Board Member, Social Investment Scotland (SIS)

Remuneration:          

The role of board member is not remunerated although reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed.

Location:                   

SIS is based in Edinburgh however operates across Scotland and meetings regularly take place in other locations, and occasionally online.

Time commitment:   

At least 4 board meetings per year, including an away day with ad hoc single item agenda meetings as required. The board member may also be expected to join one board committee, and attend meetings in line with the board cycle.  

The Committee chair will also expected to attend other committee/working group meetings on occasion and have regular meetings with the CEO.

They will also represent the organisation at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.

Our values: the SIS Way

Purpose: We are purpose driven; we are committed, innovative and impactful;

Integrity: We do what we say; we are reliable, honest and consistent;

Unique: We embrace the power of difference; we are inclusive, open and ethical;

Partnership: We grow strong partnerships; we are collaborative, confident and respectful.

SIS background and objectives  

Social Investment Scotland (SIS) are a social investment finance intermediary (SIFI) operating across Scotland and beyond. Our mission is ‘to connect capital with communities, to make a real, measurable and sustainable impact upon peoples’ lives.’

Our strategy to 2030, Building an Impact Economy, highlights our approach to enabling social and environmental impact through our society and economy.

• Enterprises will be provided with the tools, support and inspiration to plan, create and scale their social impact;

• Governments and their agencies can partner with social enterprises in a range of different ways, but particularly to enhance the delivery of social impact;

• Social entrepreneurs can readily access mission-aligned investment and support;

• Consumers and businesses can purchase products and services from social enterprises;

• Investors of all kinds can make purposeful investments for a financial and a social return; and

• Businesses of all kinds implement responsible business approaches as standard.

The SIS strategy has four segments that encompass a range of objectives that are intended to support progress towards the SIS vision. These segments are:

• Market Building: business support and scale up programmes that are designed to support organisations understand their social investment options and expand their operations and impact.

• Communities: encompassing all of SIS’s direct investment team, across a spectrum of amounts, products and business models.

• Access to finance: supporting the growing responsible finance sector across the UK;

• Innovation: exploring innovative ways in which social investment might be used to create greater social impact.

Job Description

SIS is a registered Scottish Charity therefore the Board is responsible for its overall Governance and Strategic Direction, developing the organisations’ goals in accordance with its Articles of Association. The current Board consists of 11 Trustees (including 2 vacancies including this appointment).

In relation to this vacancy, we are particularly keen to add board members with current or recent experience as CEO or in a senior leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similar not for profit organisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

Governance

• Furthering SIS’s objects as set out in the Articles of Association.

• To safeguard the good name, purpose and values of SIS.

• Being subject to company law, the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.

• Promote and ensure good governance and implementation of best practice, including working closely with the Chief Executive and leadership team.

• Get to know other Board members and help build a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.

• Constructively challenge the SIS team and fellow Board members, contributing to debate and discussion that enhances the performance and impact of the organisation.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for SIS, social enterprise and social investment;

• Represent SIS at external functions, meetings and events;

• Alongside the CEO and the chair, address any potential conflict with external stakeholders.

Person Specification

The board member will be expected to meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to SIS, its strategic objectives and mission;

• Demonstrates tact and diplomacy with the ability to listen and engage effectively;

• Is able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment;

• Is prepared to commit time to conduct the role in an appropriate manner including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience

• Currently holding, or with recent experience of a leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or not for profit organisation.

• Experience of the day-to-day operations of a complex and/or growing organisation.

• Involvement in the strategic planning process for a complex and/or growing organisation.

• Whilst not essential, experience of dealing with government (ministers and officials) would be useful.

Knowledge and skills

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity and social enterprise sector and the current issues and challenges affecting it;

• Good understanding of charity governance issues.

Terms

The board member will be appointed to serve an initial three-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for up to one additional term.

If you would like to discuss the role in further detail, please email: alastair@socialinvestmentscotland.com