Make a difference: search volunteering opportunities for CAs

• Employer: River Clyde Homes
• Contact: Siobhan O'Kane, 01475788851
• Location: Greenock
• Closing date for applications: 31/03/2025
• Apply now

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About the employer

River Clyde Homes is part of the RCH Group and is one of the largest social housing landlords in Scotland with a turnover in excess of £27.5m per annum.

We have a commercial subsidiary company, Home Fix Scotland, which undertakes a variety of construction related and grounds maintenance activities.

Our group structure has in the region of 300 members of staff serving over 8,000 customers and we have ambitious plans to grow further.
However, River Clyde Homes wants to provide more than homes - we want to build communities and achieve our purpose to 'improve lives and places'.  We are committed to achieving this through continued investment and growth in our homes, our services and our staff.

About the vacancy

We are looking for new Board members to sit on our parent company Board.  This role offers the opportunity to lead on the strategic direction of this growing company, play a key role in delivering high quality services to our customers, define goals and targets, and implement our ambitious Corporate Plan.  
We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and challenging prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.
We aim to ensure that membership and participation in the governance of our organisation is open to everyone, and applications are welcome from all.  However, we would particularly welcome interest from anyone with senior financial experience who has the skills and commitment to play a positive and active part in driving the company forward and in developing our reputation for innovation, good practice, and determination to be one of the best companies to work for in Scotland.

Time commitment

Board meeetings and sub committee meetings take place once a quarter and meetings last around 2 - 2.5 hours.

Once a year there is a two day strategy event and this usually takes place in November.

There will be meeting reports available online a week before each meeting, which will require a read through.

Apply

To request an application pack or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email:

Siobhan.Okane@riverclydehomes.org.uk.

• Employer: Parkinson's UK Edinburgh Branch
• Contact: Stephen Brannan, 07766 651350
• Location: Edinburgh
• Closing date for applications: 31/12/2024
• Apply now

About the Employer

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson's in the UK -  It is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
The Edinburgh and Lothians Branch of Parkinson's UK was established in 1972, is run by volunteers, and offers friendship, information and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families and carers. The Branch is active within the local community and the Committee organises a wide range of regular activities to support health and wellbeing, as well as carer support groups, meetings with guest speakers, and lunches and a drop-in café.

We support research through our Edinburgh Research Interest Group (ERIG). Our main assistance is in running a number of mind and body activities such as art, pilates, yoga, Nordic walking, singing, table tennis, to name but a few.

The Branch is run by a committee with help from other volunteers. We keep people informed through newsletters, emails, postal mailings, and the Branch website- edinburghparkinsons.org, which provides the most up-to-date information.

About the vacancy

The vacancy has arisen due to the upcoming retirement of our present CA treasurer. The position is voluntary, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
The Treasurer will require to prepare for the committee a monthly bank reconciliation, together with quarterly accounts, and annual financial records to update Parkinson's UK in London. They will liaise with our Independent Examiner to have the accounts certified at the year end.
They will also maintain the cashbook and be responsible for the regular payment of suppliers of services.

Volunteering as Treasurer, you would have the opportunity to:
-Do  something meaningful for people affected by Parkinson's and their families/friends within the Edinburgh and Lothian area.
-Meet new people and make new friends, both in the Branch and in the local community.
-Make a valuable contribution to the success of the branch.

Induction training and ongoing support will be provided by the Parkinson's Volunteer Coordinator, the Chair and Committee members.

Time commitment

This could be around 2 days a month.

We currently have 10 committee meetings a year, with the occasional ad hoc meeting.

How to Apply

For more information please contact our Chair, Stephen Brannan

• Employer: Jean Armour Burns Trust  (JABT)
• Contact: Robert L Stevenson, 07836 630604
• Location: Glasgow
• No closing date
• Apply now

About the Employer

The Jean Armour Burns Trust was formed when the Jean Armour Burns Houses Ltd was wound up and its assets sold to East Ayrshire Council.

When the Trust was formed the Directors of the Houses were appointed as Trustees.

The purpose of the Trust is to stimulate the public interest in the Scots tongue and support and promote the teaching of the works of Robert Burns in Scotland.

About the Vacancy

We are the JABT and are seeking a person with accounting experience to join our small team and give their time freely.

