Chair of Board of Trustees

• Federation of Writers (Scotland)

• VO105726

The Federation of Writers (Scotland) is an organisation devoted to supporting writers across Scotland. Our mission statement is 'to provide opportunities for writers at all stages of their careers and development to associate, learn and develop together, through performance, development activities, events, publications and the general celebration of Scottish writing across genres and all three of Scotland's languages, English, Gaelic and Scots.' We are especially keen to promote Scots and Gaelic and our annual competition has separate categories for entries in these languages, one of the few writing competitions to do so. We are an organisation led by writers for all writers.
We have an honorary Makar (Poet ) & Scriever (Prose Writer ) chosen each year by their contemporaries and -predecessors in the role - with nominees then being verified by our Board. These writers help us to raise our profile and connection to our members and in the broader writing community. With support from our committed and energetic board we encourage them to support the Federation's workload across publications, competitions, project and workshop opportunities for our members across the calendar year. They too give of their time as volunteers to the Federation and bring a dynamic and enriching opportunity to both their own roles and our members.
The Chair is the figurehead of “The Fed”, representing it at internal and external events, so you’ll need at least an appreciation of the Scottish writing ecosystem and the process of writing. Ideally though, you’ll have a reasonable network of relevant contacts to draw upon for help and inspiration!
Your main remit is to work alongside the other Board members (you are not alone!) to steer the direction of the Fed and help smooth its administration. You’ll provide impartial advice based on your broad experience. In short, you’ll set the tone and lead by example.
What you’ll do:

• Promote The Fed and the celebration of Scottish writing across genres and three of Scotland’s Languages within the wider Scottish writing community


• Oversee a programme of performances, projects, workshops, events, publications and competitions, designed to provide writers of all abilities with opportunities to associate, learn and develop together


• Guide, support and advise other Board members, volunteers and members


• Chair the AGM and Board meetings


• Seek out suitable candidates for vacant Board positions or judging opportunities and oversee the annual appointment of a new Makar and Scriever.
  What you’ll get out of it:
  As Chair, you’ll be the figurehead of The Fed within the writing community in Scotland, so it’s an important and high-profile role within its field. You’ll grow your network of writing contacts and deepen relationships both within The Fed and beyond. And of course, you’ll benefit from numerous opportunities to engage with and learn from some of the best writers Scotland has to offer. It’s an amazing opportunity which will enhance you own writing AND your CV!

Experience required

Ideally, you’ll need to be:

• Confident and good at communicating (of course!)


• Well-versed in the running of The Fed or similar organisations


• Familiar with good governance practices and procedures


• Well-connected, with a convivial nature, who enjoys working alongside others


• Charismatic and committed


• Tactful and discreet

Travel details

Board meetings (usually monthly) are held online due to the geographic spread of our Board.
We aim to provide all face to face activities in accessible venues across the country, primarily in the central belt, but building up elsewhere in Scotland through collaborations and festival connections. We also hold hosted online events to engage with as many members as we can.

Travel expenses

The role requires limited travel, however, any reimbursement of expenses would be by prior agreement.

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