Business Development Manager Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

Are you an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact? We are seeking a dedicated and efficient Human Resources Manager to support our charity in developing and managing our HR strategy, policies and processes.

About Us

Emerge Worldwide's work involves raising awareness surrounding some of the key issues that lead to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, and its destructive consequences. The work focuses on prevention of the issues, victim identification and support through advocacy, public support and empowerment of communities.

We make an impactful difference in the lives of children, young people, women and professionals as well as organisations and businesses through education and support. There has been a 10% increase in sexual exploitation and sex trafficking against children, and 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are female. 

How you can help

It is a great opening to gain valuable experience in the human trafficking sector through Emerge Worldwide. As HR Manager, you will crucially ensure ethical, professional and effective management of volunteers and staff is maintained.

The positive impact of the HR Manager role ensures that the organisation can better serve its mission to combat sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with the passion and drive for Human Resources, who will play a key role in shaping our HR policies, supporting our team, and ensuring a positive and effective work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and retention of volunteers and staff
• Develop HR policies and procedures aligned with best practices
• Manage performance management and Development
• Provide guidance on employment law and HR compliance
• Foster a positive and productive organisational culture
• Deliver on training and development initiatives

Who We’re Looking For

• Proven HR experience (manager level desirable)
• Knowledge of HR policies, employment law, and best practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for charitable work and making a difference in people’s lives for a great cause

Time Commitment

Up to 5 hours per week

What you will gain:

• Make a real difference in people’s lives and gain valuable experience in a charitable organisation
• Be part of bringing positive change to women & girls lives, and our communities
• Work with a passionate and supportive team
• Utilise your HR experience and skills in an organisation advocating for a great cause

We are a welcoming team, dedicated to creating a positive and engaging volunteer experience where you’ll feel valued, inspired, and empowered to bring your ideas to life.

If you're interested in using your HR skills for a great mission, we'd love to hear from you!

Before you apply

The recruitment process includes an interview, and we will request references and a DBS on successful appointment.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary:

• Define and execute the product vision and strategy for the digital products at Roots Academy.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritise features, and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Develop and maintain a product roadmap that reflects user needs and business objectives.

• Conduct market research to inform product decisions and identify opportunities for enhancement.

• Work closely with the development team to define user stories and acceptance criteria, ensuring the timely delivery of product features.

• Monitor product performance and user feedback, utilizing data to inform future development and improvements.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the development team.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience as a Product Manager or in a similar role, preferably within the education technology sector; prior involvement with Islamic Societies (ISOCs) is a plus.

• Strong understanding of web and mobile application development processes and methodologies.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

• Experience with Agile methodologies and product management tools (e.g., JIRA).

• A passion for education and a commitment to delivering high-quality digital experiences.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 80+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

We are looking for a highly motivated Partnerships Development Assistant in maintaining our relationships with charities and enterprises as well as expanding now-u’s base of partnerships. You will have a strong passion for forming partnerships and will bring your knowledge and interest to the team to deliver excellent growth for now-u.

You should be confident in pursuing new partnership opportunities, using the organisation's CRM system and reporting data to the Head of Partnerships on a recurring basis.

You will hold a hands-on role working in a small team and you will be comfortable working in a team on projects, identifying new opportunities, proposing how best to support and deliver them in collaboration with other departments.

If this job excites you, we look forward to hearing from you, with your CV and a cover letter as to why your previous experience (preferable but not necessary) would suit the role. If you feel like you may not have all the experience but feel, with the right development this is the right opportunity for you then still apply.

Your role

• Working with the Head Of Partnerships to identify potential charity and social enterprise partners.

• Contacting charities to form potential partnerships.

• Building relationships with existing partners.

• Working with the wider team to plan and execute campaigns and initiatives.

• Writing and designing proposals to potential partnerships.

• Support the Head of Partnerships in delivering the strategic initiatives to enable us to achieve our long-term growth and vision

• Manage and keep the organisation data and CRM system up to date.

