The Chair of the BIG Lottery Fund’s Scotland Committee, Alison Magee, has announced her intention to step down from her post later in 2011 at the end of her current period of appointment.
Speaking today, Ms Magee said:
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that BIG has given me to work with so many of Scotland’s diverse communities, but I feel that now is the right time for me to retire. After five positive and enjoyable years as the Scotland Chair of the Big Lottery Fund I have been privileged to meet with communities and individuals in some of the most remote parts of the country as well as developing partnerships with those in our vibrant cities and towns. Each community has their own set of needs, and all have huge potential to build a better future with help and support from of BIG...read more

The Big Lottery Fund is the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding in the UK and invests over £1 million a week in Scotland’s communities. They are an outcomes funder and their mission is to bring real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.  Around 90% of the grants they make are to voluntary and community organisations.  They are looking for a Chair for the Scotland Committee, who will also be a member of the UK Board of the Big Lottery Fund...apply

The Equal Adventure Festival is an opportunity for both individuals and teams to participate in a range of outdoor activities regardless of disability. It provides a chance for participants to learn new skills, improve existing skills, meet new people and build team spirit.
This is a truly accessible event, which aims to celebrate, promote and develop the application of inclusive adventure.
2011 brings the third Festival, with feedback from the previous two and original new ideas creating even more adventure and fun, whether you are an experienced adventurer or a first timer.
Water and land based activities will include:

    * climbing
    * canoeing
    * orienteering
    * Nordic Track
    * 'off the beaten track' challenges
    * problem solving challenges
    * inspirational opening lecture and evening entertainment.

Accessible accommodation is available at Glenmore Lodge
Do you already have a team of four in mind (including one disabled person)?
Are you are individual who needs us to match you with others to make up a team?
This is an event you wouldn’t want to miss, so contact the Equal Adventure Event Team with any queries. Sign up online now.

Salary: £18,200 (pro rata on 35 hour week)
Part Time: 21 hours per week.  Fixed term appointment to 30 June 2012
Location: Edinburgh (although some travel throughout Scotland will be required)

With support from the Big Lottery, Social Firms Scotland is seeking to recruit a Project Support Officer for our Acquiring Business for Good project. This project supports third sector organisations to acquire private businesses and convert them to social enterprises.

We are looking for someone who has strong administration and ICT skills and some basic marketing experience to provide support to the project.  The successful candidate wil have interest in the social enterprise sector, a commitment to the social aims of the project and an ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Application Pack
DOWNLOAD - Job Description & Person Specification
DONWLOAD - Application Form
DOWNLOAD - Equality of Opportunity Form

Please submit your completed Application and Equality of Opportunity Forms to Jayne Chappell.  If you would like to discuss the role further please call Jayne on 0131 225 4178.

Closing date for applications is Monday 15th August and interviews will be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday August 30th.
Social Firms Scotland (registered charity no SCO30078) operates flexible working policies and aims to be an equal opportunities employer.
Please note we prefer to receive applications via email.

DP Digital Media are looking to expand their team, and are on the hunt for an enthusiastic and creative individual keen to meet new challenges.
The employee would require having a confident knowledge of all aspects of camera equipment, editing software and production techniques.
Key skills required:
· Working from a shooting schedule
· Working form a storyboard
· Communicating with office employee
· To have projects filmed and edited by a specific date
· To be able to work independently when required
· Must be able to work flexible dates
· Ability to travel to filming locations
This work would be carried out on a freelance basis, and due to this pay is at a negotiable level depending on experience and ability.
For more information please telephone 01463 223993 or email a CV to thomas@developmentpartners.co.uk by 31 August 2011.
Visit DP Digital Media website at www.dpdigitalmedia.co.uk

