Board Opportunities

The Highland Weigh

The Highland Weigh, established in January 2022, is a zero-waste store and vegetarian café located on Nairn High Street. The purpose of this eco-friendly, social enterprise is to offer Highlanders the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing plastic usage and food waste, as well as supporting local businesses. With its mission to promote sustainability, The Highland Weigh not only provides a wide range of zero-waste products, but also serves as a community hub for like-minded individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation. The addition of a vegetarian café further enhances the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious plant-based meals while contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Opportunity – Volunteer Board Member & Company Secretary

Responsibilities:

· Provide legal guidance and expertise on governance matters to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.

· Assist in setting and maintaining policies to support the mission of the social enterprise.

· Attend and actively participate in board meetings held four times per year.

· Support the organization in expanding services to address social isolation and environmental challenges.

· Collaborate with the board to develop strategies for community support and education on sustainability.

· Act as a mentor for a young person interested in learning about social enterprise and community initiatives.

Qualifications:

· Legal background or experience in governance is preferred.

· Passion for social and environmental causes.

· Strong communication and decision-making skills.

· Ability to work well in a team and contribute effectively to discussions.

· Willingness to commit to the responsibilities and values of the organization.

Benefits:

· Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

· Gain valuable experience in social enterprise and governance.

· Enjoy outstanding coffee and cake at board meetings!

The Highland Weigh

The Highland Weigh, established in January 2022, is a zero-waste store and vegetarian café located on Nairn High Street. The purpose of this eco-friendly, social enterprise is to offer Highlanders the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing plastic usage and food waste, as well as supporting local businesses. With its mission to promote sustainability, The Highland Weigh not only provides a wide range of zero-waste products, but also serves as a community hub for like-minded individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation. The addition of a vegetarian café further enhances the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious plant-based meals while contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Opportunity – Volunteer Board Member

Responsibilities:

· Provide strategic guidance and direction to support the social enterprise's mission and goals.

· Attend quarterly board meetings and actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes.

· Support the organization in expanding services to address social isolation and environmental challenges.

· Collaborate with other board members to develop and implement strategies for community support and sustainability education.

· Contribute expertise, networks, and resources to advance the organization's impact in the local community.

· Help in fundraising and promoting the organization to increase awareness and engagement.

Qualifications:

· Passion for social and environmental causes.

· Strong communication and teamwork skills.

· Willingness to commit time and effort to board responsibilities.

· Ability to think strategically and contribute creatively to discussions.

· Interest in learning about social enterprise and community action.

Benefits:

· Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community.

· Gain valuable experience in governance and community development.

· Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.

· Enjoy outstanding coffee and cake at board meetings!

Please let us know.

If you are interested in this position, please request an application form by sending an email to Contactus@highlandweigh.co.uk

Do you have a strength in enterprise, or a passion for sustainability?

Socially Growing is looking to appoint new members to its voluntary Board of Directors.

Socially Growing is a social enterprise, based in Thurso, consisting of a plastic free re-fill shop and community owned greenhouses.

We have remote or hybrid opportunities for ambitious and driven people who can spare 8-10 hours per month to help shape and develop our strategy.

We are particularly looking to strengthen the board‘s expertise in business development, marketing, retail, and commercial growing. We welcome applications from people in Caithness or further afield.

For more information, contact manager@thursocdt.co.uk

We are looking for two new members to join our Board of Directors. We are looking for women with commitment, skills and passion to help IWA achieve its objectives and be part of vital work challenging and addressing domestic abuse.
We are specifically looking for individuals with skills & experience in finance management, accountancy or working with Third Sector organisations. Please email info@invernesswa.org for further information. 
Please note that due to the nature of IWA’s work, these opportunities are open to women only. These are unpaid, voluntary roles but appropriate expenses can be covered.

RASASH is a vibrant and growing charity committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence across Highland.

You can make a difference and contribute to this work to prevent sexual violence.

RASASH are seeking new board members.  Board members will play a critical role in the future development and governance of the service. We would also welcome candidates with a future interest in taking on the role of the chair.

Working to feminist values, we are seeking a diverse range of women with a commitment to the work we do across Highland.

Values, ethos, passion, and commitment are essential qualities for our board members. We are particularly interested in applicants from less represented groups and those with knowledge and experience of finance, funding, governance and strategy.

Contact gwen@rasash.org.uk for more information and a trustee pack.