Qualifications/Experience

It is essential you have partnerships experience and you enjoy working with people. You would also need digital skills and learn how to use tools such as Gmail and Slack. Experience maintaining a CRM would be desirable

Who we are

now-u is a new non-profit app, launched in July 2020, with a mission to inform, involve and inspire people to help tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental and social problems. In these unprecedented times, we cannot ‘go back to normal’.  The now-u app facilitates ways for people to do good that are easy, enjoyable, and make a real difference to people, communities and the planet. This July, our four campaigns are: i) domestic abuse in the UK, ii) refugee welfare & resettlement in Europe, iii) water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) around the world and iv) a green recovery.

This is an opportunity to provide really important support to a new project that we hope could really make a positive difference in the world. You would also become part of a small friendly volunteer team who would love to work collaboratively on any other ideas you may have regarding the app.

We look forward to hearing from you!

EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda. Our mission is to tackle inequalities in access to WASH by providing safe and sustainable WASH facilities and services to those that need it most.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are recruiting a new Fundraising Manager in order to grow the charity's income and impact, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives. Specifically, we are looking for a person with good experience in fundraising or income generation - ideally in the WASH and international development sectors - to develop and deliver a fundraising strategy to grow EAU into a NGO with a seven-figure annual income. We are seeking someone that is able to give a substantial time commitment and ability to manage an international fundraising team.

ROLE: Fundraising Manager (volunteer; part-time: 8 hours a week)

The role of the Fundraising Manager:

• Oversee development and implementation of Equal Aqua's fundraising strategy in line with business objectives, and the vision and values of EAU;
• Lead an international team of volunteers to execute the fundraising strategy, delegating and managing responsibilities as appropriate;
• Improve supporter retention and maximise donors’ lifetime value to EAU;
• Report to the Equal Aqua Executive Committee and Board of Trustees.

ABOUT: ‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both).

Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability

Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required skills, knowledge and practical interventions 

Objectives:

• To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
• To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
• To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 32,866 people with improved access to safe water
• 11,044 people with improved sanitation
• 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
• 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
• British High Commission award winner

VALUES: At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

About the Role

The ePDP Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) and managing the ePDP Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the ePDP, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the ePDP Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Oversight of the ePDP

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

• Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & ePDP to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.

• Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.

2. Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and mentor the ePDP Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.

• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.

4. Programme Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and delivery of ePDP content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.

• Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.

• Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.

• Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

6. Communication & Advocacy

• Promote the ePDP across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.

• Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the ePDP with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.

• Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

• Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

• 5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.

• Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.

EQUAL AQUA is an award-winning NGO providing equal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Uganda. Equal Aqua is managed by an international team of volunteers, based mainly in the UK and Uganda. Our mission is to tackle inequalities in access to WASH by providing safe and sustainable WASH facilities and services to those that need it most.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are recruiting a new People Manager in order to grow and empower our team of international volunteers, enabling us to reach more communities and transform more lives.

ROLE: People Manager (volunteer; part-time)

• Lead on the design, development and delivery of an effective and inclusive People/HR strategy, based around our international, hybrid working model, aligned with the vision and values of EAU;
• Lead recruitment and on-boarding of new team members;
• Guide the organisation on both day-to-day and longer-term strategic decision making with regards to its people and processes;
• Lead and manage organisational structure and restructure where necessary;
• Lead and manage the creation of a positive culture that supports international working;
• Drive key areas of the organisation’s retention and talent acquisition strategy forward;

ABOUT: ‘Equal Aqua’ is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in the UK; it operates equally and in unison with ‘Equal Aqua Uganda’, a registered Community Based Organisation (CBO) in Uganda (‘EAU’ refers to both).

Our Vision: To become a leading organisation in Uganda in addressing inequalities in WASH, and interrelated issues of gender and sustainability

Our Mission: We will achieve this by working with partners and local communities to develop the required skills, knowledge and practical interventions 

Objectives:

• To improve access to safe and sustainable WASH for those facing the greatest inequalities in Uganda
• To strengthen the participation of local communities in WASH, in particular women and girls, and displaced peoples
• To take action to protect the natural environment, reduce pollution and tackle climate change

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:

• 32,866 people with improved access to safe water
• 11,044 people with improved sanitation
• 11,755 people with improved WASH knowledge and skills
• 3,877 people with improved menstrual hygiene knowledge
• British High Commission award winner

VALUES: At Equal Aqua we champion bottom-up grassroots development. To make this possible, we have created a proactive and friendly environment, which strives to create practical and lasting solutions to WASH-related issues. Each member of Equal Aqua is passionate about WASH inequalities, and our values are a central basis for inspiration and the culture of the organisation.

