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- Advertised from 19th August 2026
Role
At the Cairngorms National Park Authority we have an ambitious programme of delivering transformational change as we tackle the climate emergency and nature crisis and strive to be the best small public sector organisation in Scotland. We know we can only do this if we are fully inclusive and representative of all our visitors, staff and communities. We have a strong foundation in equality and inclusion coupled with a proud history of developing a Park for All but we also know we can do better and aspire to lead the way locally and nationally in our sector.
We are inviting applications for members to join our Equality Advisory Panel to support us in our journey to create a fully inclusive Park Authority. We want members who have background knowledge and experience in equality and diversity and who can give us evidence based advice on best practice so we can truly deliver the best for our visitors, communities and staff across all protected characteristics.
Who are you?
You have a passion for equality and diversity and a desire to influence organisational strategy. You will have experience of delivering equality approaches for protected and disadvantaged groups either in your work or voluntary roles. You’ll know how to signpost to best equality practice and challenge us to improve. You may be looking for some experience working with National Parks or public sector organisations at a strategic level.
Our panel is currently under represented by Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, young people (18 – 24), and LGBTQ+ communities and we would encourage applications from candidates with professional or personal knowledge, skills and experience in these areas. We are also interested in having members who have knowledge of or work with immigrant communities.
Why join the panel?
This is a volunteer role is not remunerated, but existing members have stated the following with regards to why they joined the panel, and what they get out of it:-
- Having grown up abroad and moved to Scotland five years ago, I have come to appreciate how accessible nature feels here and the strong sense of wellbeing and freedom that outdoor spaces can provide. As a solo female traveller and someone working in the nature conservation sector, I joined the EAP to help ensure the National Park remains welcoming, inclusive and safe for everyone, including those from underrepresented communities. Being part of the panel has allowed me to contribute different perspectives while also broadening my own understanding of inclusion and accessibility in Scotland's landscapes.
- I joined the panel as I am a regular visitor to the Cairngorms National Park. I have noticed some of the barriers that face disabled people and people on low incomes - from accessing and getting the benefits (physical, mental health, wellbeing) from the National Park and seen this as an opportunity to use my skills. expertise and knowledge to influence the development of our park with the aim of making it more accessible and affordable for all.
- I value contributing to decisions that shape how people access and experience nature. I benefit immensely from the knowledge of our dedicated EAP members and from being part of a like minded group. I am gaining an understanding CNPA’s organisational priorities and hearing from staff, plus helping to further meaningful change.
- I’ve lived in and worked in the Cairngorms National Park area for over 25 years and keen to support efforts to make the Park work for all.
- I originally applied to join the EAP through my passion for promoting fair access to our countryside and wild places for everyone. This was combined with my love of outdoor learning and experiencing the barriers that often exist for young people accessing nature. I thought long and hard about applying to the EAP. It represents a fantastic opportunity to understand the workings of this very special place, and an opportunity to broaden my own perspectives and worldview. During my time on the EAP I have learned so much from my fellow panel members and from the many presenters at our monthly meetings. I hope I have balanced being an analytical, critical friend, as well as showing effective allyship for under-represented groups within the Park environments.
- I joined the Panel to share both my professional and personal perspectives, contribute to the Authority’s direction of travel, and learn from others who are equally passionate about inclusion. The Cairngorms is a special place, and I feel deeply grateful to play a part in helping shape its future, as it has helped shape mine.
- I have enjoyed being on the panel. I have gained confidence in getting my point across and my critical thinking skills have improved. My eyes have been opened to the views and needs of other groups too, eg access difficulties of those in poverty
Commitment
We want people to give advice and guidance through a virtual forum which meets nine times a year as well as providing support outside of scheduled meeting. The overall commitment is no more than 2 hours a month.
This is a voluntary role however all reasonable expenses incurred will be covered.
If you this sounds like you and you want to know more please contact us at equalities@cairngorms.co.uk
Application notes
For further information and to apply, please visit our website.
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Non Executive panel member (CATS) (FLS)
- Part time
- Sessional
- Hybrid: Flexible
- Closing 14th October 2026
Do you want to help shape how Scotland's national forests and land are used to deliver lasting benefits for communities? Do you have an interest in community empowerment and sustainable land use, or expertise in renewable energy and onshore wind? If so, we'd like to hear from you.
