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.

Are you an experienced Project Development Manager who has the enthusiasm and versatility to help our community deliver its housing objectives?

Do you have a successful track record in fundraising to build upon the significant amount of funding we have already

attracted to kick-start our Tayvallich Initiative?

We are seeking a part-time, freelance Project Development Manager who will work with our Board, Community Steering Group and Housing Working Group Lead to establish and drive forward the development of housing for affordable rent on our community-owned land.

Your role will be to help us select the most suitable housing agency to deliver our vision for housing and work in partnership with them to make this a reality. You will also liaise with planners about options for housing on community-owned land and prepare pre-planning and planning applications. At each phase, you will also take a lead in involving and consulting our local community on our proposed plans to ensure continued engagement and commitment.

• Freelance opportunity, fixed term, up to October 2025
• Hours: on average 2 days a week (with flexibility to meet the varying demands of this role). Some out-of-hours working will be required
• Remuneration: £275 per day (inclusive of VAT if applicable) with a set allowance for travel and expenses £545,950 total fee
• Reporting to: Chair of Tayvallich Initiative Board
• Location: This role is home-based. You will need to be able to commit to attend regular face-to-face meetings in our community of Tayvallich, Mid Argyll on a scheduled basis

We’re one of Scotland’s fastest growing charities, improving outcomes for children by supporting their Dads and families. We are currently looking for two trustees to join our dynamic voluntary Board team at an exciting time.

Our aim is to improve outcomes for children to ensure the best start in life by providing support to Dads and families. Our hope is through achieving this, there will be a larger shift in society toward accepting the vital role Dads play.

We currently have a vacancy for a Board member to join our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee Board Member, your responsibilities will include:

1. Setting and maintaining the strategic direction of the organisation
2. Sharing responsibility for Board decisions
3. Maintaining an overview of the organisations financial performance
4. Ensuring appropriate governance is in place
5. Attend quarterly Board Meetings.

We're particularly looking for applicants with employment law experience, or applicants who have used Dads Rock services in the past.

Remuneration/Expenses

This is an unpaid role however reasonable expenses associated with the role can be reimbursed.

Time commitment:

• You will be expected to commit to serving on the Board for a minimum of three years.
• Board Meetings take place approximately every quarter and are usually on Zoom. Dates for the following calendar year are circulated prior to, and agreed at, the last meeting of the year.
• To represent Dads Rock at other internal and external events depending on your availability.
• To participate in appropriate sub-committee groups – depending on your area of expertise and availability.
• To attend any other meetings and events by agreement of the Board, as well as our Annual General Meeting.

Main duties:

To ensure that Dads Rock:

• Complies with its governing documents, such as our Constitution and Policies
• Pursues its charitable objects as defined in its Constitution
• Applies its resources exclusively in furtherance of its objects, i.e. Dads Rock must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• Has an effective and efficient administration
• Is financially stable.

Contribute actively to the role of Trustee by:

• Attending Board meetings and other meetings and events
• Offer support and challenge to board colleagues and staff, adhering to collective responsibility once decisions are made
• Setting and reviewing operational policy and practice
• Defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of DR
• Protect and manage the tangible assets (property etc.) of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of all funds
• Promote and represent DR externally as required.

In addition to the above duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience they may have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues relevant to the area of work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification:

Essential attributes

• An interest in the ethos and aims of Dads Rock.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Commitment to preparing for and attending board meetings and other meetings and events.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on personal and sensitive information.
• The ability to work as part of the team of Trustees in order to reach sound and fair decisions.
• Ability to understand and analyse complex information, often presented in report form.
• Ability to contribute to Dads Rock strategic planning process.
• To be able to represent at least one key skill/knowledge area on the Board.
• To ensure that you are not disqualified from being a trustee for any reason.

Desirable attributes

• Given the aims of the charity, trustees with experience of one or more of the following areas is beneficial:
  • Third Sector
  • Finance
  • Fundraising
  • Fatherhood
  • Marketing and Communications (including digital)
  • Legal
  • Early Years
  • Healthcare (NHS)
  • Local Authority (i.e. Education and/or Social Work)
  • Social Enterprise
  • Human Resources

Trustee Induction includes:

An induction meeting with the Chair and if desired to be peer supported by an existing Trustee.

Benefits of becoming a Trustee:

The knowledge that you are playing a vital role in the running and development of Dads Rock; enabling the organisation to continue its work and make a difference to Scottish society.

The opportunity to enhance your existing skills and knowledge relating to the development of an innovative and dynamic voluntary organisation.

The ability to enhance your network and broaden your experience of the third sector.

Read about our other Board Members

Fintry Development Trust are seeking the addition of a Financial Consultant to join them at a crucial growth point to develop the strategic and operational processes to advance the direction of their aims.

Fintry Development Trust is based in the village of Fintry, Stirlingshire. It is focussed on sustainability and carbon reduction in the Fintry area. It was founded in 2007.

We are keen to engage a consultant to help manage our now substantial income secured through our partnership deal with a windfarm developer.

fintrydt.org.uk/about/history

Working closely with the Board, the treasurer and the finance sub-committee, the Financial Consultant will assume full responsibility for providing required financial information, advice and recommendations to the Development Trust Board.

Outlined below are a few standard duties that this job role entails.

Principle responsibilities

• Overseeing, approving, and presenting budgets, management accounts, projections, financial statements, and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the financial sub-committee. (Financial sub- committee will normally include the Treasurer, The Chair, and the Manager)
• Being assured that the financial resources of the Trust meet its present and future needs and are within the charity’s objectives.
• Being instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial reserves policies and investment policies.