If you are approaching the time of life when you (are about to or have just left your 9 to 5) and would like to step back from the rat race and offer (and devote) some of your precious time to working with our Trustees (Treasurer) on our quarterly and annual accounts, Perhaps, if you are inclined (one day) taking on that mantle

So there you have it, we are a small charitable trust who fund projects for Robert Burns Clubs work with groups in their communities and fund projects for children with special needs through working with School teachers in A.S.N. Departments in Schools.

Expressions of interest

Pleases contact Robert L Stevenson

• Employer: Borders Community Action
• Contact:Juliana@borderscommunityaction.org.uk
• Location: Anywhere
• Closing date for applications: Ongoing
• Apply now

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About the employer

Borders Community Action (Borders Third Sector Interface - TSI) is one of a network of 32 TSIs operating in Scotland, with one for each local authority area. Formed by the Scottish Government, TSIs aid the development of voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, and volunteering.

Scotland's network of Third Sector Interfaces was established in 2011. Funded by the Scottish Government, TSIs aid the development of voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises, and volunteering. TSIs provide a vital link between the third sector and community planning. The newly formed Company of the Borders TSI is seeking an interim Independent Chair.

About the vacancy

To maintain effective governance of the organisations affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper processes and procedures exist for assuring all financial records, decisions and delegations are maintained.

Key responsibilities:

1. Strategic

• To assist and advise in the formation of Borders Community Action strategy with particular regard to ensuring that the Charity has the resources to deliver the strategy.

2. Financial

• To ensure that the Board receives appropriate budgetary and financial information on Borders Community Action activities, including Annual Accounts.
• To ensure that all accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies.
• To recommend to the Board appropriate accounting procedures, controls and policies consistent with the scheme of delegation.
• To oversee the appointment of auditors and review on a regular basis.
• To work in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer in executing their responsibilities and achieving their goals.

3. Assets and Investments

• To ensure that Borders Community Action has an appropriate investment policy.
• To ensure that Borders Community Action monitors the performance of its investments and to set an appropriate reserves policy.
• To ensure that all equipment and assets are adequately maintained and accounted for.

4. Governance

• To ensure that the Board is aware of its financial duties and responsibilities and the need to comply with all legislation.
• To ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis.
• To ensure that the Board’s scheme of delegation is reviewed on a regular basis.
• To act as Chair of the Finance and Governance sub-committee of the Board.

To assist the Vice Chair in the annual appraisal of the Chair, having consulted with other trustees and executives of Borders Community Action.

General responsibilites of a Trustee

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Treasurer as a Trustee has the following general responsibilities:

• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall strategy and policy, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets;
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation and the proper investment of Borders Community Action funds;
• Ensure Borders Community Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objectives;
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Borders Community Action;
• Safeguard the good name and values of the Charity;
• Declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee;
• Be collectively responsible for the actions of the Charity and other Trustees;
• Participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, and helping with fundraising;
• Attend meetings and subcommittee meetings as appropriate and read papers in preparation for the meeting;
• Keep informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues which affect its work.

In addition to the duties of all Trustees, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees 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, to the area of Borders Community Action work in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Time commitment

The Board meets every two months and the Treasurer will be expected to review and comment on  finance papers prior to distribution to the board members.

Apply

To apply, please email:

Juliana Amaral, CEO of Borders Community Action

• Employer: Avenue
• Contact: Taf Powell
• Location: Aberdeen
• Closing date for applications: Ongoing
• Apply now

About the Employer

Avenue is a charity, based in Aberdeen  that provides support to families and individuals across the North East of Scotland, with a focus on relationships, wellbeing and children.

Avenue supports children’s rights. We believe that children have a right to a family, as well as a right to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

We believe that everybody has individual needs and that, wherever possible, interventions should be tailored to those needs.

We recognise that families come in many different forms, shapes and sizes, and are committed to helping all family members to sustain healthy relationships with each other and their children.

About the Vacancy

The Board of Avenue  is seeking a professional in the area of finance, business or accounting who has the skills to monitor the financial position of the charity and provide reliable advice in terms of financial risk, business strategy and enterprise developments going forward.

