Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh

Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 45000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Charity Recruit

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of a new family support service across Scotland.
  • Company: Gambling with Lives, a charity focused on preventing gambling harm.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and a 7% pension contribution.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to systemic change and advocacy.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while shaping a vital new service.
  • Qualifications: Experience in mental health, social work, or service management is essential.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.

Home-based within Scotland, within reasonable travel of a major population centre (e.g. Edinburgh, Glasgow or Stirling), with regular travel across Scotland and occasional travel to Leeds/Sheffield and wider UK locations.

Salary: £45,000 - £48,000 (dependent on experience)

Benefits:

  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • 7% employer pension contribution
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Home-based role with autonomy
  • Opportunity to shape a new national service
  • Meaningful work within a lived experience-led charity driving systemic change

About Gambling with Lives: Gambling with Lives is a charity established by families bereaved by gambling-related suicide. We exist to prevent gambling harm and save lives through support, advocacy and systemic change. We work alongside families to navigate complex post-death processes, access support, and advocate for change. We are fundamentally led by lived experience. Families are central to everything we do - shaping services, influencing strategy, and driving the organisation forward.

This is a newly created role in Scotland, based on an established family service model operating across England and Wales. You will translate this model into the Scottish landscape - building relationships, understanding systems, creating referral pathways, and ensuring families receive consistent support and advocacy. This is not purely a service delivery role. Initially, the focus will be on service development, stakeholder engagement, system mapping and establishing the service. Over time, the role will evolve into a more strategic leadership and management position.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Establish and embed the family service model across Scotland
  • Map post-death systems, including fiscal processes and stakeholder pathways
  • Translate the England & Wales model into a Scottish framework
  • Build referral pathways with key agencies and professionals
  • Develop relationships with fiscal services, NHS, local authorities and stakeholders
  • Identify gaps and opportunities for service improvement
  • Contribute to long-term strategy and sustainability
  • Support families bereaved by gambling-related suicide
  • Conduct holistic needs assessments
  • Guide families through inquests, investigations and system navigation
  • Manage safeguarding and risk
  • Work alongside families as partners
  • Advocate within complex systems
  • Represent the organisation across Scotland
  • Deliver presentations, training and awareness sessions
  • Build trust within communities and referral networks
  • Support public affairs and systems change work
  • Collaborate with Public Affairs and leadership teams
  • Work with the Head of Family Services and wider team
  • Contribute to organisational learning
  • Engage with the Family Council and lived experience groups
  • Ensure alignment with lived experience-led values
  • Maintain accurate records and reporting

Who this role may suit: This role may suit individuals working as a Service Manager, Project/Programme Manager, Safeguarding Lead, Senior Social Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, or within bereavement, postvention or family support services. We also welcome those with experience in service development or stakeholder engagement seeking a purpose-driven role.

Personal Specification:

  • Background in mental health, psychotherapy, counselling, social work, nursing, psychology, bereavement or safeguarding
  • Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience
  • Experience managing complex cases and risk
  • Ability to work independently with strong judgement
  • Experience building stakeholder relationships
  • Experience delivering services or projects
  • Understanding of trauma-informed practice
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to represent an organisation externally

Personal Attributes:

  • Warm, empathetic and emotionally intelligent
  • Calm, resilient and professional
  • Organised and self-motivated
  • Confident in complex, sensitive environments
  • Credible with stakeholders and compassionate with families
  • Collaborative and values-led
  • Comfortable with ambiguity and building new systems
  • Motivated by purpose and impact

This role requires someone who can take the brief and run with it.

Recruitment Process:

  • Stage 1: Screening and interview with Charity Recruit
  • Stage 2: Teams interview with panel and trustee
  • Stage 3: Final face-to-face interview (Leeds or Sheffield)

If you're looking for a role where your work will directly improve lives, shape systems, and build something impactful, we'd love to hear from you.

Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh employer: Charity Recruit

Gambling with Lives is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape a new national service in Scotland, all while working from home with flexible arrangements. With a strong focus on employee growth, meaningful work, and a supportive culture driven by lived experience, you will have the autonomy to make a real impact in the lives of families affected by gambling-related harm. Join us in our mission to drive systemic change and support those in need, all while enjoying generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave and a 7% employer pension contribution.
Charity Recruit

Contact Detail:

Charity Recruit Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Gambling with Lives. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the charity’s mission and values, especially their focus on lived experience. Think about how your background in mental health or social work aligns with their goals. Practise answering common questions and have some thoughtful questions ready to show your interest.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the organisation, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to their mission of preventing gambling harm and supporting families.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking chats, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your connection. It’s a simple way to keep yourself top of mind and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh

Service Development
Stakeholder Engagement
System Mapping
Referral Pathway Creation
Holistic Needs Assessment
Advocacy Skills
Safeguarding and Risk Management
Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Project Management
Collaboration
Understanding of Trauma-Informed Practice
Organisational Skills
Judgement and Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Family Service Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in mental health, social work, or service development, and show us how you can bring that expertise to Gambling with Lives.

Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your genuine interest in preventing gambling harm and supporting families. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this meaningful role, as it really helps us understand your connection to our mission.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the position.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Charity Recruit

✨Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, take some time to really understand Gambling with Lives. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in Scotland. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Given the nature of the role, expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex cases and stakeholder relationships. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar situations, and be ready to discuss them in detail.

✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit

This role requires a balance of independence and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders in the past, and highlight your ability to build trust and rapport within communities. Share examples that demonstrate your emotional intelligence and advocacy skills.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the specific challenges the new service might face in Scotland or how they envision the role evolving over time. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

Program/Service Manager in Edinburgh
Charity Recruit
Location: Edinburgh

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