As a Board Member you are responsible for the strategic management of the Bureau.  Each CAB is a separate registered Charity and for your local bureau to be effective a wide range of experience is required.  We welcome Board Members who are enthusiastic about helping their community, even if they don’t feel they have specific professional skills.

As a Board Member you are responsible for the strategic management of the running of the Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool and the supporting Charity Shop, working collaboratively with existing Board Members and the staff.

We are looking for Board members who feel passionate about maintaining and growing the hydrotherapy service for our communities and in particular,  we seek skills and experience in finance and retail. If you have been or are a current user of the pool and would like to be more involved, then now is the time to come forward. Board Members serve in a voluntary capacity.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a Board Member / Trustee to join our Board as we are a friendly organisation who offer training and support as required and on an ongoing basis.

The Highland Senior Citizens Network was formed in 1995 and provides a Collective Advocacy role on behalf of older people across the Highlands. Our motto is 'Nothing about us without us'. We have representation on NHS Highland and Highland Council committees and working  parties relevant to the services provided for older people. We employ two part-time Coordinators. 

 We produce well received bi-monthly News-sheets which have a wide distribution. We have a growing membership of over 350 individual members and 99 local groups members.  

We are always looking for potential trustees, from any background, who are motivated to improve and maintain the well being of older people in the Highlands.  

We run an annual conference each September at which our members from across the region have an opportunity to meet and engage with speakers on a wide variety of issues.

How to apply:

email hscn@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07716884989 or write to HSCN 8 Church Street Inverness IV1 1EA

General responsibilities

• To ensure that the scheme complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• To ensure that the scheme pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• To ensure the scheme applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).

• To contribute actively to the board of trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the scheme, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• To safeguard the good name and values of Home-Start and the scheme.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the scheme.

• To ensure the financial stability of the scheme.

• To protect and manage the assets of the scheme and to ensure the proper investment of scheme funds.

• To ensure the scheme complies with the Quality Assurance standards and criteria relating to financial management.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have, to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.  This may involve:

• scrutinising board papers

• leading discussions

• focusing on key issues

• providing guidance on new initiatives

• other issues in which the trustee has specific expertise

• sitting on recruitment, discrimination and grievance panels as required

• contributing to sub committees and working groups.

We are looking for people to join our Board from November 2021 to work collaboratively with existing CALA Board Members and the staff team. Over the coming years, CALA will be building on our proud work to date and together we will work to ensure our values inform our Strategic Plan of working to ensure children and families are supported to meet their potential.

There are specific areas of knowledge and experience we are particularly interested in inviting onto our Board, spanning finance, legal, governance and social justice. Board Members serve in a voluntary capacity.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a Board Member / Trustee to join our Board as training and support will be given through the induction process and beyond.We are looking for people to join our Board from November 2021 to work collaboratively with existing CALA Board Members and the staff team. Over the coming years, CALA will be building on our proud work to date and together we will work to ensure our values inform our Strategic Plan of working to ensure children and families are supported to meet their potential.

There are specific areas of knowledge and experience we are particularly interested in inviting onto our Board, spanning finance, legal, governance and social justice. Board Members serve in a voluntary capacity.

You don’t need to have previous experience as a Board Member / Trustee to join our Board as training and support will be given through the induction process and beyond.

Velocity are looking for Volunteers to join their Board!

Would you like to assist a great membership of Board members with your skills to take the organisation to the next level?

We are looking specifically for someone with skills in either running small businesses or charities, or has an excellent understanding of Human Resources and/ or Governance to help a growing team.

If you are interested please get in touch with hello@velocitylove.co.uk

Who are we:

A social enterprise based in Inverness since 2012. We combine three worlds; a vegetarian café, bicycle workshop and range of projects to promote health, wellbeing and sustainability. For more information please click HERE

Artsplay is currently at a crucial point in the organisation’s development. There are opportunities and scope to make the organisation more resilient by expanding into new activities, including revenue generating services, whilst continuing to expand the free services we currently provide.

We would like to recruit new members to the board to provide new insights, skills, experience, and connections to help us to move in exciting new directions.

We are a young, vibrant organisation committed to making sure young children have access to music and the arts.

About being a board member:  Board members will play a critical role in the future development and governance of Artsplay Highland.  As a Board Member you will be responsible for the strategic management of Artsplay Highland.  You can expect to attend around 6 board meetings per year, taking an active part in these meetings and providing direction and advice to staff.  Board meetings generally take place either online or face-to-face in the Inverness area.