Youth Action Alliance (YAA) is seeking a dynamic and well-connected individual to take on the role of a Philanthropic Development Lead from March 2025. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and influential leader to drive our fundraising efforts and expand our network of high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, trusts, and foundations.

We are expanding our donation efforts and are seeking a dedicated volunteer to help us achieve our vision of becoming a trusted charitable organisation for philanthropists and corporate partners. This is the ideal fit for someone with deep connections in the local area wanting to help their less fortunate neighbours.

About the Role

As a Lead, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening YAA’s donor network, leveraging your expertise, connections, and influence to help us grow our income and increase our impact. Unlike Trustees, the Philanthropic Development Lead will not hold governance responsibilities; instead, they focus solely on supporting fundraising efforts.

Your skills and expertise are what we need to continue to grow. Our volunteers are essential in supporting the growth of our charity and bringing our mission to life.

Key Responsibilities:

● Lead and energise our ‘Friends of YAA’ initiative, engaging donors and stakeholders.

● Cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors, philanthropic foundations, and high-net-worth individuals to secure funding.

● Advocate for YAA’s mission, articulating our strong return on investment and impact to potential supporters.

● Attend networking events and donor engagement opportunities.

● Provide strategic guidance on fundraising approaches, identifying opportunities for sustainable financial growth.

Who We’re Looking For:

● A well-connected individual with deep knowledge of RBKC and its philanthropic landscape.

● A charismatic and strategic leader with experience in fundraising, corporate engagement, or development.

● Someone with a strong interest in youth and community development and a passion for social impact.

● A professional with a background in business, finance, philanthropy, or non-profit leadership.

Why Join Us?

This role offers an incredible opportunity to drive meaningful change, working alongside a dedicated team committed to empowering young people. YAA provides exceptional value for money and measurable impact, making this a unique chance to champion a cause that positively impacts young people's lives and truly delivers results.

To express your interest, Please click on the 'How to the Apply' Button

While gaining invaluable experience in recruitment, human resources and NFP Social enterprise,                           practice your passion within real-life scenarios.

We are looking for Recruitment Managers to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in sourcing, engaging and will help us build a diverse and dedicated team to support our brand messages and visions.

If you are enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated about building a dynamic volunteer team and are excited to contribute your recruitment skills to a meaningful cause, join us as a Recruitment Manager Volunteer. Together, we can create a positive and lasting impact in our community.

Please note the role is a voluntary position and could be entirely remote. Any incurred reasonable expenses will be paid.

Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with HR and leadership team to understand volunteer needs, roles and requirements.
- Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies and campaigns.
- Utilise online platforms, social media, and community networks to advertise opportunities.
- Assist with review volunteer applications and inquiries, and assess candidate suitability.
- Conduct interviews with potential candidates to determine their skills, motivations, and alignment with our values and visions.
- Coordinate volunteer orientation, ensuring all are well-informed and equipped for their roles.
- Maintain a database of potential and current candidates and keeping track of their skills, interests, and availability.
- Work closely with leadership team and other team members to ensure a seamless transition from recruitment to engagement.
- Regularly report on recruitment metrics and effectiveness to the leadership team.
- Continuously seek opportunities to improve recruitment process.

Requirements:
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively market and promote volunteer opportunities.
- Experience in recruitment, human resources, or volunteer management is a plus.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively.
- Proficiency in using online platforms, social media, and communication tools.
- Dedicated and willing to learn.
- Committed to our values and mission 

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can become a vital part of our team.​

ABOUT TESYouth 

TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a NFP social enterprise which focuses on improving the rate of youth employment, through volunteering, interactive and skill-based workshops, work-experience and training programmes. Together with our strategic partners, we collaborate with organisations to provide youth to develop their skills, and to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

If you want to make a difference to people living with a mental health condition then we’d love to hear from you!

