The Next Step Initiative Scotland

06/05/2026

💼 14-Month Paid Traineeship
💰 £19,796 Tax-Free Bursary
🚀 Step Into Heritage. Shape the Future.
📍 Placement at David Livingstone Birthplace
⏰ Apply by Tuesday 12th May 2026 (5PM)
Click here : https://nextstepinitiative.org.uk/the-community-archaeology-leadership-placement/

Are you passionate about heritage, storytelling, and community impact?

This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to be part of redefining history.

Join the Community Heritage Leadership Programme and gain hands-on experience at one of Scotland’s most important museums, exploring powerful narratives around colonialism, slavery, and African histories.

About the Programme The Community Archaeology Leadership Placement This Community Archaeology Leadership placement offers an exciting, innovative opportunity

01/05/2026

A powerful example of how heritage projects can engage young people, strengthen community identity, and open pathways into future careers.

Programmes like this demonstrate the real impact of investing in community-led learning and participation.

01/05/2026

Apply now for Community Heritage Paid Training

Next Step Initiative (NSI) is a community-led organisation rooted in Scotland’s Afro-Caribbean and Global Majority communities. Our work is shaped by lived experience and by the priorities identified by the communities we serve. The David Livingstone Birthplace Museum, set along the banks of the R...

21/04/2026

Empowering Communities Through Trust, Local Funding, and Local Leadership.

The Comic Relief Global Majority Fund, delivered by Next Step Initiative, has played a critical role in strengthening grassroots organisations across Scotland during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Acting as an intermediary grant-maker, NSI distributed funding and provided tailored support to community-led organisations working directly with underserved and marginalised groups.

The programme prioritised organisations with lived experience, enabling them to respond effectively to the unique challenges faced within their communities. Through this approach, funding reached those often excluded from traditional systems, helping to build capacity, confidence, and long-term resilience.

Across the programme, organisations reported significant improvements in their ability to secure funding, deliver services, and adapt to changing circumstances. Many transitioned from face-to-face delivery to digital platforms, ensuring continued support for vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing mental health challenges, unemployment, and social isolation.

The initiative also contributed to wider social impact by supporting training, employment readiness, and community wellbeing. Projects engaged hundreds of participants, strengthened volunteer networks, and created safe, inclusive spaces for connection and support.

Independent evaluation findings confirmed that the programme was well-designed, responsive, and effective. A total of 38 funded organisations contributed to the evaluation process, representing 75% of all projects, highlighting strong engagement and accountability across the programme.

At its core, the programme demonstrated the power of culturally informed, trust-based grant-making. By combining funding with hands-on support and community understanding, Next Step Initiative has not only delivered immediate impact but has also laid the foundation for sustainable, community-led change across Scotland. https://nextstepinitiative.org.uk/research-publication/

20/04/2026

Archaeologists discover perfectly circular ancient Egyptian temple that may have been used for sacred water rituals | Live Science https://share.google/xFY3WoKe7tvzkUzjj

17/04/2026

https://nextstepinitiative.org.uk/community-heritage-leadership-trainee-david-livingstone-birthplace-blantyre/

Community Heritage Leadership Trainee Location: David Livingstone Birthplace, Blantyre Duration: 14-month paid placement Bursary: £19,796 (tax-free, with

17/04/2026

https://nextstepinitiative.org.uk/the-community-archaeology-leadership-placement/

About the Programme The Community Archaeology Leadership Placement This Community Archaeology Leadership placement offers an exciting, innovative opportunity

16/04/2026

We Had to Rethink Everything | A Museum Director’s Experience - NEXT STEP INITIATIVE

In this insightful leadership interview, Sandra Lowson, Director of the David Livingstone Centre, shares the organisational impact of partnering with the Next

28/10/2025

Celebrating Excellence & Connecting Bridges

01/09/2025

Martin Olu -Osagie Community Heritage Leadership Trainees@MuseumandGallaryEdinburgh

28/08/2025

Are you passionate about heritage, museums, and culture?

At Next Step Initiative we are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Community Heritage Leadership Trainee

Host Organisation: Museums & Galleries Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh (City Art Centre, Museum of Edinburgh, community venues, and remote)

This unique programme offers you the chance to:

Gain hands-on experience working with leading museums and galleries in Scotland

Develop leadership and professional skills in the heritage sector

Play a vital role in making heritage spaces more inclusive and representative of diverse communities

If you are ready to learn, grow, and make an impact, this opportunity is for you!



Application

This opportunity is ideal for individuals from underrepresented or marginalised communities, including those with

lived experience of racism, migration, or social exclusion. You do not need a university degree to apply.

How to Apply

Complete an application form and send it with a covering letter.

[email protected]

Need help with your application? We’re here to support you — just get in touch. [email protected]

For more information :

https://www.nextstepinitiative.org.uk/community-heritage-leader-trainee/

Don’t forget to share this with anyone you think might be interested. Together, we can open doors and create pathways into the heritage sector!