Grants Sub-Committee Members
Role Description
The Grants Sub-Committee is the grantmaking body of The Harpur Trust. On behalf of the Community Committee, its role is to maximise the impact of the grants programme and any projects it funds.
The Grants Sub-Committee meets five times a year. Meetings last for three hours. In addition to regular Committee meetings, there may be informal contact where input is required between meetings.
The role is not paid but expenses can be claimed.
The specific responsibilities and duties of Grants Sub-Committee members are:
- To make grants to organisations and individuals within the charitable objects of the Trust and its area of benefit.
- To ensure grants are properly and effectively used for the purpose for which they are made.
- To ensure that grants are evaluated regarding their effectiveness in meeting the charitable objects of the Trust and the strategic plan.
- To engage positively in Sub-Committee discussions bringing new perspectives.
- To question, debate and challenge constructively and determine outcomes fairly.
- To act with integrity, objectivity and honesty and promote openness and trust in relationships with all Sub-Committee members.
Person Specification
Bedford Borough benefits from rich cultural diversity and we want our Grants Sub-Committee to
reflect the community we support.
We want to grow and diversify our committees to include new skills, experience and ways of thinking. This creates more balanced decision-making that centres on the people and communities we serve.
Grants Sub-committee members should have:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Proven ability to make objective decisions.
- Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating independent and sound judgement
A team-oriented approach to problem-solving. - Willingness both to express your own view and to listen to the views of others, and to accept and support collective decisions when your own recommendations are not successful.
- Dedication to the Trust’s purpose and objectives, and our grantmaking strategy.
In order to provide the Sub-Committee with the range of expertise it requires, candidates with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas are especially sought:
- Education (especially primary and secondary)
For example: teaching, school leadership, governance, or education policy. Professional insight into the Bedford educational context and community education needs. - Public health
For example: experience within NHS, public health, health inequalities, or community wellbeing. - Community knowledge and development
We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with an understanding of and links with Eastern European communities, or African Caribbean communities. - Professional grantmaking experience
Experience (as staff or on committees) at other grantmakers or funders. - Social policy and research
For example: knowledge of social issues affecting communities and approaches to address these.
Lived experience of any of the issues which are a priority to the Harpur Trust would be valued. These are set out in our Grants Strategy and focus on building stronger communities and addressing poverty and disadvantage, including through projects around housing and homelessness; health, wellbeing; education and training, crime and safety, and sport and recreation.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit a completed application form and CV (including details of key achievements and responsibilities) which address the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification.
Applications should be sent to Victoria Reed, Head of Grants and Programmes, at vreed@harpurtrust.org.uk by 4 January 2027. If you would like discuss the role before applying please get in touch.
A panel of Trustees and senior staff will view all applications and invite shortlisted applicants to informal interviews in January, with provisional dates set for 25 and 28 January 2027.
The Harpur Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and the Board expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
The successful candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.