INCH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Scottish Land Fund (SLF) Stage 1 Project

Inch House Community Asset Transfer Feasibility Study

INVITATION TO QUOTE: Specialist Architectural / Business Advisers

Background

Inch House Community Centre, based at Inch House, is owned by the City of Edinburgh Council and operated by Inch Community Association (ICA), a fully constituted two-tier SCIO (SC049401). Unusually for a community centre, Inch House is also a Category A listed building comprising a historic 16th century Tower House with notable Georgian and Victorian extensions. Inch House has been a council-owned community centre for nearly 40 years and the building fabric has suffered from underinvestment over this period.

Inch House is of great significance to local residents and numerous community groups, given its rich history and heritage, its role as an adult learning centre, and hub for many community, arts, cultural, wellbeing and environmental organisations and activities. Under a current grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), ICA is assessing future viable options for much needed refurbishment of Inch House; it has also been investing its own resources in a programme of restoration and improvement of its rooms and internal spaces (many of which are empty) to make these available for external / community users.

Inch House – Community Asset Transfer preparation

As part of a wider project to secure a long-term sustainable future for Inch House, we are considering all options, including the potential acquisition of Inch House for community ownership through the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process, working with the City of Edinburgh Council and other stakeholders to develop a viable and sustainable long-term community ownership and management solution that safeguards the future of Inch House.

In order to inform this potential long-term solution, ICA is currently preparing to submit an application to the Scottish Land Fund to secure the necessary ‘Stage 1’ funding to assess the feasibility of developing a CAT solution for Inch House and to prepare the ground for this.

Our application to SLF will be submitted on 02 October and we anticipate a response to our application by mid-November. The likely fee value of this work is £28,000 (including VAT) to be carried out between mid-November 2026 and mid-March 2027.

Invitation to Quote – Specialist Advisers

ICA is now seeking to commission specialist architectural and business consultants with the relevant knowledge and expertise to deliver this project on our behalf. Details of the scope of work, project timeframe and the assessment criteria for advisers, are set out in the attached. NOTE proposals and quotations from qualified and experienced advisers are sought for this work by 3pm, Monday 12 October.

Join the Calanais Board

Help shape the next chapter of Calanais Visitor Centre

We’re looking for new Board Members to help shape the next chapter of Calanais Visitor Centre.

With our new Visitor Centre now open and operational, this is an exciting time to get involved with Calanais. Our focus is on establishing the centre as a first-class visitor attraction, a valued community asset and a well-run, sustainable organisation that provides good-quality local jobs throughout the year.

We’re looking for people who have a passion for Calanais and who would like to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help us grow and develop.

You don’t need to have been a Board member before. We’re interested in hearing from people with a wide range of professional, community, voluntary and lived experience.

We’re particularly keen to hear from people who:

• care about Calanais and its future;

• understand or have strong connections with our local community and culture;

• can contribute ideas, experience and constructive challenge;

• are willing to actively support the work of the Board and Management Team; and

• want to play a part in building a strong and sustainable future for Calanais.

Board membership is voluntary and involves around 5–10 hours per month, including attendance at monthly Board meetings and occasional ad hoc support.

If you would like to use your skills to make a difference at an important point in Calanais’s development, we would love to hear from you.

JOB PURPOSE

BEACON is a Scottish Government-funded programme delivered through the Whole Family Support Fund, supporting ethnically diverse families across the East of Scotland to overcome barriers to employment, improve financial wellbeing and build pathways towards greater security and opportunity. The programme brings together community organisations, employability services and wider partners to provide joined-up, culturally appropriate, whole-family support.

The Whole Family Support Fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, announced on 1 September 2026, and supports the Government’s priorities for the current parliamentary term.

The Participation Officer will play a key role in ensuring that families’ voices, experiences and perspectives are central to the development and delivery of BEACON, while also supporting effective communications, community engagement and promotion of programme activities, opportunities and outcomes across families, communities and partner organisations.

BEACON Strategic Objectives:

1. To maximise equitable support for ethnically diverse families and communities through a joined-up whole family support model of delivery.
2. To reduce social and economic disparities through improvement of minority ethnic family well-being, education and attainment, employment opportunities and outcomes, social and economic outcomes.
3. To improve participation and representation through elevating the voices of minority ethnic families and communities.
4. To make racial equality an everyday accountability through securing change at system and structural level.