Artsplay are seeking to appoint dynamic individuals from within the social enterprise, business, education, or creative sectors, with a passion for music and the arts and/or early learning.  We are looking for individuals who have experience in HR, project development and income generation. This position of board members is on a voluntary basis.

There has never been a more exciting time to join the board as we start to develop and grow.

Further information: If you feel you can contribute your skills, experience, and have some time, then we would like to hear from you.  Expressions of interest can be made by e-mailing: artsplayhighlandrecruitment@gmail.com

Befrienders Highland supports vulnerable people with mental illness, memory loss or caring roles, with one-to-one supported friendship, reducing social isolation and reconnecting people with their communities.

We’re looking to appoint a Vice-Convener to the Board of Befrienders Highland. Primary responsibilities are to support, and occasionally deputise for, the Convener. Experience of marketing or social care would be an advantage, but is not essential.

For a copy of the role description or an informal discussion contact the Convener, Keith Walker – keithwalker@befriendershighland.org.uk

Viewfield Garden Collective is seeking to recruit new trustees to join the board of the charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who would like to support the organisation’s strategic development as we work towards a sustainable vision for the future. This is a fulfilling role that will also provide potential for personal and professional development.

We are looking for skills, experience, or knowledge in any of the following areas:  

• Finance, accounting and governance

• Trustee, charity or committee roles

• Leadership

• Horticulture, the environment and outdoor education

• Social enterprise, Third Sector and business 

• Marketing and media/PR 

• IT 

• Fundraising, strategic planning and development 

• Mental health and social care 

• Problem-solving

• Human Resources

To become a trustee, you must be able to commit time and attention to organisational matters, and you will attend quarterly meetings and the AGM. Meetings normally take place locally in Portree but may be via videoconferencing (Zoom). 

There will be additional ad-hoc meetings and regular sub committee meetings throughout the year.

Application packs are available on our website.

Inverness Women’s Aid is looking to appoint experienced and enthusiastic individuals to be part of IWA’s Board of Directors. Directors’ roles are key to the fundamental progression of Inverness Women’s Aid and will help to manage and develop the organisation. The post is voluntary and unpaid, however legitimate expenses will be covered.

Are you interested in helping adults; children and young people, living in Skye and Lochalsh, to improve their mental health and wellbeing?  If so, please consider joining the Board of our charity which has provided counselling and psychotherapy, free of charge, to everyone who needs our help, for the last 20 years.

Over the last year CC:SL provided counselling to 120 adults and 85 children and young people. Helping those with mental health problems ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma, problems with drugs and alcohol, eating disorders and self-harm.  CC:SL is currently funded by contracts from the NHS and the Highland Council, by grants from the Big Lottery and Calmac and by local fundraising efforts.

Applications are invited from anyone with an interest in mental health and community health and well-being. We would welcome applications from anyone with skills and experience in any of the following fields:

·  Counselling and psychotherapy

·  Business planning and contract management

·  Finance and fundraising

·  Marketing and social media

We would particularly welcome applications from those with their own “lived experience” of mental health problems and from young people (aged over 18), as these groups are currently underrepresented on our Board.

Joining our Board will be a great opportunity to help CC:SL to continue to make a real difference to the lives of local adults; children and young people.  Board meetings are held monthly and are often held on zoom, making it easy for everyone to attend.

To find out more about how you can help to make a real difference to the lives of local people please email or call our Board Secretary Diane van Ruitenbeek. Her contact details are given below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Diane@vanruitenbeek.com

Mobile Tel: 079716 89734

Growing2gether is now an independent organisation and expanding the Trustee Board. If you see the amazing potential of young people, are touched by their vision, their wish to make a difference in the world, their longing to belong and, to feel that their life matters – this may be for you. If you are also touched by the inequity, the wide attainment gap and the mental health needs of many young people in Scotland today – then this may be for you.

We are looking to recruit more Board members to join the existing group of people that includes the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.

To ensure we have the skills we need, we would welcome people with skills in:

· Education and working with young people

· Safeguarding

· Charity governance

· Financial management

· Actively support Fundraising (e.g., opening doors to contacts)

· HR

· Public relations and communications

We would particularly welcome people with lived experience of our mission and people who live in the Highland Council region, where our services are based. In the first instance, trustees will be appointed for 2 years, renewable up to a maximum of 10 years. After 2 years, 2 trustees will step down each year by a rolling process to encourage a balance of renewal and retention of expertise. New trustees will be appointed by the board after a transparent recruitment process. Once established, the board may choose to expand its numbers.