The former chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Sandy Cumming CBE, has joined the board of New Start Highland (NSH).
Established in 2000 – the same year as Mr Cumming took up his HIE role – New Start Highland is a local charity serving communities in the Highlands.
It provides support and assistance to the most vulnerable in society, including people who are moving from homelessness, long-term unemployed or otherwise experiencing social exclusion.
New Start's range of services includes furniture reuse, employment training, housing support, and supported volunteering opportunities.
Mr Cumming was most recently the Scottish Government’s Partnership Director for Offshore Energy, helping to spearhead the development of green offshore energy in Scotland. This role ended in March, 2011.
He is also actively involved with the Accounts Commission, Robertson Trust, Scottish Agricultural College and SCDI.
However, despite his busy portfolio, Mr Cumming was delighted to accept the invitation to join NSH.
He said yesterday: "“I am very enthusiastic about joining NSH for whom I have great respect, an organisation which has made a huge impact in its first 12 years.
“I believe my HIE experience of business and community development will be of value to NSH's future plans. It is a privilege to work with this social enterprise which adds real value to individuals, families and communities throughout the Highlands."
NSH’s chief executive James Dunbar welcomed Mr Cumming’s appointment. " His wealth of knowledge will further strengthen the board as we move into our next phase with the imminent completion of our new building at our Inverness headquarters."
Mr Dunbar also announced another new recruit in Iain Herd, who has been appointed Commercial Development manager.
Mr Dunbar said: “Iain has considerable experience in private business and will be of great value as we fulfil the next 5 years of our strategic plan.”
Mr Herd said: “I look forward to making a positive contribution to the great work the team does to assist so many people throughout the Highlands.”
“New Start Highland has a very exciting future and I am keen to help the organisation develop to meet the challenges ahead.”

The Social Enterprise Academy are looking for a Quality Manager to join their team in Edinburgh.
For further information on this post head to their website. Deadline for applications is 1 August 2011.

Scotland's third sector has been given a 'massive boost' with the launch of two new programmes to help enterprising organisations grow and operate more efficiently. The Just Enterprise programme and the Enterprise Growth Fund are accessed through a new online access point at www.justenterprise.org.uk
Just Enterprise business support is available for social entrepreneurs and Enterprising Third Sector Organisations. A range of support from a telephone advisory service, one to one development support, business consultancy and workshops, learning programmes and leadership courses are available.

Just Enterprise will deliver business support and learning services across Scotland and will integrate for the first time, start up, business support and learning and development services. Successful applicants to the programme will receive a range of support including client management advisory services, feasibility studies, business planning, marketing, financial management and developing the sustainability of an Enterprising Third Sector.

Finance Secretary John Swinney launched the programmes on Monday 18th July at the offices of Specialisterne in Glasgow. The social enterprise, which trains people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, has built the online access point for both programmes.

Mr Swinney said: "Social enterprises, voluntary organisations and community organisations play an important part in Scottish society. They can deliver superb services, from creating employment opportunities to connecting with most the vulnerable people in our society. " These two new programmes will work closely together to make sure that the organisations we fund benefit from appropriate business support.

Gerry Higgins, CEiS Chief Executive Officer, said: “An Enterprising Third Sector deserves high-quality business support and learning services delivered by those that understand the sector. Just Enterprise will provide scaled-up, joined up business development services for Enterprising Third Sector Organisations across Scotland. Our goal is net growth for the sector. That means increasing the number of new organisations and the value of existing organisations. Just Enterprise is delighted the Scottish Government has continued to support the sector through the launch of this initiative.”

The Wise Group with partners CEiS, DSL and the Social Value Lab, has been awarded the contract to manage and administer a £4 million Scottish Government Fund to support Growth and development of the Third Sector in Scotland. Enterprise Growth Fund will be awarding grants between £25,000 and £200,000 to support long term objectives. Awards will be made to those organisations that demonstrate the greatest potential for growth and sustainability. The fund will invest in organisational services and structures and will be open to applications from late August. For more information call 0141 303 3131.
For further information on Just Enterprise and the Enterprise Growth Fund and to apply for support, visit our website at www.justenterprise.org.uk

Scotland's third sector has been given a 'massive boost' with the launch of two new programmes to help enterprising organisations grow and operate more efficiently.The £3 million Just Enterprise programme will deliver a wide range of business support to social entrepreneurs and third sector organisations across Scotland. It will lead to the creation of an online hub where organisations can go for support and assistance.A further £4 million pounds will be provided through the Enterprise Growth Fund...read more