Clan recruiting in Orkney as long serving employee prepares to retire
Clan Cancer Support is looking for a passionate local co-ordinator to run its Orkney centre, as the charity’s stalwart Orcadian prepares to retire after 15 years of service.
Karen Scott (64) joined Clan in 2008 and opened the charity’s first Orkney centre in Victoria Street, Kirkwall, where staff and volunteers continue to provide physical and emotional support to those impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
In 2023 Karen publicly shared her breast cancer experience by taking part in a study with Aberdeen University as part of global-reaching research which revealed a cancer gene link to Westray.
The charity has since established an outreach programme on the Orkney Island with Karen, who is now in remission, among the team providing face to face support to anyone who has tested positive for the gene, those worried about a loved one who is affected or anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Karen hasn’t given an exact date for her retirement and plans to remain at Clan to train the new recruit, who she believes will have the full support of the local community.
She said: “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to work for Clan and to support people on Orkney who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Throughout my time in this role I have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity and passion from fellow Orcadians.
“From businesses such as Alfred Flett Ltd, Highland Park, NOV and SSE who have fundraised for our services and nurtured projects like our garden redevelopment and our centre renovation, to our local volunteers who devote their free time to provide our lifeline services to clients and keep our shop running, the support from the local community has been unwavering.”
The charity is now actively recruiting for Karen’s successor with responsibilities including developing and promoting Clan’s services within the local community, providing support to those impacted by a cancer diagnosis and managing a team of volunteers and complementary therapists.
Karen previously worked as a wholesale manager before becoming an employee at Clan and successfully fundraised £56,000 for the charity in her first year of work, but she firmly believes the successful applicant doesn’t necessarily require previous experience in the charity sector.
She added: “This is a really unique and fulfilling job role which doesn’t necessarily require a charity background – the most important thing is that the successful applicant has a genuine interest in people and is committed to helping them navigate what can be a very difficult period in their life.”
Candidates can view the full job role and apply by Sunday, March 31 by visiting https://www.clancancersupport.org/vacancies/