The post holder will undertake the day-to-day administration of the programme, event and workshop organisation, and co-ordination of our lived experience panels. They will also be responsible for communications relating to the programme to a wide range of stakeholders.

JOB PURPOSE

BEACON is a Scottish Government-funded programme delivered through the Whole Family Support Fund, supporting ethnically diverse families across the East of Scotland to overcome barriers to employment, improve financial wellbeing and build pathways towards greater security and opportunity. The programme brings together community organisations, employability services and wider partners to provide joined-up, culturally appropriate, whole-family support.

The Whole Family Support Fund forms part of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, announced on 1 September 2026, and supports the Government’s priorities for the current parliamentary term.

BEACON Strategic Objectives:

1. To maximise equitable support for ethnically diverse families and communities through a joined-up whole family support model of delivery.
2. To reduce social and economic disparities through improvement of minority ethnic family well-being, education and attainment, employment opportunities and outcomes, social and economic outcomes.
3. To improve participation and representation through elevating the voices of minority ethnic families and communities.
4. To make racial equality an everyday accountability through securing change at system and structural level.

The Contracts and Grants Officer is a position requiring a wide-ranging skillset to support the effective management of grants and partnership relationships through BEACON, a Scottish Government-funded Whole Family Support project delivered by Capital City Partnership. The role will support the delivery of the project across the South East Region, working closely with partner organisations who receive grant funding to deliver Whole Family support services.

We require an Officer to support the BEACON project team in overseeing the grant management arrangements for partner organisations. This will involve providing direct support with the management and monitoring of grants awarded to delivery partners, ensuring that funded organisations are delivering against agreed outcomes, milestones and funding requirements. The successful candidate will be expected to provide effective grant management support, including monitoring expenditure, reviewing performance and progress, maintaining accurate records, supporting audit requirements and ensuring that grant conditions are being met.

The post holder will work closely with BEACON delivery partners across Edinburgh, Fife, East Lothian, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian, developing positive partnership relationships and supporting organisations to deliver effectively against the aims and objectives of the Scottish Government Whole Family Support Fund. This will include identifying and addressing delivery issues, supporting partners with reporting requirements, facilitating communication and information sharing, and identifying opportunities for partnership working and collaboration.

The post holder will also have a key role in supporting BEACON communications and engagement, working with the project team and delivery partners to promote the project, share relevant information and ensure that communications are clear, accessible and appropriate for a range of audiences. This will include supporting the development and coordination of communications materials, promoting project activity, and sharing learning, good practice, outcomes and opportunities through appropriate channels.

The post holder will support the collection and collation of information from partner organisations to demonstrate progress against BEACON outcomes and Scottish Government requirements. This will include supporting the monitoring of family reach, engagement, outcomes and wider project impact, as well as capturing learning, good practice and evidence of change across the partnership.

The post holder will work closely with the BEACON Programme Manager and wider project team. The successful candidate will also liaise with partner organisations and relevant internal teams to support effective delivery, financial management, monitoring, reporting and compliance throughout the lifetime of the project.

Help shape how CHAP works and volunteers thrive!

We’re recruiting an Operations and Volunteering Lead

Are you organised, people-focused and full of ideas about how to make things work better?

CHAP is looking for an Operations and Volunteering Lead to strengthen our day-to-day operations and help us build an inclusive and rewarding volunteering programme.

This is a new role with plenty of scope to make it your own. You will work across the organisation, leading our administrative function, supporting the team and improving the systems and processes that help our services run smoothly.

You will also take the lead in developing volunteering at CHAP. From creating meaningful roles and welcoming new volunteers to coordinating training, support and recognition, you will help shape a positive experience for everyone who gives their time to support our work.

What you’ll be doing

You will:

• provide day-to-day leadership and support to our administrative team;
• help ensure our telephone, reception, referral and appointment arrangements work effectively;
• identify practical ways to improve systems, processes and workflows;
• lead or support projects that strengthen how we work;
• coordinate volunteer recruitment, induction, training and ongoing support; and
• help create an inclusive environment where volunteers feel valued and able to contribute.