About us

At The Mental Health Community we use our lived experience to build understanding and support for what it’s like to live and work alongside managing a mental health condition. 

We know that it can be difficult to get, or keep a job if your energy levels, how you’re feeling and your ability to go to a place of work every day are affected by a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. But we also know that having a sense of purpose and belonging can really help with the symptoms and impact that mental health conditions can have on you.

Our work is focused on helping people with a mental health condition who are in work or looking for work. We do this by supporting businesses to improve how they look after people, because we know that by creating inclusive and safe spaces at work we make it possible for people with mental ill health to stay in the workplace which helps keep them well and benefits the businesses too.

By joining our board you will be: 

• Making a lasting impact by helping us make more workplaces safe and inclusive for people with a mental health condition
• Shaping the future of our charity as we expand our services and reach more people who need our support
• Using your skills and experience for good by helping guide the strategic direction of our charity.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for at least 4 new trustees to join our team. Whatever your skillset, we’d love to hear from you and there are some areas where we need particular help:

· Treasurer: oversee our financial health, provide guidance on building long term financial plans to help us grow and ensure appropriate financial management.

· Marketing and Communications: strategic oversight of our marketing and communications, raising awareness of our work and reaching new audiences through digital strategies and media engagement.

· Fundraising: develop our fundraising strategy and income streams, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship and campaigns.

· Governance: guide us in operating transparently and effectively whilst maintaining high standards of governance in compliance with our governing document and charity law.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental ill health, young people aged 18-30, people of all socio-economic backgrounds, genders and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

About the role

As a board of trustees we meet remotely every 6 weeks, there may be some activity in between meetings so the estimated total time commitment is 4 hours every 6 weeks.

In addition to using your specific skills to develop how we work, all trustees share responsibility for:

· Developing our activities to help us achieve our purpose and positive impact,

· Making sure we are compliant with our governing document and the requirements of the Charity Commission, and

· Being an active member of the board to help us make good decisions

What you can expect from us

We are committed to supporting our Trustees: you can expect an induction to the organisation and trustee role plus any additional conversations and support you need to help you feel confident in your role.

Our meetings are relaxed and informal; there are no expectations of ‘business clothes’, technical jargon or having all the answers.

We welcome and support your preferences for the way we work together, how you like to receive information and how we can make it easier for you to participate actively in our discussions.

One more thing

We know that great trustees come from many backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and that’s great - we really value people who bring different perspectives and add new voices to our team.

But you might not feel you ‘check all the boxes’ as you read this advert or the role description, especially if you’ve been marginalised or excluded. We get it, and we’ve felt like that too. But we hope you’ll apply anyway because we’d love to hear from you and will take care to help you feel welcome and included.

For more information on the role please see the role description.

The Community Liaison Officer plays a crucial role in responding to enquiries from our key stakeholders, such as individual and corporate donors, community fundraisers, volunteers and guests. By providing compassionate customer service, they help to raise awareness of the mission of the food bank, drive donations and support those in need. 

Hours: ~3 hours a week: to be done around your own schedule and chosen hours. Includes a fortnightly 1-hour team Zoom meeting.

Location: Remote

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

Job description:

• Answering all social media messages and emails from the community, guests, donors, businesses and volunteers with enthusiasm and compassion.

• Providing a positive experience for our potential guests by helping them to understand the processes at the food bank or how they can access other support if they live outside our remit.

• Responding to messages and emails in a timely, efficient and professional manner.

• Problem-solving – taking ownership of each query, liaising with coordinators from other teams when suitable to ensure these are resolved.

• Supporting fellow members of the Communications Team.

Person specification:

• Experience in a customer service role.

• Excellent written communication skills.

• An understanding of the challenges that food bank users face, from food and fuel poverty to feelings of shame and embarrassment.

• An understanding of GDPR, customer confidentiality and handling sensitive information.

• A passion for supporting the community and social equality.

