my
fellow volunteer counsellors, who are incredibly supportive. It’s also strengthened my connection to my local
community by allowing me to support people during one of the most difficult times in their lives. Seeing clients
feel heard, understood and accepted as they process their grief is incredibly meaningful” – Cruse Scotland
volunteer June 2026
You'll also become part of a small but mighty staff team of 18. Although we're based across Scotland with
many working remotely much of the time, we make a real effort to stay connected. We meet online every fortnight
to share ideas, support one another and celebrate successes, and we come together in person at set times across
the year because we know that strong relationships help us do our best work.
“It's been an absolute pleasure working with such a genuinely lovely and dedicated group of people, I'll
really miss working with everyone” – employee quote July 2026
If you're looking for a leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to shape services, inspire others
and improve the experience of bereaved people across Scotland, we'd love to hear from you.