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The National Lottery Community Fund – Climate Action Fund Decision Panel Appointments

Climate Action Fund- Food Systems - Expert Panel Member Role Specification

Term of Appointment: Three Years

Time Commitment - 9 Days per year

The National Lottery Community Fund (The Fund) wishes to recruit an external member for the Climate Action Fund Decision Panel. The Chair of the UK Funding Committee (UKFC) accordingly invites applications for the position of external member of The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund Decision Panel.

Background

The Fund is the largest funder of community activity in the UK. It launched the Climate Action Fund in 2019 as a long-term commitment to support communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in positive environmental action. Since its launch the Climate Action Fund has awarded over £182m to communities across the UK. This includes over 175 larger projects, predominantly delivered through partnership approaches and over 440 small grants that were delivered through Together for Our Planet, a funding programme in support of COP26. The programme has always had a test and learn ethos and each strand of funding has built on learning to date.

In January 2026 the Climate Action Fund launched a new strand of funding - Food Systems, focusing on strengthening food systems across the UK, while reducing food insecurity for people and communities, without harming the planet. It will achieve this through supporting partnerships that can deliver long term solutions and transformational systems change. Funding will enable large and long term interventions with the capacity and time to deliver progress against their intended aims and ambitions. We will support agroecological approaches which work with nature to create resilient, sustainable and equitable food systems. Projects can apply for a minimum of £2.5 million over three years, and we expect to fund up to ten projects in the first year. More information about funding aims and criteria can be found in Annex A (attached).

Through the Climate Action Fund we support projects based in all four countries of the UK and a combination of place based, cross country, regional, national and UK wide.

Role Specification

The Climate Action Fund is seeking a subject matter expert in food systems, who will complement our existing panel and support our work across the UK. They will have an understanding of the holistic aims we seek to address in supporting long term solutions that will have benefits for both climate, environment and nature, and to people and communities.

The Climate Action Fund Decision Panel has delegated authority from the UK Funding Committee (UKFC) to make funding decisions on Climate Action Fund Programmes.

The purpose of the Climate Action Fund Decision Panel is to make funding decisions, review the performance of the Climate Action Fund portfolio, and make recommendations where appropriate to UKFC. Funding decisions shall be taken in the context of the UKFC Delegation and shall undertake its duties within the framework of overall National Lottery Community Fund policy and procedures.

 Person Specification

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the food system across the UK, with a particular focus on agroecology and long term, systemic ways to strengthen our food system and reduce food insecurity for people and communities.
• The ability and skill to contribute effectively to the development of this strand of funding and wider work of The Fund in relation to food systems, with a strong track record of achievement in this area. 
• Ability to work on a Panel with excellent interpersonal, team working, communication and representational skills.
• The ability to engage and influence in relationships with stakeholders to ensure the Fund is well represented and externally impactful.
• Personal and operational integrity, the ability to work with people from different backgrounds, and a commitment to improving equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Clear understanding and commitment to building strong and connected communities, that reflect the whole of the UK.
• Ability to deliver operational transformation and culture improvement in a large organisation.
• A strong commitment to engaging communities across the UK, and factoring UK-wide perspectives into all decision making. 

Interview details:

• Date: Interviews will take place in early July with appointments confirmed by the end of July.
• Format: Online

How to apply:

Upload your CV in word format and write a supporting statement with a maximum of 1000 words. Your supporting statement should explain how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria below.

Essential Criteria 

• An advocate and ambassador for The Fund and a demonstrable commitment to its mission and purpose. 
• Understanding and experience at a senior level of community organisations and track record in creating an environment where communities are connected and supported. 
• Experience of systems change work and how that translates to community centred funding.
• Experience and understanding of food systems, particularly in alignment with our funding aims and the conditions required to influence and shape long term solutions that start with communities.
• Experience of influencing or shaping food systems policy from a community perspective. 
• A demonstrable commitment to and experience in equity and equitable practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

Desirable Criteria  

• An understanding of funding, philanthropy or public sector systems. 

If you are excited about the opportunity to help communities drive lasting change, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

The overall purpose of the role is to lead and coordinate meaningful participation and engagement opportunities for children, young people and adults to shape services, influence decision-making and ensure the voices of lived experience are central to organisational development. The postholder will support in designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives that build trust, inclusion and empowerment.

