Grants Executive

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days annual leave

7% employer pension contribution

Cycle to work scheme

Medicash health plan

EAP

Blue light card

Job summary

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust in Portsmouth is seeking a Grants Executive to assess applications for financial assistance and award grants within delegated authority. The role requires compassionate, timely support to beneficiaries and close collaboration with Grants and Help teams.

The Trust offers a full-time position (37 hours per week) with a salary of £35,000 plus a benefits package including generous leave, pension, cycle to work, health plan and staff welfare initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Process applications for financial assistance
• Assess applications and award grants within policy and delegated authority
• Decline applications outside eligibility criteria
• Ensure beneficiaries receive or are signposted to entitlements
• Monitor and administer grant schemes and regular payments
• Signpost to partner organisations for additional support
• Maintain accurate records in case management systems
• Produce statistics and reports for governance and funding partners

Job description

Grants Executive

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust

Portsmouth

Full-time (37 hours per week)

£35,000

Applications from Veterans and Ex-Armed Forces Personnel Encouraged

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust was established in 1922 to help non-commissioned sailors, Marines, and their families. From the first day of service, we provide individual grants and regular charitable payments to help towards living expenses and life’s essentials. In moments of distress, we offer financial assistance, signposting and advice. We provide care, support and housing to our older veterans living in our two care homes and Almshouse accommodation.

We are based in Portsmouth, but our reach extends globally. Supporting individuals living in 15 different countries, we can respond to requests for assistance within 24 hours. We are proud to serve the naval community.

The Grants Executive is a key member of The RNBT's grant making function and plays a pivotal role in delivering the Trust's charitable objectives. The Grants Executive is responsible for assessing applications for financial assistance, making grant awards within delegated authority and ensuring beneficiaries receive timely, compassionate and effective support.

Working collaboratively across the Grants, Casework and wider Help teams, the Grants Executive helps maintain the continuity and resilience of RNBT services, supporting beneficiaries throughout their journey while contributing to the effective governance, administration and continuous improvement of the Trust.

The role also supports organisational reporting requirements through the production of accurate management information and statistical returns, enabling informed decision making by senior management, Trustees and external funding partners.

Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Process applications for financial assistance
• Assess applications and award grants in accordance with The RNBT Grant Instructions, policies and delegated financial authority.
• Decline applications that fall outside The RNBT eligibility criteria.
• Ensure applicants are receiving, or have been signposted to claim, all statutory benefits and financial entitlements available to them.
• Monitor and administer the Family Fund Voucher Scheme.
• Identify beneficiaries who would benefit from engagement with the Wellbeing Support Adviser and make appropriate referrals.
• Signpost beneficiaries to partner organisations and external agencies where additional support may be available.
• Conduct follow ups with signposting to ensure engagement has begun
• Maintain and regularly review deferred applications, ensuring timely follow-up and progression.
• Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive records within The RNBT's case management systems, ensuring all decisions, financial transactions and case activity comply with governance, audit and data protection requirements.
• Conduct internal audits
• Escalate complaints, compliments, letters of thanks, contentious issues or matters outside normal operating procedures at the earliest opportunity.
• Identify beneficiaries who meet the criteria for Regular Charitable Payments.
• Produce accurate statistical reports and management information as required to support organisational performance reporting.
• Deputise for the Grants Manager and Wellbeing Support Advisor during periods of absence, operating within delegated authority.
• Provide reception cover during periods of Administration Assistant absence.
• Attend and represent RNBT at meetings, presentations, events and conferences as required.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous suite of benefits to our employees including:

1. 29 days annual leave plus public holidays
2. 7% employer contribution pension scheme
3. Cycle to work scheme
4. Medicash health plan and EAP
5. Eligible for blue light card
6. A values-driven culture and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference

A full job description is available on request.

In keeping with The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust’s founding principle, “For the men, by the men,” as reflected in its Royal Charter, we particularly welcome applications from individuals who have served as Royal Navy ratings or Royal Marines other ranks. We recognise the valuable experience, knowledge and understanding of the naval community that such service brings. Previous service would be considered desirable but is not essential, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender or background, with appointments made on merit.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Midday Sunday 25 October 2026

As a Silver accredited Armed Forces Covenant signatory, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer.