- Advertised from 25th June 2026
- 35 hours per week. Permanent.
- CF26-30
Role
Are you passionate about creating lasting change for children and families in Scotland?
Children First is Scotland's national children's charity. We are looking for a motivated and confident Policy Officer to join our Policy, Evidence and Impact Team and help shape policy and influencing work that improves outcomes for children, young people and families.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Children First's strategic priorities by researching, monitoring and analysing policy developments, supporting the development of evidence-based policy positions, and helping ensure the voices and experiences of children and families are reflected in decision-making.
Working closely with the Policy Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you will support the development of briefings, consultation responses, evidence submissions and engagement activities with policymakers, partners and stakeholders across Scotland.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyse policy, legislation, research and guidance relevant to Children First's strategic priorities.
- Carry out research and synthesise evidence to support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and submissions.
- Support the development and delivery of Children First's policy and influencing work.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with policymakers, partners, charities, public bodies and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate meetings, events and engagement opportunities with children, families, partners and elected representatives.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure policy work is informed by evidence, service insisht and lived experience.
- Help amplify the voices and experiences of children, young people and families to inform policy development and influence change.
- Contribute to projects and activities across the wider Policy, Evidence and Impact Team.
Skills & Experience:
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to understand complex issues and communicate them clearly in writing and verbally.
- Experience of gathering, interpreting and presenting information to support decision-making.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to engage a range of audiences and stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
- An understanding of children's rights and the issues affecting children, young people and families in Scotland.
- Awareness of the Scottish policy and legislative landscape.
- A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently when required.
- A commitment to ensuring the voices of children, young people and families are heard and reflected in policy and influencing work.
What You'll Get From Us
- 40 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Pension scheme.
- Access to Westfield Health, including counselling support and wellbeing resources.
- Blue Light Card discounts.
- A Fair Work accredited workplace.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families across Scotland.
Our Values
Living our values, you will help create a workplace where our people can thrive, ensuring we deliver the best possible support to children and families.
With love, we put children first.
With purpose, we transform lives together.
With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
Application notes
If you share our values and are passionate about supporting our people, we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 13th July 2026
Interview Date: 22nd or 23rd July 2026
Contact: For more information, email lily.humphreys@childrenfirst.org.uk
To apply, please visit our website
Downloads
Do you want to help create a safer, brighter future for children across Scotland?
Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is looking for a Support Line Coordinator to join our national service. By joining us, you will help protect children, support families and make sure no one has to face difficult moments alone.
About the role
Based in Edinburgh with some flexible hybrid working this role sits at the heart of our national support line. You will provide compassionate, skilled support to families, carers and professionals who may be facing some of the most challenging times in their lives.
You will respond to busy and varied contacts through phone, webchat and email, offering timely advice, emotional support and practical guidance. Every interaction is an opportunity to keep a child safe, strengthen a family and make sure children’s voices are heard.
You will record your work clearly and meaningfully so that it reflects families’ experiences and helps us learn, improve and grow our services.
This is a fast-paced role, but at its core it is about connection, empathy and good judgement.
What you will do
- Provide high quality support to families, carers and professionals across Scotland
- Listen carefully to understand what matters most to children and families
- Offer clear advice that helps keep children safe and supports recovery
- Respond to a high volume of contacts with care and professionalism
- Maintain accurate, child-centred records that inform service development
- Work as part of a team to improve how we support families across Scotland
Why this role matters
Families are facing increasing pressure, including poverty, online harm and emotional distress. Our support line is often the first-place people turn.
Your work will help ensure that:
- children are safer
- families feel listened to and supported
- people get the right help at the right time
What we are looking for
- A relevant professional qualification at SCQF level 9 such as social work, health, education or community education
- Experience supporting children, young people or families facing challenges
- Experience of supervising or supporting others, including staff or volunteers
- Strong listening skills and the ability to respond with empathy and clarity
- The ability to manage risk and make sound decisions under pressure
- Confidence working in a fast-paced environment
What you can expect from us
- A supportive, inclusive team where your wellbeing matters
- A strong focus on learning, reflection and development
- 40 days annual leave (pro rata)
- Contributory pension scheme
- Generous family leave
- Flexible working options
Our values
You will be part of a team that lives its values every day:
With love, we put children first with compassion and kindness
With purpose, we work together to transform children’s lives
With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children
Outreach and Participation Officer
- Part time
- £32,231 pro-rata
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 30th June 2026
We’re recruiting for an Outreach and Participation Officer to join our Participation, Outreach and Policy Team. Your role will involve delivering a diverse range of project work - including direct engagement with children and young people with complex additional support needs - and supporting activity to make improvements in children and young people’s lives.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for participation and engagement activity in line with our Principles and Guidelines for Meaningful Participation, while also coordinating outreach programmes and information sessions for parents, carers and professionals around additional support needs. We’re looking for someone with experience of inclusive engagement, and the ability to work collaboratively to deliver high-quality projects, training and partnerships that ensure children’s voices shape our work.
