Board Member Recruitment

Board Members

The Board of Directors is ultimately accountable for the smooth running of the organisation, ensuring its long term financial security and delivery of its charitable objects.  The Board comprises individuals elected as Trustees by the Board, based on their experience and ability to make positive contributions to governance of the charity. New Trustees have references taken up, along with enhanced Disclosure Scotland checks. Induction packs and briefings on Aberlour’s policies and plans are provided and Trustees are encouraged to visit operational Services. It is Board practice to elect Trustees to serve an initial four-year term, which can be extended for a second four years with Board approval. Regular and ongoing training is provided to Trustees on governance and matters topical in the childcare sector.

The Board meets at least four times a year; it approves the strategic plan and budget for the forthcoming year in March and at each meeting monitors performance and outcomes. The Board operates five standing committees namely: Finance; Improvement, Audit & Risk; Nominations & Succession; Investment; and, Transforming Together Committees. Implementation of the strategy and financial plan is delegated to the Chief Executive

Due to Trustees coming to the end of their term, we are seeking up to five new Trustees with a range of skills to join the Board during 2025 to help us to deliver our ambitious strategic priorities and goals to transform the lives of disadvantaged children across Scotland. Applicants should have the values, experience and passion to lead one of Scotland’s leading charities at a time when our support is needed more than ever.

In particular, we are looking for the following skills:

• Chartered accountant with strong financial skills, in particular charity accounting, that would allow you to chair or join our Finance Committee.
• Understanding of  children’s services or social care. Also experience of scrutiny or quality improvement that would allow you to chair or join our Improvement, Audit & Risk Committee.
• Experience of social investment.
• Policy development, especially in relation to engaging with children and families who are overcoming trauma.
• Learning and development.
• Lived experiences that can bring empathy with children and young people.
• Understanding of the demands and complexities of board-level governance and experience of operating at a senior level in Corporate, Public or Third sector environments would be an advantage.

Candidates must understand and accept the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship and committee membership.

We welcome candidates with other board level experience and we do welcome candidates who have not, as yet, had boardroom experience. Full induction and support will be provided.

In welcoming applications from all parts of Scotland’s communities, we recognise that diversity in the voices around our table will better reflect the communities we serve. If you believe you could add real value to our board table but don’t meet some or all of the criteria we have laid out, we would still love to hear from you, but please highlight for us the value you would bring in your application.

Terms of Appointment and Commitment Required

A Trustee will be appointed for a term of 4 years, and is eligible to seek nomination to serve a further 4-year term.

You will be required to attend 4 Board meetings, relevant committee meetings and a Board Development Day. One board meeting a year is in person and the rest are virtual. Trustees are also welcome to attend events during the year.