Benefits:

• Flexible hours - fit around your own schedule!

• Work from the comfort of your own home

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

East London Waterworks Park is looking for comms strategists and PR managers to help grow East London Waterworks Park's audiences.

East London Waterworks Park is a charity that has raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for communications strategists and PR to participate in our community-led working group who are promoting public awareness and support of the project. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects across communications, content creation, social media, PR, newsletters, film, podcasts or any other channels of interest, and facilitate the direction of the working group.

The Comms Circle currently meets fortnightly on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

You should be experienced in implementing effective strategic communications, managing media relations and social media platforms by creating engaging content, and building online communities. Strong writing and editing skills for various materials including press releases and social media posts. Comfortable with community-led processes. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your strategic communication will be instrumental in fostering a strong connection between our community, the park, and its biodiversity. Your input will help us craft compelling narratives that inspire, educate, and engage our service users, stakeholders, funders, and the general public, ultimately driving support for the park's mission and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

The Organisation
Changeworks is an organisation with a long track record of achieving significant impact.
Through its work with individuals, households, businesses, and other organisations, it prevents hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon from harming the planet each year.
In 2020-21, Changeworks’ efforts led to a reduction of £2.2 million in heating and electricity bills for people, along with the installation of over 3,000 energy efficiency measures in homes.
Changeworks’ fuel poverty advice service also makes a tangible difference. 
Each year, Changeworks removes over 200,000 tonnes of lifetime carbon, making a lasting impact on both people’s lives and the environment.

To find out more about the work Changeworks do, visit the website.

The Role:
The purpose of these roles is to serve as statutory trustees and to provide strategic leadership, guidance, and governance oversight of Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations. Board members act individually and collectively to support the organisation's strategic direction, to deliver its mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes, and to uphold its environmental and social values.

Person Specification:
Specialist Knowledge Areas:

We particularly welcome expertise in:
• Corporate governance and organisational structures – especially within a group structure
• Financial oversight and corporate governance
• Environmental and social impact measurement and monitoring
• Digital transformation and technology
• Strategic corporate partnerships and stakeholder/supply chain engagement
• Social enterprise and charitable sector insight
• Legal expertise
• Public sector and government relations

Senior Leadership Experience:
We seek individuals with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset and an understanding of the complexities of governance in the charitable sector. This could include:
•  Senior management, executive or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations
•  Experience serving on boards or committees in any sector
•  Track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth
•  Experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, social housing, local government, or minority groups.

Strategic Growth and Risk Management:
Candidates should demonstrate capability in at least one of:
•  Driving or enabling organisational growth and development
•  Understanding risk management in complex organisations
•  Good governance in regulated organisations
•  Track record of success in purpose-driven organisations

We particularly welcome applications from candidates across the UK.

Further Information
For comprehensive information about Changeworks, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Information Document.

How to Apply
If you are passionate about joining Changeworks and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be emailed to Trustees Unlimited.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner - Charities.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11th April 2025  
Interviews with Changeworks: w/c 28th April 2025

Join Them at a Defining Moment for Be United

This is an exciting time for Be United, having recently secured £559,829 in Multi-Year Funding from Creative Scotland. They are entering a new phase of growth—and they’re looking for a bold, strategic leader to help shape their next chapter. As Chair of Trustees, you will play a key role in driving their mission forward—championing and empowering Scotland’s Black creative community while ensuring Be United continues to grow as a leading force for equity in the Scottish Cultural Sector.

Who They Are Looking For

They are seeking an experienced and dynamic leader who shares Be United’s passion for shaping an equitable cultural sector in Scotland.

Candidates should have:

• Proven leadership experience at a senior level (governance or operational).
• Strong knowledge of the arts, charity sector, or relevant fields such as creative industries and business.
• High financial acumen, with the ability to understand and navigate budgets.
• Experience in recruitment and board or organisational development is particularly welcomed as they continue to strengthen their governance structure.

