Lead a small organisation making a big difference across Ayrshire

The opportunity

Are you an experienced, values-led leader who wants to help people have greater choice and control over their lives?

The Community Brokerage Network is looking for a new Operations Manager to lead our small, committed team and help shape the next stage of our development. Working across Ayrshire, we provide free, independent brokerage support to people navigating Self-directed Support and an increasingly challenging social care system.

This is a varied and influential role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical, hands-on leadership. You will work closely with our Board, lead and support our staff team, oversee funded services and organisational systems, build strong partnerships and ensure the voices and experiences of the people we support remain at the heart of everything we do.

About us

For 12 years, CBN has helped disabled people, unpaid carers and others who need social care to understand their rights, explore their options and plan support that works for them. We believe in independent living, inclusion and finding creative solutions that build on people’s strengths, relationships and communities.

We are entering an important period of development. Demand for our support is growing, the social care environment is changing rapidly and a new funding cycle is approaching. We are looking for someone who can provide confident leadership now while helping CBN develop new opportunities and build a sustainable future.

What you’ll do

• Lead the day-to-day management and development of CBN.
• Work with the Board to turn strategy into practical plans and effective delivery.
• Lead, support and develop our staff team and promote a positive organisational culture.
• Oversee service quality, referrals, complex practice issues and organisational systems.
• Manage budgets, funding agreements, monitoring and impact reporting.
• Develop strong funding applications and identify new income and partnership opportunities.
• Maintain effective governance, compliance, risk and health and safety arrangements.
• Represent CBN and build strong relationships with Health and Social Care Partnerships, funders and third-sector partners.
• Use evidence and lived experience to contribute to wider discussions about Self-directed Support and social care.

About you

You do not need to have done this exact job before. You will, however, need experience of leading people and services, sound organisational judgement and the confidence to manage a broad remit within a small organisation.

You will be comfortable moving between Board reports, staff support, funding applications, budgets, partnership meetings and practical operational issues. You will share our commitment to human rights, inclusion and person-led support, and you will understand the importance of combining challenge with constructive relationships.

Knowledge of Self-directed Support and Scotland’s social care landscape would be valuable. We would also welcome applicants who bring strong transferable leadership experience and are ready to learn.

What we offer

• A home-based role with flexibility in how your working week is organised.
• 35 days’ annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
• A 5% employer pension contribution, subject to scheme rules.
• The opportunity to lead a respected, values-driven organisation and influence its future direction.
• A planned handover with the current Operations Manager, subject to the successful candidate’s start date.

Contract and funding

The post is currently funded to 31 March 2027. CBN has maintained continuous funding since it was established 12 years ago, and applications for the next funding period and other income sources will form an important part of the role. While continued funding cannot be guaranteed, the Board is committed to pursuing a sustainable future for the organisation.

Travel and other requirements

Regular travel across North, South and East Ayrshire is required, including to some rural locations that are not well served by public transport. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are therefore normally required, although we will consider reasonable alternatives that allow the full requirements of the role to be met.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events, meetings or conferences. The successful applicant will also be required to join the appropriate PVG Scheme and complete a three-month probationary period.

This is a great opportunity to join CAPS’ friendly, supportive Individual Advocacy team to provide Individual Advocacy to adults in East Lothian and Midlothian who are experiencing mental health issues. This post will also provide Individual Advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh, alongside our LGBTQIA+ Individual Advocacy service for young people (14-25). CAPS also provides an adult Individual Advocacy service for people who are affected by drugs or alcohol in Midlothian and East Lothian.

The focus of the work is the provision of Independent Advocacy – making sure that people’s views and wishes are heard. You will make sure people are informed about their options and their rights and assist people who have mental health issues to redress power imbalances in their lives and in their interactions with services. Individual Advocacy is very rewarding work that makes a real difference. Full training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. There will be a 3 month probationary period attached to this post. A mix of home and office working is possible but face to face working with people is essential.

Lomond and Argyll Advocacy service are looking for a person who has experience of alcohol or substance use, either;

• Personally, and in recovery
• Awareness through a family member or friend
• Working knowledge of substance and alcohol dependency issues

This is a part-time post and will focus on continuing to improve access to independent advocacy and other local supports for people impacted by alcohol or substance issues. The post will also provide rights-based peer advocacy in line with the Scottish Governments Strategy: Rights, Respect and Recovery.

This post requires the successful candidate to apply for membership of the PVG Scheme.

Key Responsibilities and accountabilities will include:

• Undertaking relevant learning and development on a Rights Based Approach in Independent Advocacy
• Working with individuals in line with the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance standards and principles.
• Working within the aims of LAAS
• Managing your workload efficiently in accordance with the policies and procedures of LAAS
• Working as an individual, but also as part of a team
• Developing your skills by identifying opportunities for learning
• Promoting and raising awareness of LAAS and its work across Argyll and Bute with a focus on ensuring awareness within services and communities in the Cowal area.
• A working knowledge of Windows Office 365 including Sharepoint.
• Sending and receiving emails and using a range of digital platforms
• Delivering rights based independent advocacy
• Monitoring progress towards specific project targets and outcomes.
• Using and developing existing networking techniques to create links with appropriate individuals and groups (statutory and voluntary) to raise awareness of Independent Advocacy
• Self-management

The postholder will:

• Take responsibility for implementing policies, procedures and protocols of LAAS into your daily work.
• Take responsibility for personal safety in and out of the office according to LAAS procedures.
• Adhere to the code of practice for independent advocates as stated by the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance and LAAS policy.
• Fully participate in your supervision, team meetings and reflective practice sessions.
• Take ownership of your own learning and development.
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the line manager or member of the leadership team.
• Will work flexibly to the changing demands of the role.