Choose Play is a dynamic, local charity working across East Lothian. We believe in children’s right to play, as stated in article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to rest, play and recreation. Play, especially active outdoor play, is a vital element of childhood, contributing to the immediate wellbeing and happiness of children and making an essential contribution to health and development in the long term.

‘Spark the Park’ is the name of an ongoing focus of play, environmental and social activities in a local greenspace, Crookston Willow Park, in Tranent.

The purpose of this project is to support children and families in the local area through a place-based approach. We seek to address barriers and challenges through trusted, consistent and inclusive local provision. The Project Lead will also support young volunteers, taking a lead on planning activities linked to local spaces.

We have worked in this space for about four years gradually transforming it from being an underused and neglected site, to one that is full of potential. After the recent opening of a new playpark in the greenspace, the Project Lead will be involved in a new phase of development in cooperation with East Lothian Council partners and local groups.

The successful candidate will be someone with practical experience in play, arts, creative fields, or place-based projects. They will have experience of participatory approaches with children, young people and communities, and enjoy connecting with local groups and individuals.

Choose Play is a dynamic, local charity working across East Lothian. We believe in children’s right to play, as stated in article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child - the right to rest, play and recreation. Play, especially active outdoor play, is a vital element of childhood, contributing to the immediate wellbeing and happiness of children and making an essential contribution to health and development in the long term.

Choose Play has progressively built more inclusive practice into all our provision for play in East Lothian, addressing the play rights of all children and in particular the right to play of disabled children and children with additional support needs (ASN).

We help to address barriers to play through our community-based play programmes and we recognise that families with children with ASN and disabilities face many additional barriers to accessing outdoor play.

Our Community Play (ASN) sessions mean that more children with ASN will have play opportunities to meet their needs. Whole families including parents, carers and siblings benefit from being able to play together.

The successful candidate will work alongside our Development Team & Delivery Team to:

• build on Choose Play’s work on inclusion with children and families
• plan, organise and lead on delivery of our play opportunities for children with ASN
• support sessional Play Rangers to deliver our PlayCan sessions and our sessions for families with neurodivergent children
• involve children in designing, documenting and evaluating services, and help to share their views and ideas.

The successful candidate will be someone with practical experience in play, arts, creative fields, or place-based projects, and experience of working with children with additional support needs.

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland (OYT Scotland) is an award-winning youth work charity delivering residential sailing voyages for young people aged 11-25. Since 1999, the organisation has welcomed more than 600 young people each year aboard its sail training vessels, Alba Explorer and Alba Venturer, providing life-changing experiences that challenge young people to step outside their comfort zones, develop new skills and realise their potential.

OYT Scotland supports a diverse range of young people, including young carers, those with Additional Support Needs, young people struggling in school and those at risk of antisocial behaviour. Its programmes include adventure, employability and STEAM voyages, alongside accredited Qualifications Scotland learning. With 94% of young people reporting improved confidence and 98% improved teamwork, OYT Scotland is committed to empowering young people to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Following a recent strategic review, OYT Scotland is entering an exciting period of development, with a focus on strengthening income generation and securing the organisation's long-term sustainability. The organisation is now seeking a Head of Income Generation to lead the next phase of fundraising and voyage sales growth.

This is a new leadership role responsible for diversifying and growing fundraising and voyage sales income, with a particular focus on donor stewardship, supporter engagement and strategic partnerships. As a member of the Leadership Team, and working closely with the CEO, the postholder will develop and deliver a comprehensive Income Generation Strategy to support sustainable growth, strengthen relationships with clients and donors and increase awareness of OYT Scotland and its impact.

The Head of Income Generation will lead a Fundraising and Sales team, providing clear direction, effective management and professional development. They will champion income generation and partnerships across the organisation while supporting the CEO and Leadership Team with operational management.

A key priority will be diversifying income across grants, donations and voyage fees, developing innovative revenue models and reducing reliance on trusts and foundations. The postholder will also develop effective donor journeys, build corporate partnerships with the CEO and Board, and establish relationships with stakeholders locally and nationally. They will represent OYT Scotland externally and oversee communications activity aimed at strengthening brand awareness, supporter engagement and the organisation's public profile.

To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced senior fundraiser with a proven track record of developing and leading ambitious income generation strategies, identifying new opportunities for growth, and translating strategic vision into sustainable income. You will have demonstrable experience of setting income generation direction, leading others to deliver against it, and achieving significant growth. You will bring significant experience of corporate partnerships or sponsorship, fundraising budgets and performance, alongside proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams. You will combine strategic thinking with a practical, results-focused approach and be confident building relationships with donors, corporate partners and senior stakeholders. Knowledge of the Scottish charitable funding landscape, donor stewardship, supporter engagement, digital fundraising platforms and CRM systems will be valuable.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in OYT Scotland's next stage of development, diversifying income, building strategic partnerships and helping secure the long-term sustainability of an organisation making a real difference to young people across Scotland.

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.