HR​/Employment Law - Volunteer

Overview

We are looking for a talented individual to provide expert HR and Employment Law guidance and strategic direction as a Trustee of The Ecology Centre; an inclusive, community-led charity in Fife that connects people with nature for the benefit of both.

What difference will you make?

We seek an individual with drive and passion that aligns with our purpose and whose skillset complements our existing Trustees. We are looking for an innovative, opportunity-focused HR/Employment Law professional (from corporate, third sector, start-ups or consultancy) who can support the following key areas.

We are looking for an innovative, opportunity-focussed individual with proven experience in a relevant commercial discipline (e.g. corporate enterprises, start-ups) who can provide support with the following key areas.

• Strategy development:
  Partner with Trustees and staff to shape people strategies that enable sustainable working practices aligned to our values.
• Employment governance:
  Advise on effective HR governance and risk management so Trustees discharge duties proportionately and confidently. This may occasionally involve helping with employment contracts.
• Operational improvement:
  Identify and implement practical improvements across our people processes as appropriate.
• Performance & outcomes:
  Help us define people‑related success measures so we can learn, adapt and add value to the experience of our employees and volunteers and our community.

Previous experience in environmental and/or third sector roles is welcome but not necessary, and prior Board or Executive Committee experience is not required. Most important are integrity, a team‑working ethos, and a passion to help develop and grow our charity.

While we love to hear from individuals who are connected to our community and can have an occasional presence on-site, we welcome fully remote involvement for the right individuals.

We believe strongly that an inclusive Board makes us better - better at decisions, better at impact, better at living our values. We actively encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in trustee roles, including (but not limited to) people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from lower-income backgrounds, carers, and those with non-linear career paths. If you face hidden barriers or need adjustments at any stage, we will work with you - respectfully and confidentially.

The Ecology Centre’s vision is to connect people and nature for the sustainable wellbeing of both. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and green space for communities to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of nature. We foster connections between people and the environment through environmental education for all and provide benefit to community, health and wellbeing.

You’ll work together with the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure that the charity is safe, fair, inclusive and legally sound such that it can continue to have a positive impact on its local environment, people and society as a whole.

You’ll work with Trustees to keep the charity sustainable, set direction, support strategic and business planning, and partner closely with our engaged Staff Management team to build a resilient, well-governed organisation.

As a motivated people specialist with strong experience across HR, Employment Law, and/or People & Culture, you will work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and Staff Management team to provide pragmatic, proportionate guidance on people governance that strengthens our culture and safeguards our mission.

Your insight will be welcome above all, which may extend to supporting any of the following.

• People strategy:
  Co-shape a values-led culture at the charity, championing an inclusive culture.
• Employment Law & policy:
  Provide guidance on HR and/or employment law practices, which may include guidance on fair employment practices, and clear and compliant approaches to our working practices (e.g. contracts and handbooks; disciplinary, grievance and capability; equality, flexible working; whistleblowing).
• People risk & insight:
  Improve Board visibility on key people metrics (e.g., recruitment pipeline, attrition, wellbeing) to inform decisions.
• Mentoring & advice:
  Provide proportionate, confidential support to the Staff Management team on complex people matters.

This is a voluntary role and, though we ask that Board members are able to devote approximately 3-7 hours per week to the charity’s work, we work in a respectful environment that is flexible to your individual circumstances.