Overview

Join the Board of East and Southeast Asian Scotland (ESAS). ESAS is a community-led organisation working for justice, rights, and empowerment of East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities across Scotland. We centre the voices of ESEA people while building solidarity and a shared sense of belonging across communities.

Founded in 2020 and formally incorporated as a Community Interest Company (CIC), ESAS has grown into a recognised and trusted voice for ESEA communities in Scotland and across the UK. Significant achievements include community research, emergency responses, wellbeing and inclusion work, digital and data justice projects, partnerships with statutory bodies, hate incident reporting and casework support, and advocacy for labour rights through EMAUK.

What we are looking for: We are seeking new Board members who share ESAS’s commitment to justice, rights, and empowerment for East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) communities. As a Board Director, you will guide strategy, strengthen governance, and help ensure the organisation’s work has a lasting impact. Previous Board experience is not essential; willingness to learn and grow with us is equally important. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed; in exceptional cases, remuneration may be provided for additional executive responsibilities.

Responsibilities

As a Board Director you will:

• Contribute to governance, strategy, and sustainability of ESAS.
• Represent ESAS publicly in line with our mission and values, prioritising community needs and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation.
• Support anti-racism, inclusivity, and long-term wellbeing of ESEA communities.
• Participate in governance activities, including board meetings, preparation, and occasional document reviews.
• Engage in governance development cycles as part of ESAS’s five-year capacity-building plan.

Experience & Skills

We seek Directors with experience or knowledge that strengthen ESAS’s governance and impact. Priority areas include:

• Finance - Financial strategy, accounts oversight, CIC/charity finance compliance, or treasurer experience in charities or CICs.
• Governance - Board governance, organisational development, or leadership in charities, CICs, or social enterprises.
• Funding & NGO Landscape - Understanding UK and international funding for charities and NGOs.
• HR & Compliance - HR processes, employment practices, or regulatory compliance.
• Policy & Systems - Experience in UK policy or systems shaping rights and wellbeing of ESEA communities.

Strongly Desired

• Cross-Sector Engagement - Experience with local councils, NHS, unions, or other statutory/public bodies.
• Civil Society Leadership - In charities, NGOs, grassroots groups, or movements.
• Human Rights & Advocacy - Applying rights frameworks to support migrants and racialised minorities.
• Research, Monitoring & Evaluation - Evidence-based work showing impact on communities.

Commitment

Approx. 29 hours per year, including meetings, preparation, and document reviews. One annual in-person Board meeting in Scotland (end of year). Every 5 years, a Governance Development Weekend (first in Nov/Dec 2025).

Location

Board Directors must be based in the UK to participate in real-time decision-making. Most meetings are online; Directors should be willing to attend at least one in-person meeting in Scotland each year.

Apply to Join Us

For more information on how to apply visit our website: https://www.esascotland.org/becomeaboardmember

We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience in East and Southeast Asian communities, including those at intersections of gender and LGBTQIA+ identity, and people with direct experience of the UK immigration system.

Enquiries

Please contact the ESAS Team at team@esascotland.org.

Application Deadline: 9th October 2025