The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.

The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.

Scottish Ministers wish to appoint up to eight new members, known as Commisioners, to the Commission. This offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in becoming personally involved in driving change to help tackle inequalities and make a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.

About the Poverty and Inequality Commission

The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Poverty and Inequality Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.

More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.

Role of a Commissioner

Commissioners are appointed by Scottish Ministers, with appointments approved by the Scottish Parliament. They, along with the Chair, ensure that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.

In doing so, Commissioners work together to develop advice for Scottish Ministers on the steps that could be taken to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland and monitor the progress being made in this area.

This is achieved by Commissioners gathering and analysing evidence from a number of sources, including research and personal testimonies, to identify and understand the issues affecting people, the structural inequalities driving poverty, and the impact of policies and the funding in place. This evidence is used by Commissioners to identify options to explore and develop into deliverable solutions that can be adopted by the Commission and provided as advice to Ministers on steps that could be taken to address poverty and inequality.

Commissioners also work closely with the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel in developing its advice and completing scrutiny against targets.

Working with the Chair, Commissioners also develop the Commission’s Strategic Plan, setting out its vision and priorities. They also contribute to governance documents such as the work plan and annual report and adhere to the Commission’s Code of Conduct.

On occasions Commissioners lead and oversee Working Groups on specific areas of interest to the Commission. They may also represent the views of the Commission by speaking at public events and meetings.

Further detail on the Commissioner’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for applicants who have a wide knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to poverty and inequality in Scotland and can offer creative and workable advice based on evidence, including those with lived experience of poverty.

We also welcome applicants who have experience in the delivery of services or support to people most likely to experience poverty and inequality or who have knowledge of equality issues and how they apply to poverty and inequality.

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of all of the following –

• the ability to constructively challenge others and be challenged by others
• the ability to communicate effectively and influence others

Applicants must also demonstrate evidence of only one of the following -

• experience in, and knowledge of, the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policy relating to poverty and inequality
• experience of poverty or inequality (or both) and the ability to reflect on your lived experience of poverty or inequality in order to inform solutions
• experience in, and knowledge of, developing and using research and analysis in connection with poverty and inequality
• experience in, and knowledge of, working with persons experiencing poverty or inequality (or both), including children and families

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of poverty or inequality, women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities.

Applicants will wish to be aware that we are operating a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. For further information, please see the applicant information pack.

Remuneration and time commitment

Remuneration is £225 for every day, of not less than 7.5 hours, for time devoted to the role.

While your time commitment may vary, it is likely that you will spend one day per month, that is 12 days per year, in the role. It is not expected that this commitment will exceed 17 days a year.

Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointments are non-pensionable.

Length of Term

The appointments are initially for up to five years, with the possibility of reappointment subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills and knowledge required at the time of reappointment and beyond. Any appointment and subsequent reappointment will not extend beyond a maximum of eight years in total.

The Scottish Government aims to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and reach their potential. In achieving this, it is vital that we remove the barriers standing in people’s way, none more so than those faced by people living in poverty. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put additional pressure on household budgets, it is crucial that we do everything that we can to focus our resources where they matter most, and help those most in need. This is why tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of three critical and interdependent missions for the Scottish Government, alongside our focus on the economy and strengthening public services.

The Poverty and Inequality Commission (the Commission) plays an important role in this by providing independent expert advice to Scottish Ministers on how to reduce poverty and inequality.

Scottish Ministers wish to appoint a Chair to lead the Commission, to make sure it provides a strong independent voice to positively inform and shape our approach to tackling poverty and inequality in Scotland.

This appointment therefore, offers an exciting opportunity to anyone who is interested in leading a high profile public body and driving change to help tackle poverty and inequalities, making a lasting difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland.

About the Poverty and Inequality Commission

The Commission was established in 2019 as an independent advisory non-departmental public body.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017 sets out the Commission’s legal functions, which are to provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers on poverty and inequality and monitor progress and propose solutions to reduce poverty and inequality in Scotland.

More detail on the work of the Commission is included in the Applicant Information Pack and on its website.

Role of the Chair

The Commission’s Chair is appointed by the Scottish Ministers, with the appointment approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Chair ensures that the Commission carries out its statutory functions as set out in the Child Poverty (Scotland) Act 2017.

In doing so, the Chair leads the Commission, overseeing its running, governance, adherence to the Commission’s Code of Conduct and the development of the Commission’s strategic documents, to set its vision and priorities. To ensure the Commission runs effectively, the Chair provides leadership, ensures positive relationships are built and that the strengths of Commissioners and the lived experience of the Commission’s Experts by Experience Panel, are all drawn upon, to provide the best quality advice to Ministers.

Working with a range of external stakeholders to influence thinking and reach informed positions, the role of the Chair is key in building and maintaining effective networks and partnerships with external stakeholders to establish the Commission as an authoritative voice on poverty and inequality in Scotland.

As the public face of the Commission the Chair is also often called upon to speak at public events, including giving evidence to the relevant Scottish Parliament Committee(s), and undertake media work as needed to promote the Commission’s work.

The Chair reports directly to the Chief Social Policy Adviser in the Scottish Government.

Further detail on the Chair’s role can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

Skills and Experience Required

We are looking for applicants who have a wide knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to poverty and inequality in Scotland and can offer creative and deliverable advice based on evidence, including those with lived experience of poverty.