Department: Services and Influence
Location: Children in Scotland’s office is in Edinburgh and this will be your official contracted place of work. We have introduced hybrid working based on trust and flexibility. As long as business needs are met, individuals have flexibility in terms of where they work (home / office).
See detail of our salary structure here.
About Children in Scotland
Children in Scotland is a welcoming and dynamic charity that amplifies the voices, views and experiences of our members and children, families and professionals across Scotland. We achieve this through direct services, meaningful participation, policy work, inspiring communications and sector-leading events and learning opportunities.
We are a vibrant and inclusive community of dedicated individuals and organisations who use our skills and passion to bring evidence-based and fresh thinking together, with one shared aim of giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish.
We are stronger together in driving lasting impact for Scotland’s children.
Diversity
Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.
Assistant Communication Officer - Enquire
- Part time
- £27,850 pro-rata
- Hybrid: Edinburgh
- Closing 14th July 2026
We and enthusiastic person to join the Enquire communications team as an Assistant Communications Officer and contribute to the work to raise awareness of the Service and the information and advice we provide.
Your role will involve providing core communications support across the team for both internal and external communications and across a range of Service outputs including website, social media and information sessions or events. You will also provide administrative support across the wider Service team.
Enquire
This role will be based within Enquire. Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. Enquire provides a range of information and advice for families and professionals on supporting children and young people with additional support needs throughout their learning. Enquire have an accessible website, a helpline and run a series of free events throughout the year.
Enquire is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Children in Scotland.
More about Enquire can be found here
About Children in Scotland
Children in Scotland is a welcoming and dynamic charity that amplifies the voices, views and experiences of our members and children, families and professionals across Scotland. We achieve this through direct services, meaningful participation, policy work, inspiring communications and sector-leading events and learning opportunities.
We are a vibrant and inclusive community of dedicated individuals and organisations who use our skills and passion to bring evidence-based and fresh thinking together, with one shared aim of giving all children in Scotland an equal chance to flourish.
We are stronger together in driving lasting impact for Scotland’s children.
Diversity
Children in Scotland values the contribution of all our staff, whatever their background. Our recruitment decisions are based on fair, open processes, with appointment on merit. We welcome applications from everyone.
Because every child deserves a fair start in life.
At Home-Start Edinburgh, we believe in the power of early intervention and the life-changing potential of strong, nurturing relationships. We're here for families with young children in Edinburgh facing challenging circumstances—whether it’s isolation, mental health struggles, or financial insecurity. Our skilled volunteers work alongside these families, empowering them to thrive. Now, we’re looking for an Administrator to join our dedicated team and help us continue delivering this vital mission.
About the Role
The Administrator is responsible for general administration of Home-Start Edinburgh, data entry, support to deliver services and general office duties. It is an integral part of our team that helps support babies, children & families across Edinburgh.
What You’ll Do
- Be the first point of contact for the organisation, including answering the telephone and managing our inboxes
- Administratively support our services, including volunteering, group work and family events
- Undertake general office duties
What You Bring
We’re looking for someone with:
- Experience of administration (whether that be in a charity or a business – or your family!)
- A flexible and adaptable personality that can respond to business needs as they arise
- A consistent and reliable work ethic
Why Join Home-Start Edinburgh?
At Home-Start Edinburgh, we believe:
- Early childhood matters. Healthy development – from conception to infancy and beyond - provides the foundation for future learning, behaviour and health. It is the launchpad for a child to become a happy and well-functioning adult.
- Empowerment and enjoyment are key. Families thrive when parents feel confident, have nurturing relationships with their children, and the whole family can experience the joy of life together.
- Needs-based and responsive support. We listen to families and provide flexible support based on their needs and challenges. No two families are the same and we work to address individual needs and support families as long as they need us.
- We believe in the power of relationships. Our volunteers support nurturing relationships in the families they support, and we work in partnership with others who share our values and our vision.
You’ll be part of a small, mission-driven team with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. We’re proud of the impact we make together and we want someone who shares our belief that childhood can’t wait.
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