Foundation Scotland puts people at the heart of its work. We rely on the expertise, trust and experience we’ve gained in the last 25 years working with communities, philanthropists and companies all over Scotland.

Our people are passionate experts in bringing lasting, positive change to Scotland’s communities. We take great pride in supporting local projects by taking a personal approach to every meeting and decision. We’re in a unique position to fully understand communities’ needs and fund solutions that will make a difference.

Our work is nationwide. We’re working with different industries, funding various projects from renewables to digital, through to arts and heritage. Our people are always challenged and have an opportunity to learn and grow. In short - no two days are the same. Ultimately, our work is highly rewarding, and the best part is seeing the real impact we can make within Scottish communities. If you share our passion for shaping Scotland’s communities' future, think about joining our team.

Background

Throughout 2023 a wide network of grassroots community organisations, local campaigners, funders, local authority leaders and facilitators came together around a vision for a new long-term community fund for Edinburgh. After a period of co-design, learning and fundraising the Regenerative Futures Fund is now entering its operational phase.

Role Overview

Foundation Scotland is excited to invite applications for the role of Participation Lead of the Regenerative Futures Fund. This innovative, ten-year fund aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and racism while contributing to a just green transition in Edinburgh. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and supporting leaders from diverse and marginalised communities.

The Participation Lead will complete the employed project team of three and will work closely with the two Co-Heads, leading participation of local people in both decision-making and in holding those involved accountable.

What We Are Looking For

We’re looking for an inclusive, collaborative and supportive person to work with the two Co-Heads to lead and support participation of local people in decision-making panels for the Regenerative Futures Fund (RFF). This role will be responsible for overseeing participation by local people to make funding decisions and have ongoing involvement in a 10-year programme to address the root causes of poverty and racism while restoring the natural world in Edinburgh.

Street Soccer is a charity using football to create lasting change in the lives of isolated and excluded adults and young people. We run 60 sessions a week of free, inclusive and judgement-free football. These sessions provide person-centred support to players facing a number of challenges including mental health, homelessness, long term unemployment, problem substance use, criminal justice and seeking asylum. Our mission is to create hope and opportunity for all.

We support thousands of players a year on their journey to positive change by providing a safe space, trusting relationships and a sense of belonging. We fight isolation and exclusion by bringing people together, building confidence and creating supportive communities. We support people of all ages and backgrounds through relationship-based support, focusing on trust and personal development, supporting everyone to set and achieve their own goals. Thanks to the support of Street Soccer, 82% of players say that their quality of life has improved.

Lived experience is at the heart of what we do, with over 80% of our staff having lived experience of the challenges our players face.

97% of players think that Street Soccer is a unique organisation. With 15 years of experience delivering positive change through football, we are now working in more communities than ever, with city hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and South London, as well as a network of sessions across 6 other local authorities.

Role Purpose

In 2020, Street Soccer developed ‘The Network Programme’ to expand our services out of our four main city hubs to serve the local communities and socially disadvantaged groups across Scotland. The Network Programme has quickly expanded and now operates in 7 different local authorities across the country. Having already supported 500 people in these areas.

As we continue to expand, we would like to grow to offer Street Soccer Sessions to the communities of West Dumbartonshire as well as providing opportunities for people to engage in SCQF qualifications, tournaments and events including The Homeless World Cup.

The Programme Co-Ordinator will be responsible for developing the Network Programme within West Dumbartonshire. Responsible for sourcing and managing suitable venues for sessions to take place. They will recruit and work with partners to ensure players get the right level of support across a variety of issues. They will grow the number of players attending sessions by promoting these across the community in a variety of ways.

An enthusiastic person, the Programme Co-Ordinator will be able to build relationships with a series of communities across West Dumbartonshire. They will also work with the Fundraising Team to establish local opportunities for sponsorship and other support.

We are particularly interested in applications from those with the same lived experience as our players, further information about our Safer Recruitment process can be found within section 8 of our Safeguarding Policy.

Street Soccer value work life balance and are happy to discuss part time hours, job share and flexible working.

Reports to: Network Programme Manager