East Lothian Third Sector Update 01/05/2025
Welcome to the latest Third Sector Update for East Lothian.
Newsletter Categories:
GOVERNMENT & LEGISLATION
Boost to Scottish Charities as Audit Income Threshold Set to Rise to £1 Million
The previous threshold of £500,000 required many small to medium sized charities to undergo costly and time consuming audits.
Charities with annual incomes of less than £1m can now choose to undergo independent examinations which are generally less rigorous, and more cost effective. This should free up time and resources that can be directed back into an organisations charitable activities.
Scottish Charities to Benefit as Audit Income Threshold Set to Rise to £1 Million - TFN
New Code of Funding Practice Published by Funding Regulator
The new Code of Fundraising Practice, which is designed to be clearer and easier to navigate for charities will take effect later this year.
From 1 November 2025, fundraising regulation in the UK is evolving to reflect modern fundraising practices. Fundraising organisations should review the new code and support guides and begin preparing to ensure compliance. The new Code is 45% shorter than the current Code, and is designed to be clearer and easier to navigate, while maintaing rigour and remaining responsive to future changes.
A structured transition period (May to November 2025) will help fundraising organisations implement the new code. If you have any questions or need further support, please reach out to the Fundraising Regulator at code@fundraisingregulator.org.uk.
New Code - Fundraising Regulator
Scottish Government Launch Human Rights Newsletter
Check out the first edition of The Scottish Human Rights Division newsletter.
The newsletter will provide regular updates on the work of the Human Rights Division, and showcase the work the Government does to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights in Scotland.
The April edition includes information on the next steps for the Human Rights Bill, and UK Government Engagement.
A Newsletter from the Scottish Governments Human Rights Division - Scottish Government
ORGANISATIONAL UPDATES
CAPS Independent Advocacy Meetings
Would you like to give your views on mental health services and your experience?
If so then come along to Haddington Library and speak to CAPS! Collective advocacy meetings can give you a chance to have your say about what is important to you and suggest ideas for action or change.
The next meeting will be on Monday 19th May from 10:30am to 12pm at the Haddington Library.
Refreshments will be provided. Please contact Amy@capsadvocacy.org about accessibility issues or if you have any other questions.
CAPS Advocacy
FUNDING & GRANTS
£1,000 Funding Opportunity from Tesco and easyfundraising
Tesco have partnered with easyfundraising to give a little to good causes.
During May, when your network of volunteers and supporters shop with Tesco via the easyfundraising website or app, your organisation will receive free donations AND has a chance to receive a £1,000 funding bonus!
To enter the Tesco Community Pledge draw:
Firstly, make sure you register your organisation with easyfundraising at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/east-lothian/.
Then, ask anyone who is connected to your organisation to use the easyfundraising platform to shop with Tesco. Each time one of them shops online at Tesco, your organisation will be entered into the draw to receive a £1,000 funding boost. The more people who shop online with Tesco on your behalf, the more chances your organisation has of winning.
Plus, when your supporters shop with Tesco in May, they’ll raise £10 for you if it’s their first-time shop, and 50p for each subsequent shop they do* at no extra cost, all courtesy of Tesco!
Sign Up Now - easyfundraising
Build It (Social Entrepreneurs)
Build It offers grant funding for salary costs, helping enterprising organisation increase their income, and deliver social impact.
Your enterprise must be up and running and able to provide evidence of income generation and social impact to date and been trading for 3 years or less. Profits from the enterprise must be reinvested in the business and its social aims; no assets or uncapped dividends can be transferred out of the organisation to private individuals or bodies.
Your enterprise must be an independent organisation – it is neither a project nor a subsidiary of an existing body. It must aim to provide direct social benefit to individuals, communities and/or the environment.
Applications now open the deadlines for 2025 are:
Noon 26 June 2025 with pitching panels on 26 and 28 August 2025 Noon 25 September 2025 with pitching panels on 19 and 20 November 2025.
Build It - SCVO Funding Scotland
TRAINING & EVENTS
East Lothian Social Enterprise Network Meeting
Open to anyone from established businesses, to fledgling social entrepreneurs.