About FLS
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is the Scottish Government agency responsible for the day-to-day management of Scotland's national forests and land. We look after approximately 640,000 hectares of land across Scotland, balancing environmental, social and economic outcomes for the benefit of current and future generations.
Our forests and land support sustainable timber production, renewable energy development, biodiversity, recreation, tourism and community use. Through our management of this national asset, we play an important role in supporting Scotland's rural economy, tackling climate change and empowering communities.
About the CATS Evaluation Panel
The Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS) supports the implementation of Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Through the scheme, community organisations can request rights in land and property where they believe they can deliver greater community benefit.
The CATS Evaluation Panel provides independent advice and constructive challenge on Asset Transfer Requests relating to Scotland's national forests and land. The Panel helps ensure that decisions are robust, transparent and informed by a broad range of expertise.
We are currently seeking to appoint two new Panel Members.
About You
We are looking for individuals who can bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and relevant professional expertise to support the Panel's work.
In particular, we are interested in hearing from candidates with experience of:
- Renewable energy and onshore wind development, operation, governance, regulation or community benefit models.
- Community development, community empowerment and rural development.
- Assessing complex proposals and balancing social, environmental and economic outcomes.
- Providing objective advice, constructive challenge and evidence-based recommendations.
- We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives who share our commitment to community empowerment and sustainable land management.
Terms
As detailed in the candidate information pack, panel members will be expected to participate in up to four meetings each year and commit up to ten days annually. Meetings may take place online, in person and occasionally involve site visits.
A daily fee of £285 and reasonable travel expenses will be paid. The role does not attract pension or holiday entitlement.
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Break the Silence is a registered charity in Scotland and a company limited by guarantee. We 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. We are a centre of excellence, offering a professional counselling service, accredited by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. We follow the BACP Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions.
About the role
We seek people to support the existing board and staff team in evolving the charity further. Having recently reviewed the skillset of the existing board, we especially welcome people with experience of Digital, IT systems and Finance.
Board meetings are held online quarterly lasting 2.5hs/meeting and some additional time is required outside meeting times to read board papers, where invited, to attend in-person events or training, or where there is voluntary participation in additional board sub group activities. Trustees need not be local and remote trustees are welcome given the online meeting format.
Trustee appointments are for a three year period, renewable thereafter in accordance with our Memorandum and Articles of Association.
We seek applicants who understand the community we serve and we value the diversity of opinion, thought and experience new board members can bring. Key responsibilities include; strategic oversight, financial governance, and safeguarding responsibilities. For more information on the duties of a charity trustee, please visit: OSCR | Charity trustee duties
About you
This role may appeal to those wishing to volunteer as a trustee for the first time, or to an experienced trustee seeking a new challenge. A full induction will be provided to include training in trauma and safeguarding.
It is important that potential candidates share our values of being compassionate and collaborative, effective and knowledgeable in supporting those affected by childhood sexual trauma and support the charity’s vision to influence and inform within the sector.
This post is unremunerated and PVG is required as this is considered a regulated role. In addition, we must comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and Charities (Regulation and Administration) (Scotland) Act 2023. Within section 69 of the 2005 Act amended by the 2023 Act, there is specific criteria which disqualifies an individual from acting as a charity trustee. A full list of criteria is given here: OSCR | Annex 1: Criteria for disqualification. All candidates must meet eligibility requirements.
We are a registered disability confident employer and will be flexible throughout the recruitment process and welcome the opportunity to discuss alternative application methods/interview formats.
Top job! Head of Policy and Research
- Part time
- £60,303 – £68,911 pro-rata
- Remote: Home working, with regular in-person meetings and travel. Office base requirements may be considered
- Closing 4th October 2026
About Us:
The Scottish Food Commission was established as a new independent statutory body within the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The Commission’s purpose: to provide stewardship and oversight of Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition, and to support progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all.
The Commission are now recruiting our first senior staff team. These initial roles will shape how the Commission operates, how it scrutinises evidence and policy, how it engages with relevant authorities and communities, and how it communicates its work with clarity, independence and impact.
