We are recruiting for four new committee members to join our Scotland Committee. This is an exciting opportunity to help us decide how National Lottery money supports communities in Scotland whilst also setting the strategic direction of our work.

Leading our Committee is Scotland Chair, Kate Still. Here she tells us what to expect as a committee member, why a diversity of voices and experience is important and a reminder that everyone has something unique to bring.

Hello, I’m Kate, thank you for taking the time to consider joining the Scotland Committee. I can say that this is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people and communities across Scotland. Whilst professional background brings a range of skills and experience to the role, lived experience and the desire to serve communities is equally important and relevant.  

I applied because I am passionate about the power of people and communities to drive the change they want to see. I joined four years ago at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was important that the Fund was flexible and helped the voluntary sector respond quickly to support communities through the crisis. The Committee took decisions to invest more funds and direct funding to those who needed it most – it was the right thing to do.  

It was strange getting used to the role at first as everything was online. Now it is back to a mix of online and face to face meetings. I have genuinely enjoyed being part of the Fund and working with colleagues from across the UK. My role involves setting the strategic direction of the Fund in Scotland and being accountable for decisions. This involves listening to all points of view and facilitating discussion to reach good decisions. I represent the Scotland Committee on the UK Board and have enjoyed collaborating and contributing to develop our exciting new strategy, It starts with community.

My highlights

The absolute best part of the role is meeting and thanking the amazing people who deliver vital community services. Over the years I have had the pleasure of visiting many wonderful projects. One that sticks in my mind was a visit to Golden Friendships in Clydebank. It was inspirational to hear how local people took on a building that was in disrepair and converted it into a buzzing community hub generating great joy and happiness. Another project visit I loved was surprising Barmulloch Community Development Company with an award at the launch of our strategy. It was also great fun to be at the Platinum Jubilee Mad Hatters Tea party held by the Glencorse Centre.

What we’re looking for

I hope you consider joining our committee – we are very keen to encourage a diverse committee including those who are representative of the communities we serve. We want people who can bring fresh perspectives to the delivery of our strategy.

As a committee member you will contribute to setting the direction of our strategy in Scotland. This involves being accountable for ensuring the highest standards of good governance. You will be involved in making decisions and supporting our place-based teams in grant-making. You will work closely with colleagues and the senior management team and be an ambassador for the Fund on project visits and at events.

We are looking for Committee Members who understand and are interested in the Scottish social, political and cultural landscape and are passionate about the role of the voluntary and community sector in making change happen. Relevant knowledge and expertise of any of the Fund’s four community-based funding missions is welcome. These are to:

• Support communities to connect
• Support environmentally sustainable communities
• Enable children and young people to thrive
• Enable people to live healthier lives

We are also looking for relevant experience of working with and for the community and voluntary sector and involvement in difficult decision-making, taking account of competing demands, in either in a professional, or voluntary/personal capacity. An understanding of grant funding as a grant holder or as a funder would be helpful. Equally important is a commitment to our values and strategic ambitions.

My advice

We are looking for people who care about our work. So, my advice to those applying would be to consider all your strengths and focus on the relevant knowledge and experience you have about our missions, and the people and communities the Fund serves. I hope to be reading your application soon.

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If you have been inspired by Kate’s words and believe you have the background and personal qualities needed, we would love to hear from you. You can find out more about this opportunity and how to apply on our website.

Closing date for applications is 23 October 2024 at 12 noon.

If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact Fiona Grant: fiona.grant@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.