Small grants officer volunteer roles in Edinburgh
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Purpose of the role
In this important role, you will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of applicants for our grants and services, in adherence with Variety’s structured grant management approach (guided interviews, weighted scoring and panel review) to maximise impact for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
You will be required to handle grant applications and supporting information with the utmost confidentiality, following organisational policies to ensure the privacy and security of all sensitive and personal information.
Using our defined eligibility criteria and assessment tools, you will evaluate applications and conduct fair and consistent assessments, making award recommendations to support the decision-making process. You will bring an independent voice, playing a key role in ensuring that decisions are made fairly, equitably and transparently and will be required to support your recommendations with evidence of sound analysis and reasoning.
Key Responsibilities
• Review applications and supporting evidence prepared by the case management team.
• Clarify points with applicants when required (within agreed boundaries).
• Conduct structured, remote assessments (by telephone/video call) to understand need, urgency and likely impact on the child, their family life and communities.
• Establish the baseline for monitoring and evaluation by articulating the impact of the intervention.
• Where applicable, use the weighted assessment tool (base on the eligibility criteria and the Theory of Change) consistently and document clear, impartial rationales to prioritise need.
• Prepare concise, written recommendations aligned to policy, criteria and evidence.
• Attend quarterly Assessor Network meetings, which are a forum for sharing good practice, peer support, news sharing, undertaking essential training and reward and recognition.
Optional, Additional Responsibilities
• Where applicable, support the Impact Monitoring and Evaluation team to undertake post-award follow-up interviews to measure the impact made over time.
• Where applicable and available, represent Variety at events, presentations of awards and through online content.
Adherence to Policy and Quality
• Act as a beacon of good practice in fair grant assessment.
• Uphold safeguarding, confidentiality, GDPR, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and anti‑bias standards throughout the assessment process.
• Escalate concerns (quality, safeguarding, unusual risk, conflicts of interest) in line with policy.
• Follow process controls and segregation of roles, supporting a robust, auditable trail.
• Participate in induction, refresher training, and calibration sessions to ensure consistency and continuous improvement.
• Adhere to Variety’s Code of Conduct.
Time Commitment
• Assessments: the time commitment for these varies and is flexible but we expect you will be spending 4 – 8 hours per month on these, dependent on demand and pool of assessors.
• Assessor Network: hybrid meetings that will last 1.5 – 2 hours and will be held quarterly.
• Training: short modular induction plus periodic refreshers usually rolled into Assessor Network meetings.
Support & Supervision
• Induction & training: policy, criteria, assessment skills, impact tools, safeguarding, data protection.
• Ongoing support through Programme Manager, Programmes Support Officer and Head of Programmes.
• Expenses: out‑of‑pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with Variety’s Expenses Policy.
Impact Measures (Volunteer‑Appropriate)
• Timely completion of assigned assessments; adherence to guidance and safeguarding.
• Quality of written rationales; consistency of weighted scoring.
• Constructive contribution to committee discussion and calibration.
• Positive feedback from applicants (tone/respect) gathered via staff.
• Case study preparation
Person Specification
We welcome people from many walks of life. If you’re feel that you are the right person for this role but are unsure whether you “tick every box,” please still consider applying; training and support are provided.
What you’ll bring (essential)
• Fair assessment mindset: you can weigh information against clear criteria and explain your reasoning.
• Analysis skills: comfortable reviewing forms/evidence and using a simple scoring tool. Able to summarise and analyse complex information to extract relevant data, paying attention to detail.
• Communication: great written and spoken English (we have templates to help).
• Lived experience or insight: personal, professional or volunteer experience that helps you understand the challenges faced by disabled or disadvantaged children and young people (or you can demonstrate thoughtful knowledge of these issues).
• Friendly and approachable: comfortable conducting sensitive conversations by telephone/video call with empathy and professionalism.
• Reliability and care: you follow guidance, meet agreed timeframes where you can, and ask for help if something isn’t clear.
• Values & conduct: commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; willing to complete safeguarding training and a DBS check.
Helpful extras (nice to have, but not essential)
• Comfortable using basic digital tools (email, online forms, video calls) – we can show you the rest.
• Experience in any of the following is desirable:
o Grant-making
o Community/children’s services
o Health/education/SEND
o Occupational Therapy
o Social care
o Structured interviewing
o Teaching
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Grant Officer
Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity
Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer
About Us
We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.
Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.
The Role
We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.
You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
- Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
- Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
- Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
- Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting
About You
Essential:
- Strong written communication skills
- Good organisational skills and reliability
- Commitment to social justice and housing rights
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience of grant writing or fundraising
- Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.
What We Offer
- Flexible volunteering hours
- Support, supervision, and guidance
- The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
- Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
- References provided where appropriate
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing. We are very flexible, so still apply even if you don't have a lived experience but can write a bid
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the UK’s leading Badger charity
Become a Trustee on our active board!
Badger Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. We are the leading voice for badgers in England and Wales, dedicated to promoting and enhancing the welfare, conservation, and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats.
