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JOIN OUR TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In the UK we are living in desperate and difficult days with recession, rising unemployment, benefit changes, major increases in food prices, and rising utility bills. The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020/2021 further exacerbated the situation and has catapulted us into a possible recession that the UK (and indeed the world) has not experienced or seen the depth of in modern times.

 
Whilst organisations like Somebody Cares are already contributing on a daily basis an enormous amount of charitable support to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and positively impacting the lives of those who would otherwise be living on the streets, desperately seeking their next hot meal, or scrambling for clothes and a warm bed for their families, this need is only going to increase exponentially over the next few years.

 
Quite simply, Somebody Cares needs to continue to grow in the support it provides, with even more help from the local communities, supporters, corporate sponsors, charitable foundations, Scottish and Westminster government and both of our hard-working local councils.
We now have a very dynamic management team in place, from the Board of Trustees to the Operation Leads and Management Support Team, who strive to ensure the organisation is run effectively and efficiently in order to support all our employees, volunteers, vulnerable clients and customers.


We also have an excellent team of drivers, sales assistants, foodbank assistants and donations assistants (both employees and volunteers) who continually work together to ensure that Somebody Cares can deliver the best service to the people that need our support, and also the best shopping experience to those who visit our megastore, monthly warehouse sales or (soon to be) online shop.
It is for these reasons that any recruitment we do looks for people who have the right attitude and approach - charitable minded, hard-working team players who are willing to go the extra mile to help us achieve our aims of supporting all those who need our help in Aberdeen and the shire. Joining our team needs to be a two-way process – we want everyone who gives us hours of their time to be able to work to the very best of their ability (and beyond) in an environment that they enjoy turning up to each day, at the same time as feeling that they have achieved their sense of social responsibility and made a real difference to other people’s lives. 

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CURRENT VACANCIES


SOMEBODY CARES SCOTLAND TRUSTEES

At Somebody Cares Scotland, we have voluntary opportunities for 4-6 trustees to join our board. The successful applicants will support the work we do by using their skills and experience to provide essential support and services to those who need a helping hand within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

ABOUT SOMEBODY CARES SCOTLAND

Established in 2002, Somebody Cares Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) dedicated to enhancing the welfare of those in need in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We accept large donations of furniture, household items, clothes, and food. Working with local social welfare teams, we provide free home furnishings to those in need. Our two retail outlets offer high-quality goods including furniture, children's toys, and clothing for purchase. The proceeds from sales help cover the charity's operating costs. In 2023, we furnished 813 homes and provided 176,566 meals.

ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Somebody Cares Scotland is offering a fantastic chance to join their Board of Trustees in a very exciting phase of their development. The successful Trustees will ideally have experience in one or more of the following areas:

PR and Marketing
The successful applicant will advise on PR, marketing, and communications for Somebody Cares Scotland, working closely with the staff team. You will use your PR and marketing skills to raise awareness of Somebody Cares and foster relationships to promote our work, thus increasing its profile across Scotland.

Finance
Along with our CEO and finance team, you will support the financial management and strategy. You will use your financial expertise to ensure the charity's finances are managed efficiently and transparently, supporting its long-term sustainability.

Legal
Working closely with our staff team, the successful applicant will provide guidance on legal matters including compliance at Somebody Cares Scotland. You will use your legal expertise to ensure that the charity operates within the framework of relevant laws and regulations, safeguarding the organisation's interests.

HR
We employ over 30 staff, and we have around 60 volunteers, so we need a trustee with HR experience to provide guidance on HR strategy and operations including talent acquisition, retention and engagement. You will use your experience to guide us in making sure our team is well-supported, motivated, and aligned with the goals of Somebody Cares Scotland, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
This unpaid role entails an average time commitment of two days per month, with flexibility for increased involvement during busier periods. The role requires liaising with the wider Somebody Cares team and attending quarterly Board meetings.
If you believe your experience and skills could contribute to the Somebody Cares mission and you would like to use your professional expertise for a good cause, we would love to hear from you. This important role will enable Somebody Cares to continue delivering core services, providing essential support to those in need within the community and alleviating hardship for many families.


GENERAL DUTIES OF A SOMEBODY CARES TRUSTEE

•Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively.
•Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the charity.
•Advocate for the charity, raising its profile and the awareness of the Somebody Cares service in the geographic area.
•Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.
•Work in a small team and use your strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate across all levels of seniority.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Being a trustee at Somebody Cares is fantastic opportunity to give back to your community by working with a charity that helps those in need. We are proud of the work we’ve done in Aberdeen and the shire over the last 20 years, and we look forward to widening our support services even more.