Could this be you?

You may already work in operations, office coordination, team support, recruitment, community work or volunteering. You do not need to have held this exact job title before.

We would love to hear from you if you:

• enjoy bringing structure to busy environments;
• can coordinate people, workloads and projects;
• provide supportive and confident day-to-day leadership;
• communicate clearly and build positive relationships;
• are comfortable using standard IT systems;
• can spot where something could work better and help make it happen; and
• are enthusiastic about creating a positive experience for staff and volunteers.

Previous experience of coordinating volunteers would be helpful, but it is not essential. We are interested in your transferable skills, your approach and the contribution you could make.

About CHAP

CHAP provides free, independent advice and advocacy across Ayrshire. We support people with housing, welfare rights, debt and related issues, helping them understand their rights, resolve problems and improve their circumstances.

By helping our operations run effectively and developing volunteering across CHAP, you will play an important part in strengthening the services we provide to local people. CHAP is a Living Wage, Living Hours and Equal Opportunities employer.

Do you want to make a real difference to people's lives?

CHAP is looking for an Information & Advice Officer to join our growing team and help support people facing some of life's most difficult challenges.

Every day, we work alongside individuals and families experiencing housing difficulties, financial hardship, debt problems and welfare rights issues. We provide free, independent advice, advocacy and representation, helping people understand their rights, access support and overcome barriers.

In 2025 alone, CHAP secured over £4.2 million in financial gains for people across Ayrshire. We are proud of the difference we make, but we know there is more to do.

Demand for our services continues to grow, with increasing numbers of people seeking support with housing, debt and welfare rights issues. These new posts will help us reach more people, earlier, and provide the support they need before problems reach crisis point.

About CHAP

CHAP is an independent charity providing specialist housing, welfare rights and debt advice throughout Ayrshire.

As the only organisation in Ayrshire accredited to deliver Scottish National Standards Type III advice across all three areas, we provide practical support to people facing a wide range of challenges. We help people understand their options, navigate complex systems and access the support they need.

We exist to provide hope and to stand alongside our clients as they deal with some of life's most difficult circumstances.

About the Role

This role involves working directly with individuals and families experiencing a range of housing, welfare rights, and financial issues.

You will:

• Provide information, advice and advocacy to clients.
• Support people to understand their rights, options and available support.
• Work with clients to identify solutions and achieve positive outcomes.
• Represent and negotiate on behalf of clients where appropriate.
• Manage a varied caseload and maintain accurate case records.
• Work closely with partner organisations to ensure clients receive the support they need.
• Contribute to the delivery of a high-quality advice and advocacy service.

This is a rewarding and varied role where no two days are the same. Whether helping someone avoid homelessness, maximise their income, challenge a decision or overcome debt problems, your work will make a genuine difference.

About You

We are looking for people who share our commitment to helping others and who believe everyone deserves access to high-quality advice and support.

You may already have experience in advice work, advocacy, housing, welfare rights, debt advice, employability, social work, community development, support work or similar fields.

Most importantly, you will be someone who:

• Has experience supporting people facing difficult circumstances.
• Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage a varied workload.
• Has a genuine desire to help others.
• Is willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Can work independently and as part of a supportive team.

Experience of welfare rights, debt advice, housing advice or advocacy work would be advantageous. However, we are committed to supporting the successful candidates through training, supervision and professional development.

In Return We Offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives
• A supportive and experienced team environment
• Ongoing training, supervision and professional development.
• The opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and skills within an accredited advice service.

A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle are essential as travel throughout Ayrshire will be required.

About Glasgow Tool Library

Glasgow Tool Library is a community-led charity that enables people to borrow tools and equipment instead of buying them. Through sharing resources, developing practical skills and building community connections, we help reduce waste, save people money and support a more sustainable Glasgow.

We are based at North Glasgow and run on an annual income of around £60,000, with 2 staff, up to 50 volunteers and more than 1000 members. Our funding comes from a mix of membership income, trading and grants.