Main Responsibilities

• To co-ordinate and provide safe spaces for children, young people and adults to participate in user- led activities and projects.
• To be a key link between children, young people and adults within our participation service and staff, making sure their voices and experiences are heard.
• To recruit and engage children, young people, and adults, to enable them to feel comfortable to join our Participation service.
• To support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement to develop opportunities for children, young people, and adults to be actively involved throughout the organisation.
• Lead and facilitate small scale participation projects.
• To maintain records of all interactions with stakeholders, using Salesforce.
• To be able to work flexibly, including regular evening and occasional weekend work in response to participants availability.
• Support the Head of Voice, Participation & Engagement in planning and facilitating forums.
• Work with people with lived experience of bereavement to create meaningful content and service recommendations.
• Work across the organisation sharing, promoting and training in best practice in participation.
• To assist in planning, organising and delivering participation events (virtually and in-person).
• Ensure that a range of voices are heard, with particular focus on EDI.
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of members of the participation service through adherence to the organisation’s safeguarding policy and practice.
• Maintain accurate records throughout all services, complying with the organisation’s recording and reporting requirements.

Communication and Relationships

• Develop and maintain trusted relationships with children, young people, families, adults, and stakeholders to create safe and inclusive spaces for participation.
• Facilitate group and one-to-one engagement sessions using creative and accessible methods to ensure diverse voices are heard and valued.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including service delivery, communication, marketing and fundraising to embed participation principles across all areas of work.
• Represent the organsiation externally at meetings, events and networks, sharing insight from lived experience to inform sector-wide learning.
• Translate feedback and participation outputs into clear reports, presentations or creative formats that inform decision-making.
• Demonstrate empathy, confidentiality and active listening when engaging with individuals or groups who may have experience loss and trauma.
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues.
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work.
• Adapt communication style and approach to suit the needs, preferences, and emotional states of children, young people and adults, including those with neurodiverse profiles or communication difficulties.
• Provide clear, compassionate explanations of support options, safeguarding procedures, and next steps to children, young people, adults and families.
• Maintain professional boundaries while fostering a safe and supportive environment for children, young people and adults.
• Respond to challenging or emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, professionalism, and a focus on empathy and support.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of communications and decisions in line with organisational policies and data protection regulations.

 Knowledge, training and experience

• Proven experience in youth participation, community engagement, co-production, or related areas, ideally within charity, education or health and social care sector.
• Understanding of participation frameworks, rights-based approached and trauma-informed practice.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of grief, loss, trauma, child development, and the psychological and social impact of bereavement on children, young people, families and adults.
• Experience in facilitating groups, workshops, and creative engagement activities both in-person and online.
• Ability to translate engagement insight into practical feedback and recommendations
• Adhere to legislation and statutory guidance related to Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults, and the Mental Capacity Act.
• Participate actively in clinical supervision and reflective practice to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery.
• Contribute to the development and sharing of knowledge within the team by supporting training, mentoring, and peer learning opportunities.

Analytical and judgment skills

• Ability to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback and identify key themes, trends, and areas for improvement.
• Exercise sound judgement in managing sensitive information, ethical boundaries and participant confidentiality.
• Assess engagement risks and implement appropriate boundaries and referrals in line with safeguarding policies.
• Critically evaluate participation initiatives and contribute to evidence-based practice through reflection, evaluation tools and reporting.
• Balance organisation priorities with participant needs, ensuring representation remains authentic rather than tokenistic.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful data recording and reporting to inform practice, service evaluation, and organisational performance monitoring.

Planning and organisational skills

• Plan, coordinate and deliver participation activities, forums and events with clear objectives, timelines and outcomes.
• Support the development of annual participation calendars or frameworks as needed.
• Manage competing priorities across multiple projects, ensuring timely communication with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain accurate records, consent forms and participation data using appropriate digital systems.
• Support logistical arrangements including venue booking, accessibility adjustments, transport and safeguarding measures.
• Contribute to strategic planning by identifying emerging themes, opportunities for partnerships and areas for innovation.
• Provide cover and support for participation and engagement team members during periods of absence or high demand.
• Demonstrate self-awareness and reflective capacity, using supervision and peer support to sustain personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the development of efficient, evidence-based practices by supporting team planning, service evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ experience of working with children and young people or adults in health, social care, youth, community or education setting
• Experience of advocating for the interests of children, young people or vulnerable adults or individuals from ethnically diverse communities
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of tailoring these to a wide range of audience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with children, families, and professionals while maintaining professional boundaries at all times
• Experience of facilitating participation groups both in person and online
• Knowledge of different facilitation approaches and methods
• Demonstratable experience of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and an ability to practice in a way that promotes this
• Experience of building trusting relationships with children, young people, and adults creating safe space
• Passion for the power of Voice and Lived Experience
• Understanding of the challenges that participation work can present, and experience of how to overcome this
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and with external organisations
• Emotional maturity, stability and resilience with a strong commitment to self-care and the ability to seek support and guidance when difficulties arise in the course of work
• Strong IT skills, including confidence in using multiple IT systems

Desirable

• Experience of working in bereavement sector

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if applicable) with increase for long service.
• TOIL for our hours work.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance.
• Training loans.
• Enhanced family friendly policies.