Key responsibilities

• To ensure that the finances of the organisation are properly handled in accordance with the organisation’s objectives.
• To ensure that the organisation has practicable written financial procedures that are adhered to in practice.
• To help shape the overall financial direction and development of Avenue  through good governance and clear strategic planning.
• To assist the chair to engage with Trustees in achieving the objectives of the strategic planand participate in Board project subgroups as required..
• To monitor the adequacy of financial recording and controls  in use by the CEO and staff and to see that the CEO has the accounts indepently audited or examined by a competent person.
• To make brief reports for the Trustees board meetings and to present the year-end Financial Report at the Annual General Meeting to Trustees.
• To support the CEO in financial planning and production of  budgets. In cooperation with the CEO and chair, monitor performance against budgets and assist in determining any necessary remedial actions.

Experience and Capabilities

• Have experience working in a finance-based role as an accountant, financial controller, financial director or similar
• Be qualified or part qualified in relevant professional requirements
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

In addition to the above it will be desirable to have or acquire:

• A working knowledge of the Scottish Governance Code for the third sector, relevant statutory provisions and good governance structures
• An understanding of the financial challenges to viability confronting charities
• A working knowledge of Avenue’s systems and Articles of Association

Time commitment

• Meeting usually 3 times a year plus the AGM.
• Preparing papers for the Trustees to be issued two weeks before the meeting.
• Acting as member of ad hoc sub-committees
• Meeting with the chair and CEO prior to the Trustee meetings and once financial papers are completed for a review and short discussion.
• Giving, under normal conditions, around 3-4 hours per month to Avenue
• This is a voluntary position

Expressions of interest

To apply, please email your CV and a brief covering letter to Avenue’s chair, Taf Powell (taf.powell@avenue-info.com). Similarly, if you would like a conversation about the role before applying then please contact Taf Powell.

There is more information on our website about Avenue and our work: https://avenuecharity.org/

• Employer: Tiphereth, Camphill Scotland
• Contact: Ian Herok (Vice Chair), 07801137803
• Location: Colinton area
• Closing date for applications: Ongoing
• Apply now

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About the employer

Tiphereth is Camphill community based in Colinton, Edinburgh.
The community provides residential care homes, supported living tenancies and day care placements for adults with learning disabilities and autism. We also operate a range of social enterprises which support the community.

About the vacancy

We are looking for a Trustee with experience and qualifications in financial management and monitoring to join the Board. There is also the opportunity for the new Trustee to engage with the Board and operational management in the wider aspects of strategic development and other Board business.

Time commitment

Six Board meetings per annum plus as convenor of a financial sub committee 3 meetings of around two hours. The Trustee Board usually commences at 10.00 am until 3.00 pm.
Trustees are welcome and recommended to spend time visiting the various activities provided by the community at their leisure.

Apply

Contact above mentioned Ian Herok for an initial chat and subsequent meet with the Nominations committee. Provide CV.

Employer: Social Bite
Contact: Andrew Cubie
Location: Edinburgh

About the Employer

Social Bite are a movement to end homelessness.

As a charity and social business, our vision is a society where no one should have to be homeless. We provide homes, jobs, food and support to empower people to transform their own lives.

We began as a small sandwich shop in Edinburgh in 2012, offering jobs and free food to people affected by homelessness. We’re now expanding our projects across the UK, on a collaborative mission to end homelessness.
We help people break the cycle of homelessness through innovative supported employment and housing solutions and give out over 200,000 items of free food year-round through our coffee shops and community networks.

We build lasting relationships, as we believe that through positive connections people can transform their lives. We use food, homes, and jobs as tools of engagement that can enable everyone to reach their potential.  Our national and global campaigns have shifted the cultural dial on homelessness and our work has been championed by multiple celebrities and public figures.

Our social impact projects include Social Bite Villages and Jobs First.  Our social business includes coffee shops in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, London and Glasgow.  Our flagship campaigns include the Festival of Kindness, our Christmas appeal aiming to distribute 300,000+ Christmas meals, food packs, gifts and essentials to people who are homeless and vulnerable across the UK each winter – featuring Tree of Kindness installations throughout December in the city centres of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee.

