For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jamie Dunlop, Chief Executive, Scottish Youth Parliament, at jamie.d@syp.org.uk
About the role:
The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is the national democratically elected voice of Scotland’s young people. Members of the SYP (MSYPs) are elected in national elections for a two-year term and represent constituencies and national voluntary organisations. SYP is a rights-based organisation that campaigns for change to make Scotland the best place to grow up. We have an ambitious new strategy and manifesto to support our work and drive forward change within the organisation and across Scotland.
For more information about the work of SYP, please visit our website www.syp.org.uk
Role of an External Advisor
EXAs play an important role in the governance of the organisation by supporting and guiding the board. They are not involved in the day-to-day running of the organisation. EXAs bring their knowledge and expertise in their relevant disciplines to support the youth-led board and the CEO in strategy.
We are about to undertake a governance review, looking at updating our articles of association. This will be a member-led process and a priority of the board for the next 12 months.
Your role on the SYP Board as an External Advisor will be managed by the SYP Chief Executive, who will be your main point of contact outwith board meetings. You will also meet regularly with the SYP SMT and trustees to take on board committee work outwith board meetings.
Governance Arrangements of SYP
SYP is a youth-led organisation governed by a board of trustees made up of 8 MSYPs. The board is elected by the membership at our AGM annually. The board is supported by External Advisors (EXAs) who advise the board on key issues and the SYP Senior Management Team, including the CEO, Head of Participation and Programmes, and Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
The board meets every 10-12 weeks in a mixture of face-to-face and hybrid meetings. EXAs also support our board committees, which meet 2-3 weeks before a board meeting to develop board papers and discussion topics. We also host a board and staff strategy day each year.
EXAs are volunteers who attend board meetings as non-voting advisors to the board. They are defined in SYP’s Articles of Association, which is our governing document, to provide advice, assistance, and guidance to the trustees and SMT.
EXAs are recruited to fill specific skills gaps within the SYP board, such as law, Accountancy, Fundraising, Youth Work, etc., to support the organisation’s work.
SYP is specifically looking for new External Advisors with expertise in:
- Legal Advisor
- Accountancy, Audit and Risk
- Fundraising and Income Generation
Expectations
The expectations of an SYP External Advisor are:
- To offer expertise, support, and advice to trustees in delivering the SYP Strategy.
- To support SYP trustees in the overall governance of the organisation.
- To work with the SYP board on complex issues, giving your knowledge and experience to support trustees.
- To attend the SYP AGM.
- To support the SYP board with input on short-term working groups and board committees.
- Be an ambassador for SYP and promote our work and values in your professional networks, including supporting SYP with networking opportunities.
- Support the SYP Chief Executive in their role and work with them to help the board deliver on SYP’s objectives and KPIs.
Time
- You agree to a 4-year term (two full memberships) with extension by mutual agreement for up to another 2 years.
- You commit to attending board meetings (in person or online), including time for reading papers.
- You agree to an induction day at the SYP Office for new advisors and will support future inductions for the SYP board.
- Regular meeting with the SYP CEO
- Attendance at SYP events when possibl,e e.g. SYP Awards, SYP Sittings, Parliamentary Receptions, etc.
Conduct
- The Scottish Youth Parliament and the SYP Board and External Advisor Code of Conduct sets out the standard of behaviour we expect from our External Advisors.
- SYP is a charity and must be politically neutral in its work. As an external advisor, you will not use your role to promote personal or political opinions when representing SYP.
What to expect from SYP
- Regular meetings with the SYP CEO who will be your day-to-day contact.
- Comprehensive induction process to support your understanding of SYP.
- Annual gathering of external advisors, hosted by SYP.
- Development and training on UNCRC and Children’s Rights.
- Opportunities to attend SYP Parliamentary Receptions, Awards, and events across the year to support your understanding of our work.
- Reasonable travel expenses.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jamie Dunlop, Chief Executive, Scottish Youth Parliament, at jamie.d@syp.org.uk