Our vision is that parents of children with complex needs in Scotland will have early access to peer-led support and information.

We will achieve our vision by:
Providing specialist advocacy for parents
Providing counselling and parenting programmes
Making information available through our website and social media
Campaigning for improved services for families of children with complex needs
Ensuring that our organisation remains parent-led
Our values:

Integrity - honesty in all our actions
Respect – for parents using our service, our staff and stakeholders
Fairness – we are non-judgemental in providing our service
Excellence – we provide high standards in all that we do

We are particularly interested in applicants with knowledge of finance, Digital and IT, policy and advocacy, and with personal experience of caring for a child or young person with complex needs.

We currently use Donorfy and Lamplight systems for our database and information systems.

About Kindred
Established in 1990 at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), Kindred has always been parent-led.

Our vision is that all parents of children with complex needs in Scotland have the support and resources they need to create a happy family home.

We currently support over 800 families of children and young people with complex needs. We provide information, advocacy and emotional support. We also provide specialised counselling services and a Parenting Programme (Early Positive Approaches to Support).

Our three teams are based at the RHCYP, at our offices in central Edinburgh and at our office in Dunfermline.

Training Details

There is a comprehensive induction pack and process for all new Board members. We are also able to provide trustee training through the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC).

Flexibility & Time Commitment

There are 6 in-person or online 2-hour board meetings per year, including the AGM. The meetings are currently held on Wednesday afternoons. Roughly half the meetings are in-person at our central Edinburgh office though we can be flexible to suit Trustees’ circumstances. Trustees are also expected to attend the annual Kindred away day.

Trustees are expected to contribute to the charity beyond preparing for and attending board meetings. Contributions could include supporting fundraising and advocacy activities, providing support on Digital IT, HR, financial or governance issues.