This role requires a self-starting and proactive approach with the time to challenge, engage and contribute to the work of the Board positively. While the role is unremunerated, all reasonable expenses such as travel to board meetings will be reimbursed by us.

It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Somebody Cares and align with our core values, share a commitment to helping everyone in need without judgement or discrimination, acting with kindness and generosity at all times.

We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, and candidates for which this might be their first board role or those who are early in their career journey because we believe diversity and fresh thinking will improve our effectiveness and impact at Somebody Cares.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email hr@somebodycaresscotland.org with your CV (no more than two pages) and a one-page cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for this role by Monday 23 September 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with members of the Board of Trustees. From this, selected candidates will meet with the Somebody Cares Scotland CEO for appointment.




SOMEBODY CARES SCOTLAND DRIVER

DRIVE WITH PURPOSE: JOIN SOMEBODY CARES SCOTLAND

Are you looking for a paid opportunity to make a real difference? Somebody Cares Scotland is hiring full-time drivers to join our team during an exciting phase of our growth. This is a 40-hour per week position, offering competitive pay at £12 per hour.

ABOUT SOMEBODY CARES SCOTLAND

Established in 2002, Somebody Cares Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) dedicated to enhancing the welfare of those in need in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We accept large donations of furniture, household items, clothes, toys and food. Working with local social welfare teams, we provide free home furnishings to those in need. Our two retail outlets offer high-quality goods, including furniture, children's toys, and clothing for purchase. The proceeds from sales help cover the charity's operating costs. In 2023, we furnished 813 homes and provided 176,566 meals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a driver, you will have a key role in supporting the mission of Somebody Cares Scotland. Your responsibilities will include collecting and delivering second-hand furniture and household goods, office furniture, and food from our food bank to those in need across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. You will also assist in organising and maintaining our warehouses, ensuring that stock is well-managed and ready for distribution.

In this role, you’ll need to build strong working relationships with fellow drivers, warehouse staff, volunteers, and other team members, contributing to a positive working environment. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills will be essential as you work effectively across all areas of the organisation.

GENERAL DUTIES OF A SOMEBODY CARES DRIVER

Must hold a clean driving licence and be over the age of 25 to meet our insurance requirements.

Maintain punctuality and reliability in all aspects of the role, ensuring that deliveries are completed on time and schedules are adhered to.

Contribute to the smooth operation of our warehouses by helping to organise the distribution of goods to our shops and client showrooms.

Utilise your interpersonal and communication skills to engage with people across various roles within the charity, ensuring that everyone works together.

Represent Somebody Cares Scotland with professionalism, helping to enhance the charity’s visibility and the awareness of our services within the local community.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

This role requires someone who is self-motivated, proactive, and ready to take initiative. You’ll need to be punctual, fit and healthy, friendly, and good with people, as you will be representing Somebody Cares on the road and during your interactions. While this is a paid position, it also requires compassion, understanding and kindness as you may be dealing with clients who may be facing challenging circumstances.

We are dedicated to helping everyone in need without judgement or discrimination, always acting with kindness and generosity. It is essential for anyone that takes on this role with Somebody Cares aligns with our core values.

BENEFITS

Joining Somebody Cares Scotland as a driver not only offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in your community but also comes with benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

  • Health Assured Comprehensive Support Services Our Health Assured program offers a wide range of support to help you manage your mental health and overall well-being. Services include:
  • Counseling Services
  • Financial Well-being
  • Medical Information
  • Legal Information
  • Childcare Support
  • 24-Hour Confidential Helpline
  • Company Pension
  • 28 Days Holiday (including Bank Holidays)

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please email hr@somebodycaresscotland.org with your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for this role by Monday 23rd September 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.


POSITION: Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator

Based At:

Somebody Cares House, Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG

Responsible To: Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer

Hours of Work: Full-time position being 08:30am-16.30pm Monday to Friday

OVERVIEW : 

Somebody Cares Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) committed to improving the welfare of those in need within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It accepts donations of furnishings, household items, clothes, and food in great quantities and either donates them free of charge to the charity clients or sells them to customers of the retail outlets, using the proceeds to cover the running costs of the charity.

