West Mercian Wing supports a large network of local squadron trustee boards, each responsible for sustaining and developing youth activities within their community. As we continue to grow and adapt, we are seeking a Lead Trustee for Income Generation to help strengthen and coordinate our approach to funding.
This is a new and developing role at Wing level, designed to bring together existing efforts, improve coordination, and unlock greater funding opportunities across the organisation.
You will work closely with the Wing Chair of Trustees and Treasurer to develop a clear and sustainable approach to income generation. This will include helping to identify funding priorities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, and building a pipeline of opportunities that benefit both Wing-wide initiatives and local projects.
A key part of the role will be leading on grant funding. You will take the lead in preparing and submitting applications for larger or more complex bids at Wing level, while also supporting local squadron trustees to develop confidence and capability in writing and submitting their own applications.
You will provide practical guidance to trustees across multiple locations - sharing tools, templates, and good practice, and helping to avoid duplication or competition between bids. This is an opportunity to create consistency and improve success rates across a geographically diverse network.
The role also includes identifying and developing partnerships. This may involve exploring sponsorship opportunities, collaborative bids, or working with external organisations that share similar aims.
To support this work, you will help establish simple systems and processes, for example tracking funding opportunities, applications, and outcomes, so the organisation can take a more strategic and informed approach to income generation over time.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how funding is approached at scale, bringing both strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery. Your work will directly influence the sustainability and growth of youth provision across a wide area.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for someone who is motivated by making a tangible difference and who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical delivery.
Experience in income generation, fundraising, or grant writing is required, particularly where this has involved developing funding strategies, preparing applications, or working with external funders. However, we are equally open to individuals who bring transferable skills from related areas such as business development, partnerships, or project management.
You should be comfortable working across both strategic and operational levels, able to see the bigger picture while also taking a hands‑on approach when needed.
Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential. You will be working with a wide range of volunteers with different levels of experience, so the ability to explain ideas clearly, offer practical support, and build confidence in others is key.
We are particularly interested in someone who:
* Can identify opportunities and turn them into practical action
* Is organised and able to manage multiple opportunities and deadlines
* Has experience of writing or contributing to funding or business proposals
* Is comfortable working independently while also collaborating as part of a team
An understanding of the voluntary, charity, or community sector would be helpful, but is not essential. What matters most is your ability to bring energy, structure, and clarity to an area of work that has significant potential for growth.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from those with fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, or lived experience that can enrich the work of the organisation.
What difference will you make?
This role will play a critical part in strengthening the financial sustainability of West Mercian Wing and the many local squadrons it supports.
Currently, income generation activity is often carried out at a local squadron level, with varying levels of experience, confidence, and coordination. While there are many successful examples, there is significant untapped potential to take a more joined‑up and strategic approach.
By introducing a dedicated Lead Trustee for Income Generation, the organisation will be able to move from a reactive approach to a more proactive and coordinated model.
This will help to:
* Increase the volume and success rate of grant applications
* Ensure funding opportunities are identified and shared more effectively
* Reduce duplication and competition between local bids
* Improve the quality and consistency of applications
* Build confidence and capability among local trustees
In practical terms, this means more funding secured for essential activities, equipment, and opportunities for young people.
The role will also help establish sustainable systems and processes, creating longer‑term benefits beyond individual applications. Over time, this will enable better tracking of impact, stronger relationships with funders, and more strategic decision‑making about where to focus effort.
Perhaps most importantly, the impact will be felt directly by young people. Increased and more reliable income will allow more activities to take place, reduce financial barriers to participation, and improve the overall quality of provision.
This is not just about raising funds, it is about enabling opportunities, removing barriers, and ensuring that communities across the Wing can continue to thrive.
Before you apply
* Must be 20 years or older.
* Must have lived in the UK for 3 or more years.
Process
* Submit an expression of interest via Reach Volunteering
* Initial informal conversation (via Teams) with the Wing Chair and Treasurer to discuss the role and your interests
* If invited, submission of a formal application
* Pre‑appointment checks including DBS, references, and nationality/background checks
* In‑person identity verification
* Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
* We aim to respond to all applicants promptly and keep you informed throughout
As this is a new role, we are keen to shape it collaboratively. There is flexibility to tailor aspects of the role based on your strengths and interests, while maintaining a clear focus on impact.
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