About the Vacancy

Social Bite is a Scottish based charity on a mission to end homelessness and we need more Trustees to help continue, and elevate our Mission, Vision and Values.

The responsibilities of trustees are outlined in charity legislation, but essentially, your role will be to guide the charity into the future, helping to develop and maintain the effective and efficient running of the organisation.

We believe that Trustees with different backgrounds and experiences are more likely to encourage debate and to make better decisions. We are looking for people who will be passionate supporters of our mission, whose lived experience can help shape the impact of our programmes and improve how we engage with our beneficiaries.

As a Social Bite Trustee, we will ask you to initially to commit to attending 6 Board meetings per year, but with the expectation that this will reduce to 4. Where possible we aim to hold these meetings in our Head Office, currently situated at 1 Leith Walk in Edinburgh. In addition, involvement in the Committee structures of the charity would be expected as well as attendance on occasion to social organisation wide events. It is anticipated that full Trustee involvement would typically take up 8 -10 days per year.

Whilst we would encourage all Trustees to actively involve themselves in the Scran and Supper services we understand that time is precious and it will up to you on an individual basis on how much more you choose to get involved with Social Bite.

If you were to join us as a Social Bite Trustee, we would provide a great introduction and training to ensure you are the best trustee for Social Bite. We anticipate that this induction day will take at least one full day.

Time commitment

It is anticipated that full Trustee involvement would typically take up 8 -10 days per year.

How to apply

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Social Bite, please get in touch with Andrew Cubie at Andrew@cubie-edinburgh.com

• Employer: Sacro
• Contact: Douglas Adam at Livingston James
• Location: Edinburgh
• Closing date for applications: Ongoing

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About the employer

Sacro is a Scottish community justice organisation that works to deliver life-changing services that empower people, give hope and protection, and help to build safe communities. For over 50 years we have supported people at all stages in the justice system in Scotland, helping them to find paths to positive change.

Our aim is to provide people with hope, empowerment and protection, resulting in safer communities.

About the vacancy

At present society is facing a number of challenges which create pressures that can lead to people becoming involved in the criminal justice system.  It is imperative that Sacro continues to thrive as the support we provide has never been more needed. Should you choose to become a member of our Board, you will have the opportunity to dedicate your time, skills, and experience to empowering people, giving hope and protection, and helping to build safer communities.

We are committed to inclusivity and encouraging diversity of thought, background and experience. We are looking to recruit 3 new board members who will ensure the effective governance of Sacro as a charity so that it meets its legal obligations, manages risks, and grows and develops its vital range of services. As a board, we bring diverse skills, experiences, and styles, but we all share a commitment to the values, aims and goals of Sacro. We believe that everyone has the right to the opportunity for positive change and we do not judge.

Previous board experience is not a pre-requisite, and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds who bring relevant experience, including lived experience and a passion to make a lasting difference. Our new board members should be committed to our mission and organisational values and bring one or more of the following areas of expertise:

• Accountancy or strategic financial management experience
• Knowledge of the justice sector or involvement in working with people in crisis (e.g. homelessness, domestic abuse sectors) in Scotland
• Business Development / Income diversification
• Public Affairs, Public Relations and/or external communication
• Front-line service development and delivery

If you join us, we strongly believe that Sacro will benefit, you will benefit and most importantly the people who use our services will benefit.


Time commitment

1 day per month is the estimated time commitment.

Apply

To learn more about this unique opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives please contact Douglas Adam at Livingston James, our retained recruitment advisors, via douglasadam@livingstonjames.com

• Employer: RedSTART Educate
• Contact: Claire Fraser-Lim, Education Engagement Manager
• Location: Bristol, London, the northeast of England, Scotland, & Suffolk
• Closing date for applications: Ongoing

About the Employer

RedSTART Educate is a charity delivering pioneering financial education to primary school children in England and Scotland.

The charity delivers face to face workshops and activities using game play to help children understand a range of vital financial concepts such as: risk and reward, rewards from working hard, interest and saving, using a bank and financial scams.

RedSTART is partnering with schools in locations across England and Scotland to improve social mobility through an approach which is:

• Targeted towards disadvantaged cohorts of children in each year of their primary education
• Impactful through making a real difference to financial outcomes and the wellbeing of the children when they reach adulthood, their families and communities
• Measurable by demonstrating the long-term, quantifiable benefits of financial education to policymakers

RedSTART sees the same children from Reception to Year 6 (in England) or Primary 1 to Primary 7 (in Scotland) and provides accredited resources to each primary year group.