We have a network of over 50 local voluntary badger groups, growing all the time, supported by thousands of dedicated supporters and followers.
We are now seeking new Trustees to join our Board. These will support the current Trustees and Chief Executive in delivering the charity's objectives, ensuring we have the right mix of skills, experience, and people to achieve even more for badgers in the coming years.
For these vacancies, Badger Trust is particularly interested in people with experience in charity fundraising, law, and development planning to help us achieve our goals in these areas, building on our research, citizen science, and campaigning work.
Your skills
Trustees with a focus on fundraising will have a strategic approach to opportunities, and might offer support through one or more of the following methods:
- Identifying and reaching out to major donors and corporate partners
- Assisting in writing bids for grants and trust applications
- Offering guidance in planning and executing fundraising strategies and campaigns.
We encourage members of badger groups to apply to ensure the group network is effectively represented.
We are seeking applicants whose professional knowledge will bring value to our Board.
You should be a strong strategic thinker, capable of working collaboratively, and willing to engage with the broader role of Trustee. Badger Trust values diversity and aims to broaden our Board in terms of skills, background, and life experience.
We encourage all applications, especially from individuals of racially diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities, as these groups are currently under-represented on our Board.
We also encourage applicants from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds across the UK.
Time Commitment
The Board typically holds four to six meetings each year on Saturdays. Most of these meetings are conducted online, with two in-person meetings scheduled annually. However, there may be occasions when virtual meetings are necessary outside of the regular schedule.
We also conduct an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Symposium, which Trustees are expected to attend and support. The head office is located in Brighton, but in-person meetings are
generally held in central England. The 2026 Badger Trust Symposium is being held at the University of Northampton.
In addition to routine Board activities, past and present Trustees have contributed to various initiatives and assisted with staff-led projects based on their skills, expertise, and interests. Examples of this work include assisting the creation of our planning and development guide, updating the guide to badger rescue and rehabilitation, engaging with Government and Parliament on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill, scrutinising Government policy and commissioning information searches, taking legal action, and assisting in the recruitment and interviewing of specialised staff.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote and enhance the welfare, conservation, and protection of badgers, their setts, and their habitats.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world where badgers are respected as part of our rich wildlife heritage and are safe from persecution.
Chair, Rosie Wood, joined the board in 2021:
“Being on the Board of Badger Trust brings with it plenty of opportunities to learn and collaborate with people of like mind, which I hope you would expect. But it also offers opportunities to open conversations with different decision-makers who can drive change. It gives me scope to remake our arguments in fresh and compelling ways, informed – in my case –by sharing the background of those I need to engage with.
While we need people committed to protecting and conserving badgers, we also need them to understand those who can best help – funders, policymakers, lawmakers, and communicators. Don’t expect it to be a passive role – badgers need active friends and advocates. But it will rapidly build your skills, professional networks, and CV, and we will do our best to match your interests and availability to the Charity’s needs.
Content publishing template for Badger Trust ©Cox and Co Creative 2023 updated 24.04.2023
Badger Trust Vice-Chair, Phil Loveday, who joined the Board in 2023, encourages you to get in touch:
“I joined the Badger Trust board as I just love badgers and am a member of my local badger group. I also bring extensive organisational, educational and people skills gained during my career in teaching, including as a head teacher at large secondary schools in the Midlands.
I feel passionately that we need the next generation to have the chance to enjoy nature, and to do that, we need to protect it now — that’s what Badger Trust is all about. We need more experienced people willing to help guide the charity in the years ahead.”
Further information
Find out more about our work on our website, where you can also see details of our current Board. You can connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
We are a registered charity and limited company, registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for data protection compliance and with the Fundraising Regulator for fundraising compliance. We are also members of the Small Charities Coalition and NCVO for best practice, guidance, and support as part of our aim to be an effective and efficient charity.
We encourage applicants to ensure they are familiar with the legal responsibilities of a charity Trustee, and more information can be found on the Charity Commission’s website. See Badger Trust’s registration with the Charity Commission.
Trustee roles are voluntary and unpaid. Expenses for Board business will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy. The final appointment to the Board depends on the election of the recommended Trustees at the AGM of Badger Trust by member groups.
How to apply
Please complete the Trustee application form (provided as a Word document) and send it back as a pdf, with a copy of your CV.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
The D D McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO (DDMCS), charity number 1197598, is an active grant making
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has succeeded the D.D. McPhail Charitable Settlement, charity
number 267588, which was founded in 1973 and operational till 2023.
DDMCS aims to support 2 or 3 major multi-year grant projects each year, which are actively sought by the
Trustees to enable small / medium sized charities to make a significant or step change in their activities. The
original trust deed and now the CIO constitution specifies three key areas of preference in the UK around:
• Furtherance of medical research,
• Care of the disabled particularly disabled children, and
• Care of the aged and infirm
The Trustees have wide discretion to support other charitable activities in the UK. There is more detail in
the annual report available via the Charity Commission website and the charity’s own website that outlines
the activities of the charity. Within these broad areas the Trustees recently agreed, following a strategic
review, to focus for the next grant making cycle on charities supporting care for the physical and mental
wellbeing of children living in poverty.
