Local Investment Forum member - West and Mid Highland

A Local Investment Forum is being recruited to make decisions on applications to SSEN Transmission’s local community funds in West and Mid Highland. The West and Mid Highland area includes the following Highland Council Wards:

• Black Isle - Ward 09 

• Caol and Mallaig - Ward 11 

• Dingwall and Seaforth - Ward 08 

• Eilean a' Cheo - Ward 10 

• Fort William and Ardnamurchan - Ward 21 

• Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh - Ward 05 

In addition, applications to join the Local Investment Forum are also welcome from residents of the community council area of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston. Visit the Highland Council’s website to find out if your area sits within the West and Mid Highland area: West and Mid Highland wards – Highland Council.

Your initial focus will be the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund expected to launch in Autumn 2026 following extensive community engagement. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have knowledge of this area. This fund will invest £5,455,000 over a minimum of three years into local communities, with the Forum also responsible for future SSEN Transmission funds in the West and Mid Highland area.   

The Opportunity 

As a Forum member, you will help direct significant investment into West and Mid Highland communities by assessing and deciding on funding applications.  The Skye Reinforcement Local Fund will support projects that deliver meaningful impact, build long term legacy, and address at least one of the following priorities: 

• Affordable and Diverse Housing Options (including a range of tenure options such as woodland crofts, rent-to-buy etc).  

• Community Assets and Infrastructure (including acquiring or improving community assets such as village halls).   

• Community Capacity Building (including supporting core costs for community organisations)   

• Local Amenities / Services (including facilities such as community shop, men's shed, tool libraries and sport / recreational activities).   

• Transport and Connectivity (including community transport, active travel paths and infrastructure improvements to enhance accessibility). 

The Skye Reinforcement Local Fund is focused on communities hosting the infrastructure: Skye and Raasay, Glenelg and Arnisdale, Glengarry, and Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston. 

Who Can Apply 

No previous fund decision-making experience is required. We want to build a diverse forum who can also bring knowledge of the areas covered by the fund and fund themes.  We welcome applications from people who: 

• Are resident in West and Mid Highland (or Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston) 

• Can support this and future fund development in West and Mid Highland 

• Have experience of the community or voluntary sector 

• Support a commitment to social value 

• Work collaboratively with others 

• Are comfortable giving and receiving challenge 

• Can advocate for the fund and its aims 

As per UK Government guidance, community councillors, local authority staff and elected members cannot be appointed to the decision-making forum.  If you are currently in one of these categories, you cannot apply even if you plan to stand down upon selection for the forum. 

Please upload a cover letter as part of your application detailing why you're interested in the role and how your skills and experience align with the requirements. Cover letters are mandatory for this position.

What You’ll Commit To 

The Forum meets at least once a year, but the role involves more than attending a single meeting.  You will also need time to prepare, read papers, take part in training, engage in discussions, and occasionally support press or community opportunities. Meetings may be in person in Highland, online, or hybrid. Forum members serve a three-year term and receive a fee of £1,000 per year for their contribution. 

You will receive a full induction and training from our Community Investment Team who have many years of experience in delivering funds, and they’ll continue to provide support and guidance as needed. 

More About the Skye Reinforcement Local Fund 

The Skye Reinforcement Local Fund launches in autumn 2026. SSEN Transmission has carried out considerable community engagement to inform the focus of the fund.  Community feedback has shaped its design, including a minimum three-year duration and grant awards of up to £100,000. 

If you have any queries about becoming a Forum Member, email Joanna Rodgers, Community Investment Manager at community.benefit@sse.com