English
Cymraeg
Trustees
Scotland
Non-remunerated
The Royal Society for the Support of Women of Scotland (RSSWS) is a national charity operating throughout Scotland providing financial support to single women over the age of 50 who are struggling to live on low incomes and with limited savings. The Society was founded in 1847 as the Society for the Relief of Indigent Gentlewomen of Scotland but has modernised significantly over recent years. These changes were codified in an updated Royal Charter in 2015 which, amongst other things, changed the Society’s name to its current form.
RSSWS is extremely fortunate to be able to undertake its work with the income the Society derives from a significant investment portfolio, now under discretionary management with investment managers. A small management and administration staff team is based in Edinburgh and Caseworkers based around Scotland who visit and assess new applications and keep in touch with existing beneficiaries. The Society places significant emphasis on promoting a sense of personal connection and engagement with the Society’s work amongst its beneficiaries and have overwhelmingly positive feedback from them.
Following the retirement of several long-serving Committee members this year, the Society invites applications from individuals interested in its work and willing to commit to the role of Member and Trustee. As established by their recent Trustee Skills Audit, we would be particularly interested to hear from individuals with experience and expertise in:
- Welfare delivery and / or grant making to individuals
- Knowledge of welfare policy and / or the impacts of poverty
- Investment Management / Accountancy
- Background in general legal practice
However, we would also be interested to hear from individuals with other relevant skills who would be interested in contributing to the future work and direction of the Society.
This is a fantastic opportunity for strategic decision-makers to work as part of a group to further the historic Society’s life-changing work for women in Scotland. During its lifetime, we calculate that the Society has so far distributed over £33 million in direct payments. Adjusting for inflation, this is equivalent to well over £150 million in today’s money.