The East Lothian Social Enterprise Network will hold its first formal meeting on the 12th of May. This will be an exploratory meeting, providing an opportunity to establish priorities and discuss what you would like to see from the network in the future. We will be meeting at VCEL's Tranent office from 10:00am - 11:30am.
We will cover a range of topics including training, visibility and promotion of social enterprise, partnership working, and more!
You can sign up to attend using the following link - https://vcel.tfaforms.net/99?eventid=a05P300000EjOKf or get in touch with robert@volunteercentreeastlothian.org.uk if you have any questions.
Sign Up Here
Online Panel Discussion: Cold Spots of Community Led Activity
Exploring ‘Cold Spots’ of Community-led Activity in Scotland.
Join Community Enterprise on May 9th from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for an insightful live Zoom event. Nick Addington, CEO of William Grant Foundation, will Chair the event and welcome Anthea Coulter, CEO of Clacks Third Sector Interface, and Kate Musgrove, Head of Enterprising Communities at South of Scotland Enterprise, to the panel. This event will delve into recent Cold Spot Research findings and explore actionable strategies to unlock opportunities in cold spot areas.
Event Highlights:
Presentation of Research Findings: Understand the key insights from the Cold Spot Research report.
Expert Panel Discussion: Hear from the panel on the implications of the research and potential solutions.
Interactive Participant Session: Share your ideas and suggestions on how to create opportunities in cold spot areas.
Don't miss this chance to contribute to meaningful change and network with professionals dedicated to community development.
Cold Spots of Community Led Activity - Eventbrite
Last Places - Learning Exchange on Inclusive Democratic Business (IDBMs)
Good food, relaxing surroundings and an opportunity to meet others involved in running IDBMs in rural and island Scotland
Are you involved in a cooperative, community benefit society, social or community enterprise or employee-owned business? We are organising a learning exchange on the Isle of Arran in partnership with InspirAlba and Neil McInroy (EDAS/Democracy Collaborative). Over the two days, the programme will include:
An opportunity to meet others involved in running IDBMs in rural and island Scotland
Practice-sharing workshops
Learning from inspiring IDBMs on the Isle of Arran
Co-creation of a positioning statement for IDBMs in the rural economy to influence future policy
More information can be found here - the event is free and there are travel and accommodation bursary places available! If interested please email Artemis or give her a ring on 0773 059 6842.
Inclusive Democratic Business Models - Rural SE Hub
Support Our Community Kitchen Fundraiser!
Indian Cultural Event at the Maitlandfield Hotel, Haddington on Sunday, 8th June 2025 from 12pm to 5pm.
This is a fantastic event aimed at reducing social isolation and loneliness. Enjoy a day filled with delicious food, engaging activities, and wonderful company!
Tickets available at Gibsons Of Haddington, Graham the Jeweller, and Haddington Wines and Whiskies.
Indian Cultural Event for Our Community Kitchen - VCEL
COMMUNITY & WELLBEING
Youth CAB East Lothian
Make the impossible feel possible.
Youth CAB is for 16-25 year olds (living in East Lothian) and provides free, confidential advice, support and mentoring, led by you. They will support you to make empowered choices and understand your rights, options and potential.
You can talk to Youth CAB about housing, your own tenancy, finances, relationships, family support, substance use, school, education, employment and training.
Get in touch at youthcab@haddingtoncab.org.uk and use your voice in the Youth Forum.
Youth CAB East Lothian - Citizens Advice Bureau
The Big Lunch Vouchers
The Big Lunch is the UK's biggest annual get-together for neighbours, generating new connections, celebrating community, and helping people to make change where they live.
This year the Big Lunch are offering a small food voucher to support Big Lunches taking place in Scotland and Northern Ireland - find out more about how to get involved below!
The main date for The Big Lunch 2025 is 7-8 June. Falling in Volunteers' Week, it's a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate your volunteers. You can also join in on any date that suits you this June. Bring a few folk together for cake and coffee or organise a fundraiser or neighbourly celebration, whatever you do is up to you!
How do I take part?
Register your interest in The Big Lunch and receive your online pack with all the inspiration and information you need: https://bit.ly/TBLP2025.
