Associate Director, Scotland
Ref: REF000006
Location: Home-based, Scotland (However, travel and overnight stays within the UK will be required as part of this role)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: Circa £66,000 per annum
Finding strength through support
The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading charity providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.
We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.
It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support.
Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.
We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association, and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.
We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups, and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.
About You and The Role
We’re looking for an exceptional systems leader to drive our work across Scotland and ensure people affected by stroke have the support they need to rebuild their lives. You’ll shape and deliver our vision for Scotland, focusing on what matters most to stroke survivors and ensuring our work has real, measurable impact.
In this influential role, you’ll build strong relationships across health and social care, Scottish Parliament and Government, and the wider stroke community. You'll bring deep understanding of the Scottish context and ensure our work is grounded in the lived experience of stroke survivors and their families.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Lead the Stroke Association’s strategic direction and impact in Scotland, ensuring people affected by stroke receive high quality support.
- Build and manage relationships with key health, social care and political stakeholders, acting as a credible and respected systems leader.
- Adapt organisational priorities for Scotland and ensure effective delivery through strong planning and performance oversight.
- Lead and develop the Scotland team, addressing capacity needs and building volunteer capability to meet local priorities.
- Strengthen partnerships across the stroke community to improve access to support and tackle health inequalities.
- Lead engagement in local policy and pathway development, influencing improvements at health board level.
You will have:
- Significant senior-level experience in advocacy and influencing, including shaping policy change in values-driven, social-impact contexts within Scotland’s health and social care sector.
- Substantial experience developing and managing senior-level relationships across partner organisations, using strong negotiation skills and sound political judgement.
- Experience leading complex organisational change and transformation, ensuring people-centred and sustainable outcomes.
- Strong understanding of the Scottish health and social care landscape, including Parliament, Government, influencing systems, and awareness of UK-wide legislative procedures.
- Ability to balance local, national and UK-wide organisational priorities.
To fulfil the role, you must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK. This role requires travel and overnight stays across the UK. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role.
Closing Date: 5 April
First Interview (online) Date: Monday 20 April or Tuesday 21 April
Second interview and Roundtable Discussion (face to face): week commencing 27 April
Please note all roles close at midnight
Please state any preferences for flexible options in your application. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
No agencies please.
Registered Charity 
501 - 1000
Thank you!
We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.
Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.
Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.
In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.
As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.
If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.
For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.
Thank you!
About the Project
PKD Scotland: Outreach and Community Connections Project.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people in Scotland could be living with Polycystic Kidney
Disease. It is however often poorly understood and historically underfunded, meaning people
can leave clinic after diagnosis with little support beyond medical appointments. Many tell us
they don't know where to turn for emotional support or to meet others living with the same
condition. We want to change that and with support from a National lottery Awards for All grant
that is exactly what we are going to do.
The eighteen-month project will see us reach into hospitals across Scotland to try and ensure
that no one with PKD in Scotland has to manage their journey on their own. From diagnosis
onwards we want all to be aware of the charity, the array of services that we offer and foster
engagement. Two new volunteer led support groups will be established and a group of
ambassadors recruited to support the ongoing connections we make to ensure that PKD
remains in the spotlight.
As our Scotland PKD Engagement Officer you will be central to the success of the project.
Many people only reach us years after diagnosis, often when symptoms worsen, but we know
that early connection can make a real difference. PKD is lifelong and people face new
challenges at every stage. Having support around them helps them stay confident, informed
and connected.
About The Role
As PKD’s Scotland Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in delivering this ambitious
outreach project.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will raise awareness of the PKD Charity and its services,
ensuring that people diagnosed with PKD are informed about available support from the earliest
possible stage.
You will build and nurture relationships with NHS professionals and services across Scotland,
helping embed PKD Charity information and resources into patient pathways. Alongside this, you
will work closely with volunteers to establish two new PKD support groups and develop an
ambassador programme to maintain long-term local engagement and visibility.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident relationship-builder who enjoys working
autonomously while contributing to a small and dedicated team. Your work will help ensure that
people living with PKD across Scotland feel informed, connected and supported throughout every
stage of their condition.
For more information and details on how to apply, please read the full Job Description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.