Chair of the Board of Trustees

Are you ready to make a difference that lasts a lifetime?

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is looking for an inspiring and dynamic new Chair of the 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.

Why Children First?

 Far too many children in Scotland have to overcome challenges; 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.

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 we offer practical, emotional and financial help to uphold the rights of children to be raised in their own families.

We stand up for every child because all children should have a safe childhood. We protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse through our national and local services.  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 proud of the way we do things at Children First, we put relationships at the heart of everything we do and we believe that with the best people delivering the best quality support, amazing transformation can take place, giving children hope and a safer, brighter future.

But we can’t do it alone. That’s where you come in.

Your Role as Chair

As Chair, you’ll guide and inspire our strong and experienced board of trustees to steer Scotland’s leading children’s charity through an exciting new chapter of growth and impact. You’ll work in close partnership and collaboration with our Chief Executive and dedicated team to uphold our values and ensure sound governance as we continue to protect Scotland’s children.

This is a chance to:

• Bring your strategic leadership to guide our work.
• Use your voice and influence to drive change and improve outcomes for children.
• Help develop a bold and ambitious strategic plan for the future.
• Champion our values – with love, with purpose, with strength – in every decision.

What We’re Looking For

We need someone with passion, vision, and the ability to inspire others. You’ll have:

• Experience operating at a senior level in corporate, public, or third-sector environments.
• Proven leadership as a trustee, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair.
• A strong knowledge and understanding of the complexities of board-level governance.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills to build relationships with our trustees, colleagues, and stakeholders.

We are committed to ensuring that the board represents the families, stakeholders, and colleagues 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.

Join us in protecting Scotland’s children

This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in protecting Scotland’s children and shaping a better future. If you share our passion and values, we want to hear from you.

Together, we can ensure every child in Scotland has the safe and loving childhood they deserve.

For further information and to apply, please click here.

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

Closing date: midnight on Monday 24th February 2025

Interviews: week commencing 17th March 2025 (date tbc), Edinburgh

Children First has a long tradition of valuing and involving sessional and volunteer workers. To find out more about volunteering with us, please visit our website.

The selection process will include seeking PVG Scheme/Disclosure information.

Children First is the working name of the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Registered Charity No: SC 016092

Equal opportunities matter to Children First