Further information can be found in the recruitment pack (attached).
We are seeking a Chair Designate to join our board, with a view to taking over as Chair in 2027. The Chair provides inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the charity. They act as an ambassador for the organisation, working closely with the Director and fellow Trustees to maximise impact for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting and reviewing the charity’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure decisions align with charitable objectives and long-term sustainability.
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the Board and wider organisation.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, Charity Commission guidance, and relevant
legislation.
• Maintain high standards of governance, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Facilitate annual Board and Trustee performance reviews
Board Management
• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and open debate.
• Provide guidance and constructive challenge to trustees.
• Foster strong relationships among Trustees and between the Board and Executive Director.
• Drive Trustee recruitment and succession planning.
External Representation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity.
• Represent the organisation at external events and with grantees and key stakeholders
• Support advocacy through personal networks where appropriate.
Support to Director
• Maintain a clear distinction between governance and management roles.
• Ensure regular communication and a strong, collaborative working relationship.
• Provide guidance and support to the Director.
Person Specification:
Essential Skills and Experience
• Proven leadership experience at Board or senior executive level.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with ability to balance long-term vision and short-term priorities.
• Financial literacy and ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Excellent communication, with ability to build consensus
• Experience in grant-making or philanthropic sector
Desirable
• Knowledge of charity law and regulatory frameworks.
• Established networks within relevant sectors (e.g., philanthropy, corporate, public).
Personal Attributes
• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment.
• Ability to dedicate sufficient time and energy to the role.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative thinker with ability to bring forward fresh ideas.
If, after reading the applicant pack, you feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for then please apply through CharityJobs, providing a CV and cover letter (2 pages max) detailing why you are interested in this role and your relevant experience.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for preliminary interviews in March (dates to be confirmed). Initial interviews will take place via Teams.
The Trustees of DD McPhail Charitable Settlement CIO are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, particularly those underrepresented in leadership roles within the charity sector.
Please use the following contact details for any questions or queries you may have about the role or the charity:
info at ddmcphail dot org
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.
A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and dynamic team.
We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.
Who are Age UK Sutton?
Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.
Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
- Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
- Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.
Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)
Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April
Please download the full information pack. The covering letter should set out the following (in no more than 2 pages):
Why are you interested in a trustee role at Age UK Sutton?
How you would contribute to Age UK Sutton as a trustee?
Please highlight all relevant experience, and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the above areas and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
A Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is an exciting time to join the Endometriosis UK trustee board, as the organisation expands and develops to achieve the changes that are needed to support those affected by the disease and to drive down diagnosis time. We are looking for a new Treasurer to build on this momentum to strengthen our organisation and bring about change for those with endometriosis. We have a skills-based board, with Trustees having one or more identified skills, with the overall membership of the Board providing the complete set of skills.
Endometriosis UK is the largest UK charity for those with endometriosis. Endometriosis UK works to:
• Provide support to those with endometriosis and their families and friends
• Provide clear, objective information about the condition and its treatments
• Raise awareness amongst health professionals and the general public about the condition
• Support research into endometriosis.
This is an unpaid role. Reasonable pre-agreed travel expenses will be paid.
Time commitment:
• Five meetings a year, including preparation for meetings, reading papers etc; and attendance at an annual strategy day and AGM (held on the same days as Board meetings).
• Trustees have the opportunity to take part in Board sub-groups and project groups to develop aspects of the organisations’ work. Current sub-groups include the Finance Committee and Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Group. Trustees are also invited to attend Endometriosis UK events.
We are recruiting for one new treasurer to join the board. We are particularly looking for:
• Personal or professional experience of diversity and inclusion issues
• Marketing and digital marketing
• Communications and social media
• Campaigning and achieving change
• Experience of working in Primary Care
• Charity finance experience
• Currently living in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
Personal experience of living with, or having a close family member with, endometriosis, is vital on our Board. Whilst we look favourably on applications from those in the endometriosis community, we already have Trustees with first hand lived experience and new trustees do not need to have endometriosis.
We also particularly welcome applications from trustees from a range of backgrounds and experiences as part of our commitment to diversity.
The role will start at a Board meeting on 28th November 2026, when our current Treasurer reaches the end of their 6-year term of office. Prior to the roles starting, the incoming Treasurer will have the opportunity to observe a Board meeting in September, and induction will be planned in October.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our Network is here to offer those affected by endometriosis the support and information they need to understand the condition and take control
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Settled is recruiting new trustees to join its Board and support EU citizens and Ukrainian refugees to access their rights in the UK. This is a voluntary role, open to first-time trustees and those with board experience. We are particularly interested in skills relating to finance, fundraising, governance, or equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as lived experience. Meetings are mainly online, with one in-person away day per year. Closing date: 5pm, Monday 2 February 2026.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.