About the role

The Freelance Finance Officer will be responsible for maintaining the financial systems and records of Glasgow Tool Library, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls and compliance with charity and statutory requirements. A key element of the role is to support the improvement of financial management and reporting, and to help implement clear procedures and guides that staff, volunteers and trustees can follow.

Working closely with the Director and Board of Trustees, the Finance Officer will provide financial information and analysis to support informed decision-making and the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation.

What you'll do

You'll own GTL's day-to-day finances: bookkeeping and reconciliation in Xero and HubDoc, tracking restricted grant funds against budget, processing invoices, expenses and payroll journals, and producing monthly management accounts. You'll lead our annual OSCR reporting and work with staff and trustees to improve our financial systems, procedures and guidance.

What we're looking for

• Strong bookkeeping and reconciliation skills, with a good working knowledge of Xero
• Experience of charity accounting and restricted fund management
• Experience producing management accounts and financial reports
• Experience of Scottish third sector finance and OSCR reporting
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues

Why work with us

The Glasgow Tool Library is a small, growing charity with an ambitious board and a clear sense of where it wants to go next. You would be joining at a point where the finance function is being built properly, so there is real scope to shape how we do things rather than inherit a fixed system. The role is flexible: you set your own hours around agreed deadlines, work remotely, and can use the Tool Library's workshop and borrow from our collection like any other member.

An opportunity to support rural enterprise

GrowBiz Scotland is looking for an experienced, approachable and well-connected Enterprise Facilitator to provide flexible business support to individuals and micro-enterprises across the Cairngorms area.

This is a part-time, self-employed opportunity for an initial period of six months. The successful applicant will join our established team of freelance Enterprise Facilitators, providing confidential one-to-one support both online and in person. They will also help GrowBiz strengthen its relationships with local businesses, community organisations and enterprise support partners across the Cairngorms.

About GrowBiz

GrowBiz provides inclusive, community-based support to people who are considering self-employment or developing a small business or social enterprise. Our approach is person-centred, practical and responsive, helping clients build their confidence, develop their ideas and access the information, skills and connections they need.

As a leader in innovative rural enterprise support, GrowBiz actively advocates for change. Our vision is to promote and support the development of a vibrant, sustainable entrepreneurial and wellbeing economy in rural Scotland.

About the opportunity

The role would particularly suit someone with experience in business or enterprise support, coaching, mentoring or facilitation who understands the opportunities and challenges facing rural businesses. Applicants should be comfortable working independently, managing a flexible workload and travelling to rural locations when required.

• Provide friendly, confidential and non-judgemental one-to-one enterprise support, information and coaching.
• Help clients build confidence, develop their ideas and identify practical next steps for their business or social enterprise.
• Support areas such as digital skills, marketing, finance, product development, business planning and sustainable practice.
• Connect clients with relevant learning, networks, funding opportunities and external support.
• Build constructive relationships with community organisations, businesses and enterprise support partners.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a people-focused, self-motivated and well-organised individual who can build trusted professional relationships and work collaboratively as part of a virtual team.

• Experience of providing one-to-one business or enterprise support, including support with digital skills.
• A sound understanding of coaching, mentoring and facilitation approaches.
• Knowledge of rural business, local communities and the Scottish enterprise support landscape, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Strong communication, networking, planning and organisational skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, social media and other digital platforms.
• A full driving licence and access to suitable transport for work in rural locations.
• Experience of self-employment or running a small business would be an advantage.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cliftonville & Coatdyke Community Group at an important stage of its development. The Community Centre Manager will have the opportunity to make a real contribution to the ongoing development of the organisation, with scope to shape the role and influence how the Community Group operates and grows.

We are looking for someone who can not only manage the day-to-day running of the Centre, but who is also keen to develop effective systems, processes and ways of working that will support the organisation as it continues to grow.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Chairperson, Development officer, staff, volunteers and Board to identify opportunities for improvement, develop best practice and help establish sustainable and effective approaches to managing the Centre. The Chair of the Board will act as the post holder’s line manager, the role will involve close collaborative working with the Chairperson & Management team to support the continued development and growth of the organisation.

This is a role where your ideas and experience will be valued, with the opportunity to have a genuine input into the future development of both the role and the organisation.