Grants Officer
Salary £ 26,100 to £29,000 (fte) - depending on skills and experience - 25hrs per week - (0.625 fte) - additional hours available subject to funding
Mix of homeworking and based at offices in Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Vacancy listed 22/05/2025
Application deadline 12/06/2025
Details
To work as part of the Grants & Programmes Team to support organisations applying for funding each year through the Foundations grants programme.  The post holder manages important relationships with potential and current grantees, building trust and an understanding of their purpose and aims and supporting them to submit appropriate and high-quality applications for funding against the funds criteria and Foundation’s priorities. To contribute to wider initiatives, as directed by the Senior Grants Manager to ensure the Foundation maintain high standards and contribute to national data sharing and initiatives that strengthen the work and reach of the foundation. The Grants Officer will report to the Senior Grants Manager and will work closely with colleagues across the Foundation contributing to the delivery of the Foundation’s Strategic Plan, vision and values. 

Responsibilities


To undertake tasks associated with BLCF's grantmaking functions, including carrying out due diligence and assessments of grants applications (under the supervision of the Senior Grants Manager).

Process all applications within agreed timelines, working alongside Fund Leads to review and assess grant applications effectively. 
 
Work alongside members of the team and Data Officer to maximise use of our in-house CRM database for monitoring and impact reporting.  
 
Provide grant-making support and advice to potential and existing grantees on our funds and programmes, under the guidance of the Senior Grants Manager, to ensure open and transparent access to our programmes and proactively looking to address inequality and fairer access to opportunities the Foundation offers. 
 
Work closely with other members of the team to ensure that the Foundation achieves excellence in grant-making and all its operational aspects. 
 
Carry out other associated duties, which may arise, develop, or be assigned, in line with the scale and general nature of the post. 

Performance Management


Contribute to the production of delivery/donor reports as required to funders as requested by Senior Grants Manager. 
 
Work with Senior Grants Manager to agreed development areas in annual appraisal to ensure high levels of knowledge and expertise are developed that add value to the Foundation. 
 
Ensure appropriate levels of training are maintained and a good working understanding of the policies and procedures of the Foundation.

Relationship Management


Maintain and share our vision and values and help those who wish to work with us understand the processes and requirements we have. Listen and learn, and share the needs of communities back into the work of the Foundation to ensure we are always 'need led'. 

Representing the Organisation


Maintain a good working understanding of community and charity sector issues to better inform our work, ensuring information is cascaded to wider members of the team. 
 
Be an ambassador for the work of the Foundation by demonstrating its values in the delivery of its work. 

Experience


Clear understanding of the wider voluntary and charity sector in Bedfordshire.  

Some experience of working in and for the charity and volunteer sectors 
 
Some prior experience of grant-making or similar assessment work (D). 

Skills & Abilities 


Excellent personnel skills and able to work effectively within a small team providing support across a width of areas. 

A self-starter, able to act on own initiative and to organise, plan and prioritise own workload to meet deadlines. 

Keen to learn and develop new skills and knowledge in the VCSE and Grant making sector 

Ability to work effectively under pressure and to demonstrate a professional approach in a range situation. 

Fully computer literate including Word, Excel, Power Point and use of databases.  

People with lived experience / professional experience of support for minoritised communities are particularly encouraged to apply. (D) 

Understanding of need in the Bedfordshire County. (D) 
 
Familiarity with legal and financial requirements for charities, community groups and social enterprises. (D) 
 
Knowledge of uses of Salesforce. (D)

Equality Issues


Able to demonstrate how diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) can be made integral to their work and service delivery.  
 
Some knowledge and understanding of equality issues and legislation relating to the charity sector. (D) 

Personal Attributes


Committed to customer care and the provision of high-quality services. 

Detail-oriented. 

Punctual. 

Committed to learning and development. 

Ambitious, energetic and with an outward focus. 

Highly motivated, with an enthusiasm and determination to build the resources available and needed to support community needs across Bedfordshire. 

Creative and flexible in outlook. 

Strong commitment to the values of the Community Foundation. 

Other Requirements


Able to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 

Ability to access and work across all of the county of Bedfordshire or other geographical areas as dictated by our funding streams, when necessary. To ensure we meet the business and operational requirements of the organisation. 

Current driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits

25 days holiday per annum (fte) - rising 1 day to year after first 2 yrs to a max 28 days. Plus, addition to public holidays
5% contributory pension
WPA NHS Top Up Health Benefits
Christmas closure week

Notes

Dimensions of the role:

Use and maintenance of accurate records on Salesforce database

Access and use of BLCF management systems incl: Breathe HR, SharePoint

Working Environment:

Based at the current business office at Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire but working flexible from home and on locations across the county as required.

Equalities:

The postholder will ensure that policies, procedures and activities for service delivery are revised and/or implemented in a way that supports equality for all. These activities should also reflect BLCF's commitment to Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) within the sector and in its work to support the communities of Bedfordshire & Luton as an equitable funder.

NB: This job description reflects the requirements of BLCF as of April 2025. The role and duties of the post are subject to change in line with the future development of BLCF. BLCF reserves the right to make such changes as are necessary and any changes required will be discussed with the post holder as appropriate.

We will consider any reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post.

The post holder will ensure that BLCF's policies are reflected in all aspects of his/her work, in particular those relating to:

(i) Equal Opportunities

(ii) Health and Safety

(iii) Data Protection Act (1984 & 1998)

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the team at administrator@blcf.org.uk or 01525 306690.

How to Apply

We operate blind recruitment to ensure fair and equal treatment of all candidates.

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Anonymised CV Remove your name, address, and contact details (including from the file name).

2. Cover letter In no more than 2 A4 pages in total, address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the person specification, clearly showing how your experience and skills meet each requirement.

3. Completed application form Fill in all sections of the application form.

File formats: Please submit all documents as PDF or Word documents.

Interviews will be taking place during the w/c 23rd June 2025.

Attached documents
Title File
Grants Officer Job Description Grants_Officer_JD_-_March_2025.pdf
Application Form - BLCF Application_Form.docx
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