CAPS is an independent advocacy organisation for people with mental health issues, led by people with mental health issues.

CAPS is looking for new Management Committee members to join the current members. This is a volunteer opportunity, not a paid role.
You will be part of a team of Management Committee members, the majority of whom are people with lived experience of mental health issues, in accordance with CAPS constitution. Two members without lived experience may also sit on the committee.

You will receive induction, training, guidance and support from CAPS staff.

More information is contained within the frequently asked questions below.
Please contact Jane Crawford, CEO on 0131 273 5116, or by email on jane@capsadvocacy.org for an informal chat.

Management Committee members must not be disqualified from acting as a charity trustee. This role is subject to Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership.

Frequently asked questions

The purpose of the role of a Management Committee member is to work with other Management Committee members to govern CAPS Independent Advocacy, including overseeing legal and financial matters.

How much time do I need to give?

• 2 to 3 hours meeting every 6 weeks.
• Occasional special Management Committee meetings.
• Occasional training and development days with CAPS staff.
• Attendance at the AGM.

Is there a minimum length of commitment?

Ideally members commit to a minimum of 12 months service.

Where do meetings take place?

CAPS Management Committee meetings are usually held online on zoom.

Am I eligible?

CAPS Management Committee members must live in Scotland and be over the age of 16.

Will I get paid?

No, this is a volunteer opportunity, not a paid role.

What will I be doing?

The duties of being a CAPS Management Committee member are:

• Maintain confidentiality. Management Committee members are trusted with privileged information relating to the governance of CAPS and all business discussed must remain confidential at all times.
• Attend meetings every 6 weeks
• Read Management Committee papers and reports and come to meetings prepared and informed.
• Report any conflict of interest that may influence your decision making or objectivity.
• Maintain an objective approach.
• Listen to and respect other members’ views.
• Make decisions on governance issues.

What will I be responsible for?

The responsibilities of a CAPS Management Committee member are:

• To act in the best interests of CAPS, putting its interests before your own or those of any other person or organisation.
• To ensure that CAPS operates in a manner that is consistent with its purposes, i.e. to advance and promote human rights; facilitate community development and educate people about mental health issues through the provision of:
  • independent collective advocacy to people who are experiencing, or have experienced mental health issues or disadvantage;
  • independent individual advocacy to people experiencing disadvantage and who need help to express their views and wishes;
  • education and information sessions informed and led by people with experience of mental health issues.
• To act with the care and diligence that it is reasonable to expect of a person who is managing the affairs of another person.
• To ensure that CAPS complies with the provisions of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
• To work in line with CAPS constitution.

What skills do I need?

Desirable skills include:

• Knowledge of Independent Advocacy.
• Knowledge of the work that CAPS does.
• Knowledge of the duties of a charity trustee.
• Knowledge of the effects of living with mental health issues – having lived experience.
• Understanding of conflict of interest and awareness of how this relates to your own situation.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to listen effectively.
• Ability to analyse and process information objectively, consider strategy and assess risks.
• Commitment to work to CAPS values.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Good organisational skills.
• Decision making.
• Discretion.

How will I be supported?

Support and training will include:

• CAPS induction and training for Management Committee members.
• Attendance at external training on duties and responsibilities of Charity Trustees.
• Opportunity to attend specific skills training as identified.
• Guidance and support from the CEO & Communications and Resources Manager.

How do I apply?

Please contact Jane Crawford, CAPS CEO at jane@capsadvocacy.org with a brief covering letter explaining why you would like to be a CAPS Management Committee member and what skills you could contribute. You can then have an informal chat with Jane to find out more about the role. After that you would usually attend a Management Committee meeting as an observer before being invited to join the committee.

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