About the Vacancy

RedSTART has vacancies for lead facilitators and support facilitators to deliver financial education workshops as part of a team. Training will be provided and there is scope for support facilitators to progress to become lead facilitators.

Support Facilitator: minimal training, DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, or a PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Disclosure check required depending on legal jurisdiction, & online safeguarding course (30 minutes).

Lead Facilitator- all the above and additional two hour in person training course, observation and co-leading a minimum of two workshops before becoming ‘accredited’.

There are vacancies in the following locations:

• Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders
• London
• Northeast of England (Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland)
• Southwest of England (Bath, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare)
• Suffolk (Lowestoft, Ipswich, Norwich)

Training is expected to take begin in September continuing throughout the academic year with the delivery of workshops to take place in November and beyond.

Time commitment

For lead volunteers, RedSTART is seeking a minimum four half days per year for three years during term time.

For support volunteers, RedSTART is seeking a minimum one half day per year for three years during term time.

*This is in addition to the training required for each facilitator role as listed above

How to apply or find out more

Please email redstart@redstarteducate.org for more information or to volunteer.

Employer: Light Up Learning (SCIO)

Contact: Alice Paterson, 7811440848, alice.paterson@gmail.com

Location: Edinburgh/Online

Deadline: 16/12/2024

Apply now

About the Employer

Light Up Learning is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) dedicated to igniting a love of learning in young people and transforming the nature of education in Scotland. We do this by providing a unique programme of 1-1 mentoring sessions across Edinburgh and the Lothians, addressing issues of unequal access to education and school disengagement by creating low-stress, supportive learning environments for highly disadvantaged young people. We encourage students to pursue their own interests with curiosity, and we place them in charge of their own learning.

Currently, we work in 12 schools with 170 students; our ambition is to work with 350 students in 30 schools by 2030.

About the Vacancy

Light Up Learning is seeking a volunteer Treasurer to join its Board of Trustees and oversee financial matters, particularly helping prepare financial reports for the board and explaining them.

Experience of Xero would be beneficial but not essential.

The charity uses an accountant for its annual accounts, and part of the role will involve liaising with them to finalize the accounts each year.

The work Light Up Learning is doing in schools is greatly appreciated, helping students on the verge of dropping out by encouraging them to remain engaged.

Time commitment

• The board meets quarterly in the evenings, and there are two strategy mornings on Saturdays (April and November).
• Finance committee meetings are ad hoc.

How to Apply

Please email alice.paterson@gmail.com to register your interest in the role.

Employer: Tap into IT Where You Are Ltd

Contact: Mike Ellis, 07762 982509, mike.ellis@tapintoit.org.uk

Location: Edinburgh

Deadline: 18/12/2024

Apply now

About the Employer

Tap into IT is an Edinburgh-based charity and social enterprise that empowers older people through technology, reducing social isolation and encouraging community connections. We work with organisations, groups, and individuals to provide a range of tech support services, currently reaching over 300 people with 1.75 FTE staff and 30 volunteers.

For more information, visit Tap into IT, and see links to the role description, company articles, and annual reports at Vacancies Edinburgh.

About the Vacancy

Tap into IT is seeking an experienced and committed Chairperson to lead our Board of Directors and support our mission.

Responsibilities:

• Chair Board meetings, set agendas, and ensure balanced input.
• Support team development and manage differences of opinion sensitively.
• Oversee strategic initiatives and support the Managing Director.

Requirements:

• Commitment to our vision and values.
• Strong leadership and collaborative decision-making skills.
• Good interpersonal skills to engage with a wide variety of people.
• Visionary thinking to foster growth and raise our profile.

Desirable:

• Experience in social enterprise, charity, finance, or marketing.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 or other online office platforms.

Time Commitment

Approx. 12 hours per month, plus six annual Board meetings (mostly online), AGM, and occasional events.

How to Apply

Scroll down to the online form at Tap into IT Vacancies Edinburgh or click/copy and paste the following link:
Google Form.