Somebody Cares is keen to work with great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are a values-based charity and welcome applications from all sectors and from people with a passion for our existing work and our future potential. Equality, diversity, and inclusion is as important in our employees and governance as it is in our work.  
This is a truly exciting time to join Somebody Cares, as we grow in ambition, and this role represents a rare opportunity to set the social media & marketing direction of one of Scotland’s largest independent charities. Take the leap and be a key player in the growth and reputation of our charity that's all about making a difference!

The Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator reports jointly to the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer and will have responsibility for implementation of all social media campaigns across all social media platforms to take our charity and our brand to the next level! You will assist us shape and boost our image, making our charity a household name, which will involve crafting eye-catching social media posts, create & run marketing campaigns and promotional presentations that showcase our great work, highlight our amazing team and our professionalism to our charity clients and partners.

You will have proven experience as a Social Media & Marketing Coordinator be highly strategic, a visionary who thinks boldly and is happy to promote new ideas and thinking. You will bring energy, strong values, a team ethic and excellent communication skills. So if you're excited about using social media to build brands and want to be part of a team that values innovation, creativity, and positive impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

The Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator is a full-time position being 08:30am-16.30pm Monday to Friday, although there is flexibility as it is understood that evening and weekend work may be required as part of the role. You will be based at Somebody Cares House, Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG, however, you may be expected to travel or work at other locations as required.
CVs should be submitted to hr@somebodycaresscotland.org

Specific Operational Duties : 

The areas of responsibility for the Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator are detailed below. These duties are not exhaustive and may be amended from time-to-time to suit the requirements of our charity.

  • Be the leader for all social media accounts and content across all social media platforms
  • Monitor activity and productivity across all social media platforms
  • In conjunction with the CEO & COO plan a strategy for implementing social media, marketing & advertising campaigns including promotional presentations
  • Be the marketing representation for key events and activities across the charity ensuring brand guidelines and marketing standards are met
  • Produce (write, edit, proofread & publish) first class social media & marketing materials including e-newsletters, social media posts, printed materials etc
  • Manage and deliver social media & marketing campaigns including promotions calendar in alignment with senior management expectations – to be rolled out in a range of formats across digital, printed and event-style activities
  • Supercharge our efforts in photography & videography – managing all photoshoots to create the best vision of our charity
  • Act as social media & marketing lead on all related projects to increase charity profile within an agreed and carefully executed and integrated marketing plan
  • In conjunction with the Business Development Manager, Fundraiser & Retails Operations Manager advertise & run successful marketing campaigns
  • In conjunction with the HR & Business Support Manager advertise & run successful recruitment campaigns
  • Analyses analytics to gauge success of campaigns
  • Understands the overall concept of our charity, including the brand, clients and partners, product goals, and all other aspects of service
  • Engage with customers and clients across all social media platforms to improve their experience and interaction with our charity

Required Skills : 

  • 2-3 years proven experience in social media campaigns and/or creative led marketing role with clear examples of your portfolio of work
  • Detailed knowledge of fully integrated social media & marketing campaigns, from digital to print
  • A solid understanding of social media best practice, and a keen eye for style & design is critical
  • Knowledge of social media changes and forces that influence
  • Driven by a results-orientated mindset, seeking to exceed targets and deliver sustainable social media growth
  • It is essential to be a confident and credible communicator with ability to deliver engaging presentations
  • Must be a bright, creative, innovative individual with an ability to deliver effective ideas and who can manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work as a team member capable of following guidelines and deadlines whilst also being self-motivated
  • Be prepared, and have willingness, to undertake other tasks and learn new skills as required




POSITION: Fundraiser

Based At : Somebody Cares House, Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG

Responsible To: Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer

Hours of Work: Full-time position being 08:30am-16.30pm Monday to Friday

OVERVIEW :

Somebody Cares Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) committed to improving the welfare of those in need within Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. It accepts donations of furnishings, household items, clothes, and food in great quantities and either donates them free of charge to the charity clients or sells them to customers of the retail outlets, using the proceeds to cover the running costs of the charity.

Somebody Cares is keen to work with great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are a values-based charity and welcome applications from all sectors and from people with a passion for our existing work and our future potential. Equality, diversity, and inclusion is as important in our employees and governance as it is in our work.  
This is a truly exciting time to join Somebody Cares, as we grow in ambition, and this role represents a rare opportunity to set the fundraising direction of one of Scotland’s largest independent charities. Take the leap and be a key player in the growth and reputation of our charity that's all about making a difference!

