Executive Director

Birthlink is in a period of significant organisational transformation. We are modernising systems, strengthening accountability, addressing legacy challenges, and resetting our culture to ensure consistent, trauma informed, safe and compliant practice across all service areas. We are looking for an exceptional Director to lead this next phase of development with clarity, authority, compassion and a strong values driven approach. 

Birthlink supports adopted adults and care experienced people to access their records, understand their personal history, reconnect with family, and navigate complex statutory processes. We also support survivors of abuse in care to access information that informs their personal statements and applications to Scotland’s Redress Scheme. 

We operate Scotland’s national Post Adoption Service, including the Adoption Contact Register (ACR), we are also a key Delivery Partner in Scotland’s Redress Scheme and Future Pathways Care Connect. Our Thrift Shops provide both vital revenue and meaningful community engagement. 

Our work sits within a highly scrutinised national landscape shaped by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, the wider Adoption and Care Experienced Policy Agenda, and evolving expectations around information governance, digital security, and access to historical records. 

We are seeking a Director who can provide decisive strategic leadership, strengthen governance, modernise systems, and embed a culture where professional standards, transparency and responsibility are non negotiable. You will lead a cultural reset, address resistance where required, and ensure Birthlink operates with the discipline, compassion and trauma informed practice our beneficiaries deserve. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, managers, funders, regulatory bodies and sector partners to increase Birthlink’s national influence and external profile. 

You will bring substantial experience in governance, finance, performance and risk management, organisational development, and strategic planning. You will be confident navigating complex political, social and regulatory environments, and you will understand the challenges faced by people seeking access to historic records and information. You will be an impactful communicator, a credible spokesperson, and an experienced leader. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead a charity with national significance at a pivotal moment in its development, strengthening its foundations, modernising its systems, and ensuring it continues to deliver safe, effective, trauma informed services for the people who rely on us. 

Please consider the full job pack, which provides detailed information about the role, remit, and how to apply.