| Job title | Board Member (volunteer role) |
| Closing date: | Sunday 4th September 23:59 p.m. |
| Location of post: | Scotland wide |
| Interviews: | Expected w/c 5th – 16th September |
Role outline
Scottish Refugee Council is a national charity providing help and advice to people from the refugee and asylum-seeking community in Scotland and advocating for their rights. In the last year we have expanded services to support the significant number people arriving from Afghanistan and the Ukraine, alongside others hoping to build a positive future in Scotland. We currently have 96 employees and a growing number of volunteers, which include our board members. Our turnover in 2021/22 exceeded £4M.
Our vision is for a Scotland in which all people seeking refugee protection are welcome. Our aim is to be a strong voice in support of people seeking refugee protection. We campaign for a fairer and more humane asylum system in the UK and for a better deal for people rebuilding their lives here. We coordinate the annual Refugee Festival, which takes place in June and work in close partnership with other organisations on campaigns and service delivery.
We are looking for someone with lived experience of being a refugee and/or seeking asylum to join our board of directors to support us in achieving our vision. It is vital to ensure a strong refugee voice in all areas of our work, and nowhere more so than at Board level, where high level strategy and priorities are set.
You may have prior experience of a governance or leadership role, or not. Skills and experience in areas such as management, finance, law, human resources, public affairs and communications, research and policy, fundraising, IT, are welcome but not essential. You could have gathered these skills in your home country, in the UK or somewhere else, through education, the workplace or voluntary work. However, a passion for the rights and wellbeing of refugees, and a willingness to bring your lived experience to the role are what matters most. All new Board Members will be offered induction and mentoring support.
The board meets 5 times a year, including a strategy day held annually. Our headquarters are in Glasgow but meetings can be joined virtually and suitable IT support provided if needed. Members are required where possible to take part in one of the three sub-committees (Finance and Audit, Staffing, Strategy and Development) that support the Board. This role is unpaid however, travel and other reasonable expenses will be fully reimbursed.
How to apply
- Download and complete our job application form
- Download and complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form
- Email both forms to recruitment@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Scottish Refugee Council is a Registered Charity. Charity Number: SC008639