About Volunteer Scotland Volunteer Scotland is Scotland’s national centre for volunteering, and a key player in delivering the ambitions set out in Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan. We also provide disclosure checks to the voluntary sector in Scotland. We believe that volunteering should be an enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling experience for the volunteer; that volunteers have the right to be safe and protected in delivery their volunteering roles; and that to derive health and well-being benefits from volunteering requires regular and meaningful contributions of time. Our mission is to create a Scotland where everyone can volunteer, more often, and throughout their lives. We have recently developed and launched a new strategy Volunteer Scotland Strategy 2025 - 2030 which is ambitious and sets out our distinct contribution to the sector, and seeks to offer fresh, innovative and appealing services for members and non-members alike. Our Values We are determined to make a difference when and where it matters most, by applying our values in everything we do: CARES - Collaborative - Accountable - Respectful - Effective - Supportive Through our values we will make the greatest difference for volunteers, those who support them, and Scotland's communities. Role We are delighted to announce an opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Policy Officer to join our team. This is an exciting time to join Volunteer Scotland ahead of the 2026 Scottish Elections. Reporting to the Research and Policy Manager, you will track and interpret Scottish Government policy relevant to volunteering; use this policy context to inform the policy position of Volunteer Scotland and our partners; and support Volunteer Scotland’s key role in ensuring that public policy takes account of the contribution of volunteering to volunteers, beneficiaries and wider society. Working as part of a team to maximise Volunteer Scotland’s impact and influence on key decision makers in Scotland. As Policy Officer, you will lead the Policy Champions Network and you will be responsible for taking forward the policy work of Volunteer Scotland by delivering our policy priorities with your work being measured against Research and Policy KPI targets. Volunteer Scotland is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds and sections of the community. ROLE PURPOSE · To ensure public policy takes account of the contribution of volunteering to volunteers, beneficiaries and wider society. Working as part of a team to maximise Volunteer Scotland’s impact and influence on key decision makers in Scotland. · Champion volunteering and the lived experience of volunteers through leadership of the Policy Champions Network group, the Cross Party Group on Volunteering and Volunteer Scotland’s policy outputs. · Reporting to the Research and Policy Manager, you will be responsible for taking forward the policy work of Volunteer Scotland by delivering our policy priorities with your work being measured against Research and Policy KPI targets. · To create, manage and implement our policy workplan and policy positions, based on evidence. · To manage our response to policy enquiries and consultations and others’ evidence. Influence key legislation and policies. · To create and deliver public policy communications activity through a wide range of channels. · To support the development and delivery of Volunteer Scotland’s internal and external policy participation and engagement work. To support local and national policy related activities that emerge from delivery of our new 5 year strategy. What will you receive? You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your abilities with the opportunity to make a real difference every day. In addition, you will have excellent development opportunities including training, career development, and a range of e-learning courses. You will also receive: - Hybrid Working - Enhanced parental leave - Group Life Assurance - Eye Care Vouchers - Company contributory pension - Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling services - Employer Supported Volunteering Days x 3 (pro-rated) - 28 Days Annual leave (inclusive of 3 floating public holiday days), rising to 33 days plus 5 fixed public holidays. (The office is normally closed between Christmas and New Year and any weekdays in between are given as additional leave). - Annual Learning and Wellbeing allowance