The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is seeking to appoint new members to its Board. The appointments are for three years and will run from November 2024.

SLIC is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information related matters. It is a registered charity and an independent company. It is also a membership organisation representing the interests of public, academic, FE College, health and special interest libraries within Scotland.

SLIC is responsible for leading on the national strategy for public libraries and school libraries. Many of the work packages which SLIC delivers directly support the strategic direction of the section, many are groundbreaking and several considered world leading for libraries.

Board Responsibilities

The Board meets four times a year in addition to the AGM. Board members are expected to serve on a sub-committee which can involve a commitment of up to another three days.

The Board provides strategic direction and oversight. Major policy decisions are made at Board level. The decisions of the Board are actioned through the Chief Executive and senior management team of the organisation.

As Board members are directors of the organisation applicants must:

• be at least 16 years old
• not be an undischarged bankrupt
• not be a disqualified director

Please note the appointments are on a voluntary basis however reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

Expressions of Interest

SLIC particularly welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with management experience to help develop the organisation. In addition to the above, applications from potential board members with knowledge, skills and experience in Academic research, Digital Development and Youth Voice, are welcome although this is not essential. A general interest in libraries is also relevant.

Applications from groups which are currently underrepresented including those living with a disability and those from black and minority ethnic communities are particularly welcome.

If you’re passionate about making a difference then this could be the role for you! As a Girlguiding Scotland trustee, you’ll have the opportunity to use your skills, knowledge and experience to support our work. You’ll make a difference to the lives of thousands of girls.

The key skills and attributes that we’re looking for are:

At Girlguiding Scotland, striving to be an inclusive and impactful organisation is at the heart of what we do. We recognise that being a great lead volunteer isn’t just about the skills that you can bring to the table, but also the unique perspectives that come from your background and life experiences.

The key skills and experience that we’re looking for are:

• Confident to speak up and ensure your views are heard
• Capacity to be proactive in reviewing papers and considering views before meetings
• Excited to be part of shaping the future and responding to challenges
• Ability to think of the bigger picture for the benefit of members and potential members across Scotland
• Approachable and open minded, and able to work with others
• Committed to our values

In this round of trustee recruitment, we are looking for applications from people who are not currently members of Girlguiding who can offer skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Equity, diversity and inclusion, which may include lived experience
• Marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Commercial acumen
• Active in networks across Scottish civic society or experience in influencing others
• Environmental sustainability

Appointment of Lay Representative to the Joint Standing Committee for Legal Education in Scotland

The JSC is a consultative body comprised of representatives drawn from the main branches of the legal profession and the Universities.

Its aims and purposes are to act as a facilitator in promoting the interests of legal education, both at the level of academic training and in relation to legal professional training.

In recent years the Committee has been strengthened by the appointment of non-lawyers in its membership so that their views and experiences may contribute to discussions.

Applicants should have an interest in the practice of law in Scotland and the workings of the Scottish justice system, in quality assurance and professional standards, and in professional education and training. A commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is essential and an interest in trauma-informed practice would be helpful.

Previous experience of committee work would be advantageous, but it is not essential - we are also keen to hear from motivated candidates who are seeking their first committee position. The successful candidate will be keen to challenge constructively and ask curious questions.

The Committee would be particularly interested in receiving applications from applicants with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Higher Education, including widening access;

• Widening participation to the professions, not necessarily the legal profession;

• Improving access to justice;

• Artificial Intelligence in education and / or a professional context.

About ENSA

Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association (ENSA) exists to enable our 20,000 student members across Edinburgh and around the globe to make the most of their university experience. We do this by representing, supporting and developing Edinburgh Napier University students to be successful in their studies; to try out new things; to engage in, and contribute to, university life; to be healthy and happy; to bring about positive change; and to have fun.

About the role

As our Chair has now come to the end of her term in office, we are looking to recruit a new Chair with the skills and experience to lead the Board of Directors, promoting good governance and providing effective and empowering line management to support our CEO. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has the strategic focus, governance understanding, leadership experience and time to support and develop a committed Board and ensure ENSA delivers the best experience for students.

Please see the Job Description and Person Spec for full details.

About ENSA’s Board of Directors

The Board is collectively in charge of ENSA, for upholding its values and aligning it to the Association’s charitable aims. It has overall responsibility for ENSA’s governance: budget-setting and financial reporting, health and safety, human resources and legal compliance.

The Board is made up of 12 Directors: six External Lay Directors (including the Chair) appointed through a competitive process for their professional expertise; three Student Lay Directors who are registered students of Edinburgh Napier University and appointed through a competitive process; and three Sabbatical Officers who are elected by the student body.

In line with charity law, all ENSA’s Directors (elected and appointed) have equal status. Directors have a variety of experience and skills which offer different perspectives, and are all, jointly and severally, liable for the governance of the charity. Directors are expected to take their responsibilities seriously, attend meetings, and manage any conflicts of interests appropriately.