Head of Support Line
Do you want to create a safer, brighter future for all children in Scotland?
Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. We are seeking to appoint the Head of Support line. Guided by our values - with love, with purpose and with strength - we work to keep children safe, families strong and communities connected. Our support line is a lifeline for families, offering emotional, practical and financial support when it’s needed most. The role will be based in Edinburgh with hybrid and flexible working options available.
The role
We’re looking for an inspiring, experienced leader to head this vital service for Scotland’s families. In this role, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of our high quality multi-channel support line, ensuring families receive timely, effective support through calls, webchat and email. You’ll lead a multi-skilled, experienced passionate team as they modernise this trusted national service. You will, champion children’s rights, innovation and make sure our services evolve to meet the changing needs of children and families.
This is more than an operational role - it’s delivering on our strategic priorities, collaborating with all stakeholders and about amplifying families’ voices, influencing policy and shaping services that make a real difference to children and families. You’ll also work closely with colleagues in business development and fundraising, helping to inspire supporters, strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the impact of our work to funders and donors.
If you have experience managing a helpline or multi-channel services, strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, we’d love to hear from you.
What we are looking for
You will be an inspiring leader and will possess a degree or equivalent experience in social care, business management, or related field. In addition to professional training in leadership, safeguarding and service delivery (desirable).
What you can expect from us
As well as a rewarding career and development opportunities, 35 hour week, we offer 40 days annual leave per year pro rata, a contributory pension scheme, generous maternity/adoption and paternity leave, flexible working opportunities and wellbeing support.
With a supportive and inclusive working environment, the salary for this role is £51,257.00 - £57,613.00 per annum.
Our values
Living our values, you will make a direct impact to the lives of children across Scotland. With love, we put children first. With purpose, we transform children’s lives together. With strength, we do whatever it takes to protect Scotland’s children.
How to apply
We believe all children should have hopes, dreams and opportunities. But for many they don’t exist. This has to stop. We must put children first.
We welcome and encourage applications from potential colleagues from all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief, disability who share our values.
Do you have what it takes to join our team and help us protect children and keep them safe? We would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 9th Jan 2026. It is anticipated that interviews will be held on 19th Jan 2026.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role before applying, please contact:
linda.jardine@childrenfirst.org.uk or simon.mcgowan@childrenfirst.org.uk
For further information and to apply, please visit here.
Children First has a long tradition of valuing and involving sessional and volunteer workers. To find out more about volunteering with us, please visit our website.
The selection process will include seeking PVG Scheme
Children First is the working name of the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Registered Charity No: SC 016092