The Croft Family Support - Supporting Visitors at HMP Barlinnie

Welcoming, Connecting and Supporting Families and Visitors is at the core of what we do here at the Croft

Providing practical and emotional support, information and advice to the families who come into contact with HMP Barlinnie, improving the visits experience and through an earlier intervention model, supporting complex needs, easing often extremely difficult life circumstances for children and families - including the multi-faceted impacts of deep poverty.

Role

Do you want to help make a difference to the lives of families affected by another’s imprisonment – this is a group of people, including many children, often marginalised and severely impacted, practically, emotionally and financially by the actions of another. Want to learn new skills in the process? - you can by becoming a volunteer Board Member for the Croft at HMP Barlinnie and help us to lead and guide the Management Team and staff to deliver the ambitions sets out in our 5 year strategy.

What we are looking for

We welcome applicants from any background and experience, including people who have been personally impacted. We welcome all skills but do have particular skills gaps we would love to bring aboard –

• Communications Experience - to further guide and help us develop work we have already undertaken to improve our communications offering as we grow and diversify our work
• Commercial business experience (particularly Social Enterprises / Community Interest Companies) – to support the further development of our Social Enterprise ambitions - supporting a more self-sustaining approach to our funding
• Bookkeeping / Accounts – finance – as we grow and diversify what we offer we find ourselves managing more complex funding arrangements
• Other experience and skills will always be welcomed – a cross section of skills is what makes our Board such a great environment to work in

What you get from being a Board Member

• The chance to give something back into the community and make a real difference to the lives of families impacted by imprisonment - Becoming a Trustee is a fantastic way to give something back to a cause you care about. You’ll be playing an integral part in the way the charity is run, ensuring it remains sustainable and financially viable. The help you provide will be invaluable.
• Meet new people - joining a new organisation or charity is a fantastic way to meet new people from a range of different personal and professional backgrounds. There will be meetings to attend (the Board itself meets quarterly), projects to get involved.
• Learn new things - getting involved as a charity Trustee is a great way to put your professional skills to use, but can also be a fantastic opportunity to learn new things. You’ll get great insight into what’s involved in the management of charities and gain skills on working well within a leadership role.
• Improve your CV and enhance your professional development - from learning how organisations are run to planning finances and attending meetings, this experience can be the perfect way to boost a CV and set you apart from the crowd.

Background

For more information about the Croft and its work see:

Visit our new website: Home | The Croft HMP Barlinnie Visitors Centre | 81 Lee Ave, Glasgow City, G33 2QX

Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/CroftVisitorsService

Since 1984 Granton Information Centre (GIC) have worked hard to improve the lives of individuals and families by providing free & impartial advice, advocacy and representation on matters relating to welfare rights, debt and housing. If you are passionate about alleviating poverty and supporting people and communities in Edinburgh, we want to hear from you!

Main Tasks

• Provide advice and assistance with welfare benefit entitlement claims and money, debt and general housing issues, via centre based, telephone, outreach and home visit appointments.

• Represent claimants at appeal tribunals.

• Record and maintain accurate client case records using our Advice Pro recording system.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of changes and developments in welfare, housing and debt legislation and liaise with colleagues on any issues that need to be communicated wider.

Citizens Advice Edinburgh (CAE) are looking to recruit an Advice Services Manager to join our Management Team, in delivering high quality and accessable advice and support to people in Edinburgh and its surrounding communities.

You will be joining the largest network of advice providers in the UK, with excellent professional development opportunities and competitive remuneration packages.

You will also be part of a community led organisation, with a substantial profile, making a real difference to your local community and supporting those in greatest need.

Advice Services Managers oversee our day-to-day advice service, recruit, support and supervise a team of staff and volunteers, provide expert knowledge and quality assurance and represent the organisation in campaigning for changes to policies and legislation on the issues that impact the lives of people in Edinburgh and across the UK.

Citizens Advice & Rights Fife (CARF) is seeking an exceptional leader to become Chair of the Board of Directors. This is a pivotal voluntary role providing strategic leadership, strong governance, and support to the Chief Executive as CARF continues to deliver vital advice services across Fife.

Full details — including responsibilities, skills and experience required, time commitment, and the application process — are contained in our Recruitment Brochure below.