What You Will Receive

• Opportunity to lead a dynamic team.
• Be part of leading strategic change within the Scottish creative sector.
• Access to and the opportunity to enjoy a range of music and live events.
• Visibility as a leader working within a growing charity in Scotland.
• Ability to contribute to the mission and ambitions of Be United.
• In-person team training in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

As Chair, You Will:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring they offer strong strategic direction and fulfil their governance responsibilities effectively.
• Hold the Board and Senior Leadership Team accountable for delivering Be United’s mission, ensuring that trustees are engaged and leading with excellence.
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure the organisation is thriving and growing.
• Support with recruitment and development to maintain a diverse, skilled, and engaged team that reflects the needs of the organisation.
• Act as a key ambassador for Be United, representing the charity at events, networking opportunities, and meetings with funders and stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships with the arts, education, and community sectors, working alongside the CEO to build strategic relationships that advance Be United’s mission.
• Leverage networks to support fundraising efforts, whether through connecting with funders, corporate partners, or high-value individual donors.
• Maintain oversight of the development of the trading arm, supporting the CEO and team to establish and develop Be United’s trading ability.

About Be United

"Championing creativity. No limits, no barriers." Be United is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation founded in 2014. They believe that ensuring diversity in the creative industries is not just a matter of fairness or representation—it is crucial for the vibrancy of the arts, the health of the economy, and the progression of an equitable Scottish society.

They are committed to advocating, nurturing, and championing Black people working in the performing arts, screen, and event sectors in Scotland. They create platforms and opportunities that empower people to define their own success.

Their values are:

• Equity: Creating a more equitable world, society, and sector.
• Empowerment: Enabling themselves and others to reach their fullest potential.
• Excellence: Striving to go beyond expectations and make an impact.

For the last decade, Be United has actively provided opportunities for Black artists working in the Scottish creative sector. Their impact includes:

• 27,000+ audience members engaged through their performance development programmes.
• £180,000+ in earned income generated for Scotland’s Black community through film and television work, having cast 500 people in Amazon Prime’s Anansi Boys.
• 400+ creatives employed through Be United initiatives.
• A growing portfolio of high-profile events, including Edinburgh Festival Carnival, Edinburgh Fringe events, Key Creatives, and Producing the Future.

With the backing of Multi-Year Funding, their key objective for 2025-28 is to support 500 Black people in Scotland to enter or progress in the creative industries. The next three years will mark a major step-change for Be United, delivering an ambitious plan that expands their reach and deepens their impact.

In a recent survey by Creative Scotland, Arts & Diversity Survey, half of respondents in the minority ethnic or mixed groups stated their ethnicity was a barrier, with a quarter stating it is a significant or very significant barrier. This compares with 5% of white respondents.

The need for change is clear. As Chair, you’ll play a vital role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive creative sector in Scotland.

About:

Changeworks is seeking Trustees with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of the complexities of governance within the charitable sector.

The Organisation:
Changeworks has a long history of delivering significant impact. By working with individuals, households, businesses, and other organisations, it prevents hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions from damaging the planet each year.
In 2020-21, Changeworks’ efforts resulted in a reduction of £2.2 million in heating and electricity bills for people, alongside the installation of over 3,000 energy efficiency measures in homes.
Changeworks’ fuel poverty advice service also makes a tangible difference. Each year, it removes over 200,000 tonnes of lifetime carbon, creating a lasting impact on both people’s lives and the environment.

To learn more about Changeworks’ work, visit the website: Changeworks

The Role:
The purpose of these roles is to serve as statutory Trustees, providing strategic leadership, guidance, and governance oversight of Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations. Board members act individually and collectively to support the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring it delivers on its mission to decarbonise Scotland’s homes and uphold its environmental and social values.

Person Specification
Senior Leadership Experience:
We are looking for individuals with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset, and an understanding of the complexities of governance in the charitable sector. This could include:

- Senior management, executive, or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations
- Experience serving on boards or committees in any sector
- A track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth
- Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, including but not limited to social housing, local government, or minority groups
- Strategic Growth and Risk Management:

Candidates should demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following areas:

- Driving or enabling organisational growth and development
- Understanding risk management in complex organisations
- Good governance in regulated organisations
- A proven record of success in purpose-driven organisations