Bid Writer

LDHAS; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service Limited (LDHAS) is seeking a part-time Bid Writer in Lancaster. The role focuses on researching funders, writing compelling funding bids, and managing a pipeline of submissions to meet income targets.

The post is permanent, 20 hours per week (4 weekdays, 9:00am–2:00pm). Salary scales NJC SO1 with pro-rata figures, and the organisation delivers support to rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people.

Qualifications

• Experience writing funding applications and proposals.
• Ability to turn service data and case studies into compelling narratives.
• Strong research skills to identify funders and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Write high-quality bids and funding applications.
• Research and identify grant opportunities from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies.
• Manage a pipeline of submissions and track income targets.

Skills

Grant writing

Research

Storytelling

Attention to detail

Job description

Bid Writer

Location: Lancaster

Salary: NJC Scale SO1 - £34,515 to £36,363 (Full time Equivalent), £18,408 to £19,396 (Pro Rata)

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part time (20 hours per week 4 weekdays 9:00am – 2:00pm)

Lancaster & District Homeless Action Service Limited (LDHAS) has been operating in Lancaster for over 30 years providing support to rough sleepers and vulnerably housed people.

The centre is the heart of our organisation, delivering crisis support in a welcoming safe space. We provide a ‘one‑stop shop’ homeless hub so our clients can access the services of visiting agencies, be it advice on benefits (universal credits, PIP etc), advocacy with bureaucracy, access to drug and alcohol services, help with housing needs, Hepatitis C testing, podiatry, and medical assistance from our in‑house nurse in our medical room.

We provide the following essential needs for rough sleepers:

• Assistance with form filling
• Breakfast and lunch
• Phone access
• Access to identification documents
• Shower
• A care of address for correspondence
• Clothing
• Laundry facilities

We aim to provide a trusted and welcoming space, applying a person‑centred approach to help alleviate and prevent crisis through timely intervention.

The postholder will be responsible for identifying, writing, and submitting compelling, well‑researched and tailored funding applications to relevant grant‑giving bodies.

The post holder will work closely with the LDHAS management team to gather information, write bids, and track progress of submissions, ensuring LDHAS meets income targets as agreed by the Trustees.

The postholder will:

• Proactively research, navigate the system and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high‑quality funding applications and proposals in line with LDHAS's strategic priorities working closely with the Manager and in their collaboration with key partners.
• Work collaboratively with the LDHAS Manager and colleagues to gather accurate, up‑to‑date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor applications to funder requirements and priorities, ensuring persuasive storytelling and alignment with LDHAS 's mission.
• Research and identify opportunities to raise money via businesses including payroll giving and sponsoring fundraising events.
• Research and identify opportunities to encourage supporters to consider leaving a gift to LDHAS in their wills.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.

Communication and Relationships

1. Have communication skills and a communication style which ensures that written bids are compelling, clear, and rooted in evidence.
2. Ability to turn service data and case studies into powerful narratives that align with funder priorities.
3. Act as an ambassador for vulnerable people.
4. Maintain effective communication with the Board

Analytical and judgement skills

1. Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
2. Work collaboratively with LDHAS Manager and colleagues to gather accurate, up‑to‑date data and service information for applications.

Planning and organisation skills

1. Contributes to LDHAS's long‑term income generation plans.
2. Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
3. Manage LDHAS’s bid writing schedule ensuring effective systems and accountability.
4. Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems, including templates, case studies, and project reporting tools.
5. Monitor success rates and provide monthly performance reporting.

Client care

• Assist clients during incidental contacts.
• Provide general, non-clinical advice to clients.
• Provide general advice tomembers of public contacting LDHAS.

Responsibilities for policy and service development

• Lead on Bid writing policy and procedure development.
• Proposes changes to improve LDHAS practice, policies and action plans.

Responsibilities for Finance / physical resources

• Ensure equipment required for the role is appropriate and used safely.
• Manage finances associated with the role.

Responsibility for human resources

• Demonstrate own duties to other staff
• Promote a positive and supportive culture.