The Fundraiser reports jointly to the Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer and will maximise fundraising opportunities and income generation by design, development and implementation of our new funding policy. Including devising and implementing a successful programme of fundraising from all sectors including corporate, trust funds, government funding, national lottery etc. to an agreed annual target, which will include securing funding applications, corporate sponsorship and general donations.

You will have proven experience as a Fundraiser, be highly strategic, a visionary who thinks boldly and is happy to promote new ideas and thinking. You will bring energy, strong values, a team ethic and excellent communication skills. This is a truly exciting time to join Somebody Cares, as we grow in ambition, and this role represents a rare opportunity to set the funding direction of one of Scotland’s largest independent charities.

You’ll be passionate and experienced in developing policy that drives social change through grant fundraising. You will bring a strong understanding of how to gather, synthesise and reflect a diversity of perspectives and needs to develop policy that is evidence based and ambitious in its objectives. You will be curious, a proactive learner, and have a sharp eye for detail. Like the rest of the team, you’ll be motivated to adopt an equitable approach to everything you do.

The Fundraiser is a full-time position being 08:30am-16.30pm Monday to Friday, although there is flexibility as it is understood that evening and weekend work may be required as part of the role. You will be based at Somebody Cares House, Wellington Circle, Altens, Aberdeen, AB12 3JG however, you may be expected to travel or work at other locations as required.

CVs should be submitted to hr@somebodycaresscotland.org


Specific Operational Duties :

The areas of responsibility for the Fundraiser are detailed below. These duties are not exhaustive and may be amended from time-to-time to suit the requirements of our charity.

  • Develop and manage the Somebody Cares strategy for raising money from corporate sector, trust funds, government funding, national lottery etc. as an integral part of the charity’s overall fundraising programme
  • Forge long-term mutually beneficial relationships with corporate supporters and raise funds towards the ongoing work of Somebody Cares
  • Organise events or other activities that aim to generate donations or more generally increase awareness of Somebody Cares
  • In conjunction with our Social Media & Marketing Co-ordinator develop and manage web-based fundraising and online auctions
  • Develop and maintain a portfolio of companies from Scotland’s funding sector and take responsibility for delivering and developing plans for securing new income from businesses by identifying growth areas and opportunities
  • Develop a long-term strategy within the corporate sector, trust funds, government funding, national lottery etc. paying particular attention to charity of the year partnerships, corporate donations and sponsorship opportunities
  • Monitor CSR/corporate responsibility issues in the media and keep up to date with professional fundraising associations and media regarding fundraising tools and skills development
  • Develop professional proposals and undertake presentations at senior level meetings
  • Develop and write funding proposals, corporate applications and reports
  • Register Somebody Cares as a beneficiary of third-party events e.g. kilt walk, marathons, Garioch runs, Baker Hughes events etc. and promote these events to the public
  • Use LinkedIn, Chamber of Commerce and other charities social media platforms to keep abreast of what sponsorship is being awarded and to whom
  • Establish which companies partake in matched giving and implement for Somebody Cares
  • Develop Just Giving campaigns and promote to raise funds
  • Promote Somebody Cares by utilising all social media platforms
  • Establish and promote quarterly Somebody Cares newsletters
  • Continue to manage and encourage supporters to maintain regular donations and inspire new support through continual relationship development
  • Track, analyse and report on fundraising results in the corporate field and measure, manage and report performance using agreed performance measures
  • Actively seek sponsorship to support Somebody Cares events, working closely with the senior management team
  • Continue to raise the profile of Somebody Cares by networking at appropriate events and secure new introductions
  • Develop a team of fundraisers to assist organise local fundraising events e.g. afternoon tea etc. and promote these events to the public

Required Skills :

  • 2-3 years proven experience as a Fundraiser
  • Management and administration skills – the ability to plan, prepare and track strategy to achieve fundraising goals
  • Financial awareness – work closely with management team and accountants to understand and achieve financial fundraising goals
  • Personal Presentation – as an Ambassador for Somebody Cares this role requires a smart professional appearance and a positive “can-do” attitude
  • Must be a creative, innovative individual with good communication skills and an ability to deliver ideas
  • Ability to work as a team member capable of following guidelines and deadlines whilst also being self-motivated
  • Be prepared, and have willingness, to undertake other tasks and learn new skills as required
  • Must have a good demeanour with donors and customers, and always acting with the best interest of the charity at heart  
  • A driving licence is preferred but not essential


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