Join Us as Our New Secretary

Posted: 16th March 2026

We are a small but ambitious grassroots charity with a big heart and a growing impact. Based in Scotland, we help people of all ages build confidence, develop new skills, explore their potential and create meaningful, self‑directed life pathways. Our work is rooted in empowerment: helping individuals identify what matters to them, navigate challenges and take steps toward a future they can genuinely believe in.

Since our founding, CYD has grown organically in response to real need within our community. We support people facing a wide range of emotional, social, educational and practical barriers, offering compassionate, person‑centred support tailored to each individual. Our volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters all contribute to this work, and together we are developing a trusted, valued presence locally.

As our organisation continues to grow, strong governance and smooth Board operations are more important than ever. We are therefore seeking a well‑organised, supportive and detail‑focused Secretary to join our Board. You do not need previous experience as a charity Secretary—what matters most is your ability to stay organised, communicate clearly and help ensure the Board runs efficiently and transparently.

In this role, you will play a central part in keeping our governance compliant, our records accurate and our Board well‑supported and informed. You will work closely with the Chair, the trustees and the Chief Executive, helping CYD operate confidently and professionally as we move into our next chapter.

If you enjoy bringing clarity and structure to a team, value good governance, and want to make a meaningful contribution to a small charity with big aspirations, we would be delighted to hear from you.  Please email your CV and a few lines as to why you think you are a fit for CYD.

Secretary Role

• Ensure the efficient administration of the Board, including planning, organising and recording all Board and committee meetings.
• Work closely with the Chair to prepare agendas, Board papers and annual governance reporting.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records, including minutes, registers of interest, governance documentation and key policies.
• Ensure CYD complies with its governing document, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Support communication and information sharing across the Board, ensuring trustees receive papers in good time.
• Oversee official correspondence on behalf of the Board and act as a primary point of contact for governance‑related queries.
• Support the organisation of the AGM and any formal member or stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure all filings required by OSCR, Companies House or other relevant bodies are accurate and submitted on time.

What We Are Looking For – Essential

• Experience in administrative or governance work (previous Secretary experience welcome but not essential).
• Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to write clear, accurate minutes and maintain orderly records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence using digital tools such as email, cloud storage and shared documents.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Chair, trustees and senior staff.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Reliability and responsiveness—especially regarding meeting deadlines and circulating papers.

Responsibilities of All Trustees

• Support and advise on CYD’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee CYD’s financial plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve CYD’s annual financial statements.
• Provide support and constructive challenge to the CEO.
• Stay informed about CYD’s operating environment and external developments.
• Contribute to regular governance reviews.
• Attend Board meetings prepared for informed discussion.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in the best interests of the charity.
• Contribute to promoting CYD’s aims, reputation and values.

Essential Qualities and Attributes of All Trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept trustee responsibilities.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise sound independent judgement.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to actively contribute.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our mission and values.
• Commitment to the Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland:
  Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability & Stewardship, Openness, Honesty, Leadership, Duty and Respect.

Terms of Appointment – Terms of Office

• Trustees serve a three‑year term, renewable once, up to a maximum of six years.
• This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (approx. half a day per month)

• Attending six Board meetings annually (held remotely or in person).
• Preparing agendas, circulating papers and drafting minutes for each meeting.
• Responding to occasional administrative or governance tasks as required.
• Supporting the organisation of the AGM and the annual strategy session.

 

Expires: 2026-06-30

Contact: info@createyourdream.uk