Are you passionate about working with communities? Do you love nature and the outdoors, and have the enthusiasm and versatility to help our community be more engaged with the land in our guardianship and actively involved in its management?

We are seeking a part-time, freelance Community Ranger to strengthen connections between local communities and the land Tayvallich Initiative (TI) owns on their behalf, encompassing its natural and cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on people who are experiencing barriers to becoming involved.

• Freelance opportunity, 24 months fixed term, from early June 2024 to 30 May 2026
• Hours: on average 2 days a week (with flexibility to meet the varying demands of this role). Some out-of-hours working will be required
• Remuneration: £150 per day (inclusive of VAT if applicable) for 104 days per year. £31,200 total fee
• Allowance: for travel and mobile phone expenses plus use of a laptop for work purposes only
• Budget: There is a generous budget available for volunteer expenses, materials, signage, tools, the creation of a new web resource, and the development of the TI website
• Reporting to: the Coordinator of the Land Working Group who in turn reports to the Board of Directors of TI. Working closely with other groups and staff members of Tayvallich Initiative
• Location: This role would ideally suit someone based in the Mid Argyll area who can travel to the community for events and engagement meetings. However, it is important that an applicant with a suitable level of experience is appointed and, as such, they could be from further afield with the ability to remote work and attend meetings in the community on a scheduled basis. The Tayvallich Community Hall is available for community events and has some space for office working.

Background information

Lochgoil Community Trust is a limited company and a registered charity (SC033976), founded in April 2011. From 2018 the priorities of the trust were largely determined by the Lochgoil Community Action Plan. This is being replaced by the Lochgoil Local Place Plan (LPP) which is based on extensive community engagement. Many potential projects have been identified along with the aspects relating to planning.

In close cooperation with Lochgoil Community Council and Carrick Castle Community Trust, Lochgoil Community Trust will lead the implementation of the Local Place Plan. We are seeking the services of an experienced Community Development and Fundraising Officer to support this mission of the Trust.

Purpose of the role

To facilitate the implementation of the Local Place Plan 2024-2029 and support the work of the Lochgoil Community Trust by building capacity within our community.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Supporting project leaders by securing external funding through well-prepared grant applications and admin backup
• Monitoring the progress of the Local Place Plan and its outputs, including surveys
• Facilitating online communication – website, Facebook and other social media as required
• Supporting with administration of Trust meetings and memberships
• Enhancing the capacity and contribution of local volunteers
• Supporting the local community to play an active role in the delivery of the Local Place
• Stimulating interest in and awareness of local community issues and encouraging involvement in decision making
• Promoting integration and cohesion within and between community groups (i.e. Community Councils, Social Clubs, Recreation Centres)

Key Working Relationships:

Lochgoil Community Trust and other community groups.

Fife Communities Climate Action Network (FCCAN) is a network of community groups in Fife that are taking action on climate change. Our aim is to empower and enable communities to create a low carbon future and promote local resilience and well-being.

We have three exciting opportunities to join our Fife Climate Hub team, funded by the Scottish Government.

The Fife Climate Hub is part of a new network of regional community climate action hubs, created by the Scottish Government. The Hub empowers community-led action on the climate crisis. Our vision is for a growing Fife-wide network of groups taking climate action to meet the needs of their communities. We build capacity of existing community groups working on climate, encourage collaboration and reach beyond the climate engaged to grow a diverse network across Fife. We also provide a voice for our members to influence local and national policy. Together we are driving change and strengthening climate resilience in Fife.

The Hub offers training, advice, inspiration, networking, funding and signposting to places of support. We provide opportunities for networking and shared learning to create a strong climate movement across Fife and drive change across all sectors.

We’re looking for passionate, enthusiastic people to further develop the project. This is an exciting opportunity to shape community climate action within Scotland through a model of localised ‘grassroots’ collaborative support.

The Community Development Officer (Funding) will support existing community groups to access funding to deliver their climate projects. The post holder will signpost groups to relevant funding opportunities, support them through the application process and act as a liaison between community groups, local authority and funders. They will also administer Fife Climate Hub’s Community Climate Grants scheme.

Set up in 1999 by the local community, Carluke Development Trust is a registered Scottish charity undertaking a range of community led initiatives to support the development and regeneration of the community, space and environment of the Parish of Carluke in South Lanarkshire.

Carluke High Mill and Community Garden

We have recently secured £2.7million of capital and revenue funding from key funders such as the Scottish Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, to repair and reconstruct the A-listed Carluke High Mill and develop the attached 1.2-acre community garden. The project will have a significant positive economic and social impact on the town, creating a community led facility that will generate sustainable resources and deliver training, education, volunteering, employment, business, and heritage opportunities.

The Role

We now have an exciting opportunity for a suitably experienced and committed Project Delivery and Sustainability Manager to join our Team. The role will involve:

• Project managing the repair and construction of the Carluke High Mill, including overseeing the project Design Team
• Contributing to the development of the 1.2-acre CHM Community Garden, working with and line managing CDT’s Community Gardener
• Implementing the Delivery & Sustainability Plan for the project, including putting in place programme of activities which deliver the outcomes agreed with funders and secure the ongoing viability of the facility.

Reporting to the Chairperson of the Trust, the successful candidate will ideally have degree level qualifications or equivalent relevant experience in managing or co-ordinating physical regeneration projects. A proven track record in identifying and securing funding is important as will be experience of working in a community setting and maintaining effective relationships with statutory, voluntary and private sector partners and funders. The postholder should have a full UK driving licence and access to their own vehicle.

It is crucial that the postholder displays a passion for engaging with our communities whilst having the management and communication skills necessary to provide a supportive and inspiring environment for staff and volunteers.

Construction work on the High Mill project is expected to begin on site in June 2024, with an anticipated duration of at least 15 months, with the balance of the role shifting over this period towards ensuring the sustainability of the High Mill and Community Garden facility.

The initial contract duration will be until 31st March 2026, with subsequent contract extensions made as funding is secured.

A detailed description of the key duties of the post and an associated person specification is available to download below

Carluke Development Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications

from all sections of the community.