Charity trustees are some of the most important people in a charity.
The bottom line is, good governance led by a charity’s board is no longer an optional extra. It’s essential to charities’ effectiveness and probably their survival too. Charities need to be able to demonstrate that they take it seriously, allowing it to change the way they operate.
Charities need a wide range of skills from their trustees, to understand and address the many challenges charities can face. They need trustee boards that can challenge one another and the status quo, that bring different experiences, knowledge and ideas, but that are able to work consistently and enthusiastically as a team.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities below please get in touch.
Edinburgh
Music in the Community – believe that music within communities brings about a positive, long-lasting and life-changing experience. That is why Music in the Community (MIC) actively works with people in Edinburgh to facilitate live music experiences. MIC are looking for committed volunteers who want to make a difference to the lives of people through music and who want to support the friendly team in the governance of the charity. MIC’s trustees meet regularly, with a mixture of face-to-face and virtual meetings. Additionally, the charity run committee meetings quarterly focusing on different areas of their charitable activities. Firstly, MIC are looking for a trustee with a background in finance or accounting at a strategic level to join the Board. An understanding of charity finances would be beneficial but is not compulsory. Secondly, the charity are looking to recruit a young trustee (aged 25 or under) who has the confidence to sit on a charitable board and add value to it. This is a great starting opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills in strategic planning, governance, and the voluntary sector. The aim of this new role is to help give young people a voice in the strategic direction of MIC. Thirdly, MIC are looking for people with a passion for live music and supporting up and coming artists.
Circle – is a children and families charity working at the heart of communities across central Scotland. The charity’s services support families with children affected by substance use, parental imprisonment, domestic violence, mental health and the wider effects of poverty and structural inequality. Circle’s approach builds on strengths, is solution focussed and uses a whole family approach to create a family environment that promotes healthy development in children. Circle is seeking new Trustees who are passionate about helping the charity to achieve their vision for all children to be safe, healthy, nurtured, and happy within a stable family which supports them to achieve their potential. To support the next phase of Circle’s development they are recruiting additional board members with a wide range of experience and abilities. They are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have lived experience of the care system, justice, recovery, early years services, or the wider effects of poverty.
Craigmillar Now – is an arts and heritage organisation. The charity is home to the Craigmillar archives and hosts a year-round programme of creative activities, including artist residencies, workshops, exhibitions and events. Craigmillar Now is a welcoming and friendly space with a commitment to breaking down barriers in accessing arts and heritage. The charity is looking for new Trustees to join the Craigmillar Now Board. They are particularly interested in hearing from people living in the Greater Craigmillar area, people with HR experience and people with financial and accounting skills. Full training will be provided to all new trustees – so if you haven’t served on a Board before please don’t let that put you off applying!
Independent Arts Projects (IAP) – are now looking for new people to join their Board of Trustees. Based in Leith, IAP creates performance projects (artworks and experiences) that connect artists and communities. Projects often explore themes of identity and aim to make space for people to be themselves and see themselves. IAP believe everyone has a right to creativity and all of its positive personal, social and wellbeing related benefits. IAP is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a Registered Charity. The charity are seeking up to 3 new trustees to join our board this year.
Glasgow
Scottish Ensemble – is a pioneering group of outstanding musicians. The charity explores how music can be performed, shared and enjoyed by performers and audiences alike – with thought-provoking collaborations and exceptional performances. Scottish Ensemble is seeking two new Trustees to help it develop and realise a resilient and bold future plan. Skills in strategic financial management and/or accountancy as well as legal expertise, particularly charity and/or employment law, are desirable. The Board is also seeking to ensure it reflects the diversity of contemporary Scotland, and of their audiences; board experience is not required and a full induction and training plan will be offered to all incoming Trustees.
Neigbourhood Networks – based in Glasgow supporting vulnerable adults mainly with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues to live an independent life, safely, within their own homes and be fully involved within their local communities. Their employed Community Living Workers, who reside in the same areas as their members, provide personalised support plans tailored to individual needs. The goal is to improve the quality of life for their members by promoting independence, enhancing essential life skills, creating friendships, and helping members become less reliant on paid support. Neighbourhood Networks have 30 networks across 9 local authorities, they also work in partnership with people, agencies, and local authorities from other areas in Scotland to develop and create new networks which respond to local community needs.
Break the Silence – based in Kilmarnock and operating since 2004, BtS is a registered charity in Scotland and a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Charity provides a range of tailored, holistic support options for survivors of rape and childhood sexual abuse, aged 13 years and above. Their vision is to make a profound and positive difference in the lives of those affected by sexual trauma. An interim Chair was co-opted in November ’21 to oversee a refresh of the strategic direction and vision of the charity and conduct a thorough governance review. This process has now been completed with the amazing support and enthusiasm of the entire staff team. It is now appropriate for the Interim Chair to step down and hand over the reins to a new Chair to build on the very solid foundations put in place over the last nine months. The charity welcomes applicants that reflect the diversity of the community they serve. BtS value the diversity of opinion, thought and experience that a new board member can bring. The appointment may appeal to an experienced person wishing to volunteer as a Chair for the first time or from those more experienced in this key role. It is important to Break the Silence that potential candidate share their values of being compassionate and collaborative, effective and knowledgeable in supporting those affected by sexual trauma and supports the Charity’s vision to influence and inform within the sector. BtS strive to be a Centre of Excellence for their service users and stakeholders.
Other locations
AILN (Ayrshire Independent Living Network) – AILN initially grew from a group of disabled people who wanted to see a change in the way that community care services were offered to people and have been providing high quality Self-Directed Support (SDS) advice and information to the people of Ayrshire for over a decade. The organisation would like to hear from anyone who has a passion for promoting independent living for everyone and has a keen willingness to support the vision, mission and values of AILN. They are looking for Directors who are enthusiastic, have good communication skills and expertise in one or more of the following: Lived experience, either yourself or family member using a Self-Directed support budget; HR; An understanding of the UK charity sector; Business development; and IT/Social Media. AILN are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of the community.
If you interested in receiving FREE trustee training please contact elaine@inspiringscotland.org.uk for more information.
Need help or support in your role as a trustee? SCVO has created a Trustee Network in partnership with Aberdeen Standard Capital to provide support and guidance for members of boards and committees. They provide news on relevant topics, webinars where you can hear from experts and share your own learning and experience, E-learning modules and SCVO’s Good Governance Checkup.
How to become a charity Trustee is a practical toolkit for charity trustee volunteering that gives clear guidance on how to get started. It covers what a trustee is, responsibilities, how to find the right role and tips for crafting your application.
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