We also welcome applicants who have experience in the delivery of services or support to people most likely to experience poverty and inequality or who have knowledge of equality issues and how they apply to poverty and inequality.

Previous experience of being a member, or Chair, on a public body board is not required, as long as applicants can demonstrate to the capabilities to do so and the passion to lead change on this important issue.

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of all of the following –

• an ability to provide strategic, collaborative and adaptive leadership to effectively deliver on set objectives
• the ability to constructively challenge others and be open to scrutiny
• the ability to communicate effectively and influence others
• the ability to work collaboratively and co-operatively with others
• an understanding of poverty and inequality issues in Scotland
• an understanding of the corporate governance processes that underpin the successful leadership of a public body

Applicants must demonstrate evidence of only one of the following -

• experience in, and knowledge of, the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policy relating to poverty and inequality
• experience of poverty or inequality (or both) and the ability to reflect on your lived experience of poverty or inequality in order to inform solutions
• experience in, and knowledge of, developing and using research and analysis in connection with poverty and inequality
• experience in, and knowledge of, working with persons experiencing poverty or inequality (or both), including children and families

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of poverty or inequality, women, LGBT+ people, young people, disabled people and those from minority ethnic communities.

Applicants will wish to be aware that we are operating a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants. For further information, please see the applicant information pack.

Remuneration and time commitment

Remuneration is £306 for every day, of not less than 7.5 hours, for time devoted to the role.

While your time commitment may vary, it is likely that you will spend up to four days per month, that is 48 days per year, in the role.

Reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

Length of Term

The appointments are initially for up to five years, with the possibility of reappointment subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills and knowledge required at the time of reappointment and beyond. Any appointment and subsequent reappointment will not extend beyond a maximum of eight years in total.

The Best in You Brings Out the Best in Me

Enable is a dynamic and vibrant social care organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities and we are looking for motivated and driven individuals to join us in ensuring they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

Are you a driven and motivated individual who enjoys new and unique challenges daily? Do you have the passion and drive to lead a team of frontline staff to support individuals to achieve their personal outcomes, live the life they choose and become an inclusive member within their own community? If so, there has never been a better time to apply!

About You

Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Experience working with adults and children with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism and physical support needs.

• Experience in using person centred planning techniques in addition to delivering and leading excellent support practices.

• Strong facilitation skills to encourage staff teams to take ownership and responsibility for the quality of support they deliver.

• The ability to effectively communicate with the people we support, staff teams, families and external care professionals.

• Creating and delivering robust service designs, support strategies and risk assessments whilst managing individual budgets.

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise your workload whilst working under pressure.

• SVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.

• Full driving licence with access to your own vehicle for business use.

About Us

At Enable we believe in developing all our staff and we provide an extensive learning programme together with in-house career development opportunities. These include, but are not limited to:

• Person Centred approaches, planning and thinking
• Introduction to autism
• Epilepsy awareness
• Moving and Handling
• Adult support and protection
• Child support and protection
• First Aid
• Positive Behaviour Support

We also have an excellent range of staff benefits on offer including but not limited to:

• Health cash plans providing a wide range of health benefits to help people cover the cost of their everyday health care.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme*
• Season Ticket Loans*

Starting a career with Enable is the first step towards making a real difference in our award-winning charity’s mission to help create an equal society for every person who has a learning disability.

Enable is an equal opportunities employer and our recruitment, selection and assessment process is based entirely on values, skills and competencies required of the specific roles.

Note: The successful applicant will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within 6 months of their start date.

*Terms and Conditions Apply

SupportED is Scotland’s leading and fastest growing community eating disorder charity, providing peer support through Support Groups and one-to-one Befriending for those with eating disorders and for parents, carers and families. Our services are volunteer-led, most of whom have lived experience of recovering from eating disorders.

We are seeing a fast rising need for the services we provide and with so much of a stretch on public services, the charity provides a vital source of help. Our Support Groups operate both face to face and online, and continue to provide the help that is so much needed.

Growing and developing our services is now a key focus so that we can support more people across Scotland in their recovery journey. Our plan to expand our services is led by our Operations Director and team, along with the support of our major funders including; The Robertson Trust, National Lottery and Comic Relief.

To help us deliver our vision and meet the needs of our communities in Scotland, we are looking to bring a new trustee onto the Board.

As a Board we work together as a close team, so we’re looking for a trustee who enjoys working collaboratively towards a common goal and is happy to roll their sleeves up to get things done, alongside making a strategic contribution.

We currently meet as a Board online once every two months, with additional monthly meetings for the office bearers. We also meet face to face on an annual basis, typically in Glasgow. Given the stage we’re at with our growth plans, you’ll likely need to commit around 4 hours per month.

SupportED is a friendly, supportive and professional team. We take our governance seriously, undertaking an annual online survey to ensure understanding and compliance.

To find out more about the legal duties of a trustee, click here OSCR | Guidance and good practice for Charity Trustees.

Role & Experience

As part of your overall trustee duties of leading and governing the charity’s activities, you will bring to the table some business experience. In addition, you may also have experience in running or being involved with a charity.

What's in it for you?

• You will be making a significant contribution to a fast growing charity, and will have an opportunity to make a real and direct impact on a major health challenge in Scotland.
• Volunteering provides opportunities to give something back to an organisation or community, whether or not it has made a difference to your life
• Your role as a trustee will enable you to play an active role in society and contribute to positive social change, as well as improving employability and learning new skills.