We should at the outset make you aware that there is a Programme for Government (PfG) commitment for the Commission to be integrated into Food Standards Scotland, and with this planned integration is the possibility that organisational structures, policies and processes, as well as aspects of the roles may change over time. Whilst we do not expect these changes to be forthcoming imminently, if there are any changes before the appointment start date, these will be communicated with the successful candidate. We do not however expect there to be any changes to the role itself.
Equalities:
The Scottish Food Commission is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class.
We want this recruitment process to be inclusive. Candidates will be invited to tell us about any reasonable adjustments needed in relation to the application process, assessment exercise or interview.
The Role:
The Head of Policy and Research is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the Commission’s policy scrutiny, research, evidence, data, analysis, expert advice and formal recommendations in relation to Scotland’s Good Food Nation, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to lead in shaping how the Commission provides independent, evidence-led advice from the outset and as the organisation develops.
As the Head of Policy and Research, you will lead the Commission’s policy and research approach to scrutinising the national Good Food Nation Plan and relevant authority plans, ensuring that advice and recommendations are credible, independent, evidence-informed and practical. This means that you’ll be trusted to use your policy insight and judgement to influence work that is ambitious, practical and focused on real progress for people and communities across Scotland.
You will develop and maintain the Commission’s evidence and analytical frameworks, commission or support research where appropriate, and translate evidence into constructive policy advice for Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities, meaning that you will build strong foundations for the Commission’s evidence base, bringing research and analysis together in ways that support fair, constructive and informed decision-making at a national level.
You will work closely with the Head of Engagement and Communications to ensure policy and research are informed by diverse perspectives and communicated clearly, accessibly and impactfully, and with Corporate Services to ensure programmes are planned, governed and resourced effectively, giving you the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues in ensuring that policy work is inclusive, well communicated and supported by effective planning and resources.
The role requires strategic judgement, political awareness, strong analytical capability, an understanding of public policy, legislation and research methods, and the ability to translate complexity into practical, actionable advice. This means that you’ll bring your skills and sound judgement to a role where complex issues need to be translated clearly and constructively to decision-makers.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will also have an organisational leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and other Heads of Function to ensure the Commission is effective, independent, collaborative and influential. This gives you the opportunity to be in a visible leadership role in a new organisation, working with supportive senior colleagues to help shape a collaborative, independent and influential Commission.
So, if you are keen to be our Head of Policy and Research and you can display the skills and experience listed here, this is the role you’ve been waiting for.
Further information regarding the role can be found in the recruitment pack and job description.
Scottish Food Commission Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus Public Holidays
- Flexible working
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Civil service pension scheme – some of the benefits include:
- member contribution rates among the lowest in the public sector
- tax relief on your contributions
- generous employer contributions
- a secure, inflation-proof pension for life, with no investment uncertainty
- the option of tax-free lump sum on retirement
- potential access to ill health and injury benefits if you become too ill to work
- life assurance cover
- benefits for loved ones and dependants
- keeping all your pensions in one place by transferring in a pension you have built up elsewhere
About You:
Some of the skills you will need to be considered as our Head of Policy and Research (please refer to job description for full list of criteria):
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
- Experience of working in a public policy, legislative, scrutiny, regulatory, research, evidence, data or analytical environment
- Strong awareness of food systems policy context
- Ability to lead policy review and influence and inform public policy
- Understanding of how policy, evidence, legislation, delivery and accountability interact
- Exemplary communication skills
- Proven ability to design, lead or commission research and evidence programmes
- Experience of managing research projects, external suppliers or expert input
- Proven ability to manage sensitive relationships and communicate complex messages clearly
- Ability to exercise sound judgement in a politically aware but independent manner
- Strong management skills and the ability to lead and empower staff
- Ability to provide organisational leadership
- Experience of business planning and budget management
- Current UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel
- Permission to work in the UK
Head of Engagement and Communications
- Part time
- £60,303 – £68,911 pro-rata
- Remote: Home working, with regular in-person meetings and travel. Office base requirements may be considered.
- Closing 4th October 2026
About Us:
The Scottish Food Commission was established as a new independent statutory body within the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. The Commission’s purpose: to provide stewardship and oversight of Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition, and to support progress towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all.
