Fully-Funded Edinburgh Napier University Places for Aspiring Leaders – Apply now!
Charity Leadership Scotland are delighted to continue to build on our partnership with Edinburgh Napier University by funding six places for Aspiring Leaders on the Leadership Development for Large Charity Organisations programme.
Our Leadership Report, developed in response to findings from the collaborative 2025 Scottish Voluntary Sector Workforce Survey, highlights the fragility of the leadership pipeline in Scotland. Among managers, 30% report they only “to some extent have the skills and support they need,” frequently citing a lack of leadership training.
“Had zero training for moving into management. Have had to learn in the role.”
We are pleased to be able to offer practical support to aspiring leaders in their careers who aim to lead a large charity in the near future and to build on our partnership with Edinburgh Napier University. The fully funded places are for current members who are aspiring leaders and who require financial support to access a place on this course.
“Following the publication of the Scottish Voluntary Sector Workforce Survey findings, we are clear that practical solutions as well as systemic change is required. We are committed to creating opportunities that realise the change needed to support our workforce and ensure our sector leadership is strengthened for the future”
Lucinda Godfrey, CEO at Charity Leadership Scotland
Eligibility
To be eligible you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a current Charity Leadership Scotland Associate member
- You are in an upper management position in a large charity with an annual account of £2-£10 million
- This development opportunity will support your career progression to a CEO/Leadership position in a large charity within the next 1-3 years
- The funded place will help you overcome financial barriers
Application Process
Please complete the application as fully as possible. The application closing date is 24 April 2026. Please note, funded places are limited and as such the fund may close sooner than this date and at short notice. If you require assistance with your application, please contact: events@charityleadership.scot
Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis by two Charity Leadership Scotland staff and all applications will be treated with fairness and equity.
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Clarity of career progression
- Likely impact of the programme
- Financial need
We may contact applicants if further information is required to support the assessment of their application. Decisions will be notified within 7-10 working days and the decision of Charity Leadership Scotland is final.
By submitting the application, you agree that:
- All information in the form provided is accurate and correct
- You have read the below privacy statement for further information on how your data will be used
- The funded place is non-transferable
- You will participate in the evaluation
- You will inform Charity Leadership Scotland immediately if circumstances change and you are unable to attend the course
- You can attend the dates of the course (18th & 19th May, & 1st June 2026)
- You can be contacted by Charity Leadership Scotland regarding your application
To apply for a funded place, please complete the online application form which can be accessed here.
Privacy statement
Charity Leadership Scotland records information about our members, but we respect your right to keep personal information private and confidential. Charity Leadership Scotland complies with Data Protection legislation, and how we use and protect your personal data can be found here.