Plan your Big Lunch and pop it on the map. Make sure to add some contact details and the postcode of your event location to be able to receive any potential giveaways. Your Big Lunch event must take place by the end of June. https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com/pop-your-big-lunch-on-the-map.
Hold your event and don’t forget to take a wee photo and share on socials! Tag @EdenProjectcommunitiesScot @thebiglunchnorthernireland #thebiglunch #monthofcommunity.
How can I get a voucher?
The Big Lunch are offering a small food voucher for Big Lunches taking place in Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are available while stocks last. To get your voucher, contact the Scotland and Northern Ireland Manager, Grainne McCloskey, at Gmccloskey@edenproject.com. Make sure you include your address and contact details, and allow plenty of time ahead of your planned date.
Eden Project Communities - The Big Lunch
Bike Maintenance and Free Bikes - Families Together East Lothian
Get your bike ready for summer!
Families Together East Lothian have been working hard fixing bikes across the county. The most recent bike maintenance session in Prestonpans was a roaring success, and further sessions are due to run throughout the summer. The next session is on Friday 16th May from 2pm - 4pm at Tranent Library.
FTEL also have a number of free bikes (suitable for children aged 7 and up) that they are looking to rehome. All enquiries can be sent to sphair@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Families Together East Lothian - East Lothian Council
OPPORTUNITIES & VACANCIES
Administrative Assistant
Salary: £22,325 – £23,873 pro-rata
Location: Hybrid/Haddington
Carers of East Lothian are looking for an administrative assistant (working 24 hours a week) with experience in reception or office admin to act as the first point of contact for carers and professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintain accurate client records, manage referrals, and arrange clinic appointments (e.g. Legal Advice, Power of Attorney).
Provide admin support for carer events and workshops, process small grants, and update financial records.
Support reception area upkeep, office supplies, and general admin tasks including mailings, info packs, and Board support.
Assist the wider team and volunteers while ensuring compliance with data protection and health & safety policies.
Closing date is Friday 2nd May at midday, and interviews expected to be held w/c 19th May.
Administrative Assistant - Goodmoves
Housing Support Worker
Salary: £25,000
Location: Haddington
Action for Children are one of the largest children’s charities in the UK and have been making a difference to the lives of the UK’s vulnerable children for over 150 years. This is an opportunity to empower young individuals to live independently within their own homes and communities.
As a Housing Support Worker in the Action for Children team, you'll play a crucial role in creating and implementing personalised care plans. You'll have the rewarding opportunity to support young people in their journey towards greater independence, helping them achieve milestones, make informed decisions, and actively engage with their community.
Responsibilities will include:
Maintaining effective working relationships and communication with colleagues, young people and families.
Being alert to child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures.
Helping young people transition in to happy and healthy adults.
Being solution focused and building on strengths.
Please note, Action for Children cannot offer sponsorship for this role. Closing date 13th May 2025.
Housing Support Worker - Goodmoves
Individual Advocacy Worker
Salary: £25,778 - £28,533 FTE (£16,889 pro rata)
Location: East Lothian and Midlothian with LGBTQIA+ work in Edinburgh
23.75 hours per week (part time over a minimum of 3 days). 12 months fixed term post (maternity cover and pilot project).
This is a great opportunity to join CAPS’ friendly, supportive Individual Advocacy team to provide Individual Advocacy to adults in East Lothian and Midlothian who are experiencing mental health issues. This post will also pilot Individual Advocacy to the LGBTQIA+ community in Edinburgh – an extension to our current work in East Lothian and Midlothian. CAPS also provides an adult Individual Advocacy service for people who are affected by drugs or alcohol in Midlothian and East Lothian.
The focus of the work is the provision of Independent Advocacy – making sure that people’s views and wishes are heard. You will make sure people are informed about their options and their rights and assist people who have mental health issues to redress power imbalances in their lives and in their interactions with services. Individual Advocacy is very rewarding work that makes a real difference. Full training will be provided.
This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. There will be a 4 month probationary period attached to this post. A mix of home and office working is possible but face to face working with people is essential.
Closing date for applications is Thursday 22 May 2025 at 12 noon. Provisional interview date Wednesday 11 June 2025.
Individual Advocacy Worker - CAPS