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 16th June 2026 at midnight

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Please refer to our recruitment pack for further details on the interview process.

Are you passionate about helping young people discover faith and purpose? 

At Scripture Union, we believe every child and young person should have the chance to explore who Jesus is—yet many never will. That’s why we’re growing a team of people who are passionate about building relationships, creating opportunities, and inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of young people. 

We’re looking for someone who is motivated by this vision and excited to have a hands-on role in seeing it become a reality across London. 

You’ll be working in and around your local and other nearby boroughs. You will already have strong existing connections in West London (Ealing, Hillingdon, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow and Hounslow) or North & North West London (Brent, Enfield, Harringay, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Westminster & City). 

This role could be for you if you… 

• Have experience in youth work, church ministry or leadership, education, or social entrepreneurship 

• Love connecting with people and building strong, collaborative relationships 

• Enjoy starting new things, spotting opportunities, and turning ideas into action 

• Are confident supporting, coaching, and encouraging others to grow 

• Are passionate about seeing children and young people thrive 

• Are a practising Christian who is active in your local church 

You might not have heard the term Mission Enabler before—and that’s okay. What matters most is your heart, your drive, and your ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. 

What you’ll be doing 

This is a varied and outward-facing role where no two weeks look the same. You’ll: 

• Build relationships with churches, community groups, and individuals across your area 

• Recruit, support, and encourage volunteers who are working with children and young people 

• Help create and lead new initiatives that give young people opportunities to explore faith 

• Coach and equip others to grow their confidence and impact 

• Develop new ideas and approaches that can be expanded more widely 

• Contribute to events, activities, and programmes across the region 

You’ll spend time out and about in your local area, as well as working flexibly from home. 

The role can be a full or a part time job share and offers flexibility for anyone with childcare/caring responsibilities, candidates in existing part time employment or study. We also offer home based working for even greater flexibility and balance with the responsibilities of family life.   

Why join Scripture Union? 

Scripture Union is a national charity working to see a new generation with a vibrant faith. We partner with churches and communities across England and Wales, helping them engage children and young people in meaningful and relevant ways.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a supportive, purpose-driven team where your work has real and lasting impact. 

We offer: 

• Flexible, home-based working 

• Full-time or part-time/job share options 

• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays (and additional volunteering days) 

• Up to 12% pension contribution 

• Life insurance and enhanced family leave 

• A collaborative, values-led working environment 

About your team  

You’ll be joining our brilliant South Region team, which covers our largest region from Kent to Cornwall, offering numerous opportunities to contribute your expertise in a variety of contexts, from urban and suburban to coastal and rural settings. You’ll have a brilliant time getting acquainted with this rich tapestry of local and national partners. Across the south region, we currently work with 130 churches and have 150 faith guides, we’d like to see these numbers grow significantly over the next few years.  

In the south region we have the highest density of Christian holidays and festivals, with events that we organise and run directly and a variety of festival and missions that we support and partner with. You’ll have a fantastic opportunity each summer to get hands on engaged in these mission and festivals throughout the year.  

Our South Region also includes our vibrant capital, one of the most multicultural and ethnically diverse cities in the world, with over 300 languages spoken. With many like-minded missional organisations having a footprint in and around the capital, and all of the Christian movements and denominations represented here, London holds key strategic value and will be the focus of your ministry activities. You’ll be joining an exceptional and growing team of five staff. We are particularly interested in how sports, arts, and culture can be explored to further enable the mission both in London and across SU and would be particularly interested in candidates with expertise in either of these areas.  

Important information 

• This role requires an active Christian faith and involvement in a local church (Occupational Requirement – Equality Act 2010). 

• An enhanced DBS check is required. 

• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK (we cannot offer visa sponsorship). 

Interested? 

If you’re excited by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and young people—and to equip others to do the same—we’d love to hear from you. 

Interview date: 7th July 2026