Cyrenians board — Trustee
Closing date: 5 October 2026
How to Apply
To apply: Please email your CV and covering letter to peopleteam@cyrenians.scot, telling us:
- why you’d like to be a Cyrenians trustee.
- what key skills and expertise you bring.
- please include details of two referees
If another format would work better for you, such as a video, slide deck or voice note, we’re happy to receive it provided it contains the information above.
Cyrenians is a Disability Confident Committed employer and will provide reasonable adjustments to support applicants with disabilities.
Note that applications need to be submitted before the closing day at noon.
https://cyrenians.scot/get-involved/volunteering/1252-cyrenians-board-trustee
Job Description
Further Info
About the Employer
Our 190 staff and 300 volunteers deliver 47 services and enterprises across Edinburgh, Falkirk, West Lothian and Midlothian. Our work is values-led, person-centred and relationship-based. Our support is wide ranging, including: help into employment, managing conflict, sustaining a tenancy, recovery from addiction, access to food, and reconnecting with the community.
About the Vacancy
This is an opportunity to use your insight, professional experience and personal perspective to support an organisation that works alongside people facing tough realities from housing insecurity and poverty to conflict, isolation, addiction and barriers to employment. Our work is valued-led and relationship-based.
As a trustee, you will help set direction, support good decision-making and ensure Cyrenians continues to use its resources wisely and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
Governance
- Contribute to Cyrenians’ governance in line with best practice and relevant
legislation. - Act in Cyrenians’ best interests, with care and diligence, putting the charity’s interests before your own or those of any other person or organisation.
- Declare any potential conflicts of interest.
- Respect confidentiality at individual, sub-committee, Board and organisational levels.
- Oversee and approve annual budgets.
Strategic
- Keep the interests of people at risk of, or affected by, homelessness, at the centre of Board discussion and decision-making.
- Work with fellow trustees, the Chief Executive and Leadership Team to develop, approve and oversee Cyrenians’ strategic direction, ensuring the organisation fulfils its objectives and lives its values.
- Monitor organisational performance against agreed outcomes and targets.
General requirements
- Appoint the Chief Executive when required.
- Develop and maintain a sound, up-to-date understanding of Cyrenians and the environment in which it operates.
- Ensure Cyrenians’ resources are used responsibly, efficiently and effectively.
- Contribute proactively to Cyrenians’ business and development.
- Take an active role and collective responsibility for Board decisions, taking account of advice from the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
- Prioritise attendance at Board and sub-committee meetings, prepare thoroughly, and participate actively in discussion and decision-making.
- Use your skills, knowledge and experience to support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities, including by serving on sub-committees, scrutinising reports, leading discussions and providing advice in areas of expertise.
- Build constructive and effective working relationships with other trustees, the Chief Executive, the Leadership Team and wider staff.
Key Competencies
You do not need previous board experience. We are interested in people who can think strategically, work collaboratively and bring curiosity, commitment and sound judgement. Some examples of the experience or expertise you may bring include:
- Digital strategy, including cybersecurity, data and AI.
- Commercial expertise.
- Strategic fundraising.
- Legal background