Children First - Chair Voluntary

Location: Hybrid/Edinburgh

Our vision is that all children in Scotland grow up safe and well in strong, resilient families and communities, and we work tirelessly to make sure that happens. By getting alongside children and their families to offer practical, emotional and financial help we uphold the rights of children to be raised in their own families.

Far too many children in Scotland have to overcome challenges like poverty, fear and isolation, anxiety and trauma caused by violence, abuse and online harm. But we know that with the right support they can recover and live safe and happy lives. We are proud of the way we do things at Children First. We put relationships at the heart of everything we do and believe that with the best people delivering the best quality support amazing transformation can take place.

Our campaigning work is led by the voices of the children and families we support and we are determined to build on our track record of success in improving legislation, policy and practice to transform the lives of all children in Scotland. We are seeking an experienced new chair for our board of trustees to help govern and guide us as we continue to fulfil our mission to protect Scotland’s children and develop a new and ambitious strategic plan. Applicants should have the values, experience and passion to lead Scotland’s national children’s charity at a time when our support is needed more than ever.

The successful candidate will be inspiring and inclusive, and will provide strategic leadership and direction to a strong and experienced board of trustees to ensure sound governance and management for Children First.

They will be expected to work in close partnership and collaboration with the chief executive as well as develop and maintain a relationship of mutual trust and respect with our colleagues, trustees and stakeholders.

Experience of operating at a senior level in corporate, public or third sector environments would be an advantage. Significant experience as a trustee, particularly as chair or vice chair, would also be beneficial, as would strong knowledge of the demands and complexities of board-level governance. The position requires excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills.

Children First is committed to ensuring that the board represents the families, stakeholders and colleagues whom we represent and welcomes expressions of interest from all individuals who have the experience and expertise needed to help direct and shape the organisation for the future. In particular, the board seeks to further enhance its diversity from the perspective of ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender and disability.

This is an unremunerated position, however reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed.

Applications in the form of a tailored CV and a covering letter (no longer than two pages), highlighting your skills and experience pertinent to the role, should arrive no later than midnight on Sunday 30 March. For a confidential, informal discussion about the role, please contact LHH, Glasgow office.