Upmo is an Edinburgh-based charity that provides support and opportunity for adults with learning and other complex disabilities. Upmo was started in 2006 by Josh Barton and inspired by the belief that services for adults could truly be exciting, dynamic and meaningful.

In 2006, adults with learning disabilities lacked opportunities in higher education and there was a lack of understanding around individual needs. Those who understood the needs of service users operated with limited scope to encourage, inspire and motivate. As a result, many service users were isolated and desperately in need of opportunities to become more socially engaged, active and valued.

The response from Upmo was combining progressive learning within an educational curriculum and the development of support service provision – placing the needs of students at the heart of services. Since 2006, they have delivered these tailored support services alongside a respected curriculum of creative workshops, educational activities and vocational programmes. They encourage students to build confidence, use imagination and develop life skills and help them to play an equal, rewarding and contributing role in society.

The local authorities in Edinburgh and The Lothians love the fresh and innovative approach. Upmo is Scotland’s leader in providing exciting, dynamic and meaningful services to adults with learning disabilities and/ or autism.

Everyone at Upmo has the students and their families at heart and come to work motivated and passionate to help take the organisation forward successfully on its journey. They want to make a difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities through tailored support and learning opportunities that will develop their potential and play an equal role in society. Upmo believe that they can be the exemplar model for Scotland and achieving this across the country, not only in Edinburgh and The Lothians, is a real driving force for everyone.

Upmo has plans to create “The Upmo Performing Arts Hub” in Leith - a bespoke and purpose-built arts centre and performance space, but this has been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. While this aspiration has not diminished, external funding support has been re-prioritised to support their response to the ongoing crisis in the immediate term. Focus on creating an arts hub at the very heart of a new campus style approach for the charity endures and its creation is a major long-term objective for Upmo to ensure culture becomes accessible to all. In 2020, Andrew Thomson was appointed as the first CEO of Upmo with a clear objective of propelling the organisation forward. Bringing a wealth of experience, Andrew has brought new thinking and drive to Upmo. Working alongside the Board, he has set the future direction of Upmo. A restructure has already taken place and to continue expanding operational activities two new departments – Corporate Services and Development, are being established with 4 additional appointments.

The Funding and Grants Officer will be responsible for the compilation and submission of funding bids in line with the organisational funding plan. This role will undertake the required monitoring and reporting on all applications and bids. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services, this role will assist them in identifying external funding opportunities which support Upmo’s strategic plan. It will also assist the senior management team in planning, coordinating and submitting funding applications to a range of Trusts, Foundations and private sector sponsors.

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate a proven track record of sourcing external funding and meeting fundraising targets in a similar role. You must have a record of achievement through further or higher education and a commitment to advancement through certification, training and or professional membership of a relevant body like the Institute of Fundraising. This role requires you have excellent written and verbal communication skills and organisational skills alongside being self-motivated and driven. You will be experienced working to deadlines and financial targets, multi-tasking and working under pressure.

It is important that all applicants have a firm belief in inclusion, fairness and equality evidenced through work practice or personal experience. You must have a desire to ensure people are at the heart of decision making and an ability to balance this with the needs of Upmo.

How To Apply

Please contact BTA to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.

You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.

Closing Date: Friday 12th February 2021

Interview Date: Monday 22nd February 2021

This search is being conducted exclusively for Upmo by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.