The Commission are now recruiting our first senior staff team. These initial roles will shape how the Commission operates, how it scrutinises evidence and policy, how it engages with relevant authorities and communities, and how it communicates its work with clarity, independence and impact.
We should at the outset make you aware that there is a Programme for Government (PfG) commitment for the Commission to be integrated into Food Standards Scotland, and with this planned integration is the possibility that organisational structures, policies and processes, as well as aspects of the roles may change over time. Whilst we do not expect these changes to be forthcoming imminently, if there are any changes before the appointment start date, these will be communicated with the successful candidate. We do not however expect there to be any changes to the role itself.
Equalities:
The Scottish Food Commission is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity, relationship status, disability, age and social class.
We want this recruitment process to be inclusive. Candidates will be invited to tell us about any reasonable adjustments needed in relation to the application process, assessment exercise or interview.
The Role:
The Head of Engagement and Communications is a senior leadership role with responsibility for the Commission’s engagement across the food system particularly with the Relevant Authorities, interested parties’ relationships, public involvement, communications strategy, digital channels, publications and public profile, giving you the opportunity to lead on shaping how a new national body connects with people and organisations across Scotland’s food system. This is a chance to bring strategic communications, relationship-building and public engagement together in a role with real purpose and visibility.
You will ensure the Commission engages diverse perspectives, including relevant authorities, communities, people with lived experience of food-related issues, children and young people, and interested parties across Scotland’s food system. In practice, you will ensure a wide range of voices are heard, including those who are often less involved in decision-making. If you are passionate about inclusive engagement and creating trusted spaces for people to contribute, this role gives you a strong platform to make that happen.
You will lead communications that make the Commission’s work clear, accessible, inclusive and impactful, while safeguarding its statutory independence and reputation as a credible and constructive body. You will help people understand the role of the Commission and its work. You will play an important part in building confidence in the Commission’s independence, credibility and public value.
You will work closely with the Head of Policy and Research to ensure engagement informs scrutiny, evidence, advice and recommendations, and with Corporate Services to ensure publication processes, organisational coordination and corporate requirements are well managed. This means, working collaboratively with colleagues across the senior team, helping to turn engagement insight into practical evidence, advice and recommendations. This is a role where your ability to connect people, ideas and processes will be highly valued.
The role requires excellent engagement, facilitation, relationship-building and strategic communications capability, with strong judgement in handling sensitive or high-profile issues. You can expect to demonstrate your confidence in working with people, ability to navigate complexity with sensitivity and calm judgement, and represent the organisation on issues that matter.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will also have an organisational leadership role, working closely with the Chief Executive and other Heads of Function to ensure the Commission is effective, independent, collaborative and influential. Giving you the opportunity to be part of the organisation’s senior leadership from the outset, helping to shape its culture, ways of working and external influence.
So, if you are keen to be our Head of Engagement and Communications and you can display the skills and experience listed here, this is the role you’ve been waiting for.
Further information regarding the role can be found in the recruitment pack and job description
Scottish Food Commission Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus Public Holidays
- Flexible working
- Salary sacrifice schemes
- Civil service pension scheme – some of the benefits include:
- member contribution rates among the lowest in the public sector
- tax relief on your contributions
- generous employer contributions
- a secure, inflation-proof pension for life, with no investment uncertainty
- the option of tax-free lump sum on retirement
- potential access to ill health and injury benefits if you become too ill to work
- life assurance cover
- benefits for loved ones and dependants
- keeping all your pensions in one place by transferring in a pension you have built up elsewhere
About You:
Some of the skills you will need to be considered as our Head of Engagement and Communications (please refer to job description for full list of criteria):
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
- Experience of leading inclusive engagement and communications
- Awareness of food systems policy context
- Exemplary communication skills
- Experience developing communications strategies, plans, and publications
- Ability to communicate complex issues clearly
- Strong judgement in handling sensitive, high-profile or reputational matters
- Ability to gather, interpret and present engagement insight clearly to inform scrutiny, advice and recommendations
- Understanding of how lived experience, public insight and expert perspectives can inform policy and decisions
- Strong management skills and the ability to lead staff
- Ability to provide organisational leadership
- Experience of business planning and budget management
- Current UK Driving Licence and Willingness to travel
- Permission to work in the UK
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