Make a Difference in Caithness and North Sutherland – Director Vacancy
(Voluntary Position)
Deadline for applications: by 12 noon on 12th August 2026
Would you like to help decide how funding is invested to support local communities, create opportunities and make our area an even better place to live, work and invest?
The Caithness and North Sutherland Fund (CNSF) is seeking a new Director to join our Board.
Established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and NRS Dounreay, the Fund supports projects that strengthen communities across the Dounreay Travel-to-Work Area. Since its creation, the Fund has committed more than £3.3 million, helping to unlock around £16 million of investment in community-led projects.
Why join us?
As a Director, you will:
Who are we looking for?
We are keen to hear from people who:
What’s involved?
Already involved in a community group?
We welcome applications from people who are actively involved in community, voluntary and charitable organisations. Directors are often well-connected within their local communities, and the Fund has established procedures to identify and manage any conflicts of interest appropriately, ensuring decisions are made fairly and transparently.
First board role? Please apply.
You don’t need previous board experience to make a valuable contribution.
We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are interested in becoming a non-executive director for the first time and who can bring enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and a commitment to supporting local communities.
Find out more
For further information or an application form, please contact the Fund Administrator.
Email: enquiries@cnsf.org.uk
Tel: 01847 500101
We’re thrilled to announce that the Fund is increasing its maximum award to an incredible £50,000.
This means even more opportunities for you to achieve your projects. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a significant impact.
If you have been in touch with the Fund previously, please get in touch for our up-to-date application form and guidance document.
For more details, reach out to us at enquiries@cnsf.org.uk or complete an enquiry form to see if you could be eligible.
Our AGM Report for 2024/2025 is Now Available
We’re pleased to share our Annual Report for this year, which highlights our key achievements, activities, and impact in 2024-2025.
You can read the full report here: CNSF Annual Report 2024-2025
Thank you to all who contributed towards another successful year and a huge congratulations to the successful projects!
The FOURTEENTH Annual General Meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund will be held at the Pentland Hotel, Princes Street, Thurso, KW14 7AA on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 12:00 noon
If you would like to be in attendance at the Annual General Meeting please let us know by contacting enquiries@cnsf.org.uk
(There will be an option to join online for those who can’t make in person)
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund Celebrates £1m Funding Boost from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has made a significant £1 million commitment to the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund (CNSF) over the next three years. This additional funding is fantastic news for the region and will enable the Fund to continue its successful efforts in supporting community-powered initiatives across Caithness and North Sutherland.
The Fund was set up by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), now NRS Dounreay, in 2011 to provide grants to local community organisations for projects that enhance the region’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest. Since its establishment, CNSF has awarded £3.29 million to 251 community projects, with a combined estimated value exceeding £15.5 million. These initiatives have brought substantial improvements throughout the Dounreay Travel to Work Area, reflecting the Fund’s key themes of environmental, social, cultural, and infrastructure development.
From playparks and sporting events to cultural festivals and infrastructure upgrades, CNSF has played a vital role in supporting a wide range of diverse and impactful projects in the region. Recent funding highlights include:
Thurso Community Café, Mental Wellbeing Project
Funding supported the development of a youth hangout space, offering a safe, welcoming environment for young people in the evenings. The project also introduced a mentorship scheme and a Water Wellness Group, providing outdoor activity opportunities, including surfing lessons, to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Caithness Youth Pipe Band, Tartan Parade Participation
A grant enabled the band to participate in the Tartan Parade Scotland in Edinburgh, giving talented young musicians from Caithness the opportunity to perform on a national stage. This support is helping to overcome geographical barriers and ensure access to major events for young people in the North Highlands.
Wick Development Trust, Wick River Campsite Upgrade
CNSF funding contributed to the delivery of a state-of-the-art, fully accessible, energy-efficient, net-zero toilet and facilities building, as part of a wider three-year upgrade to the Wick River Campsite. The project introduced modern amenities, including toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, enhancing the visitor experience, boosting Wick’s appeal as a destination, and creating new local employment opportunities.
Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
CNSF was pleased to support the development of a high-quality Multi-Use Games Area in Helmsdale. This versatile facility provides a year-round space for all ages to enjoy a range of sports and activities, from football to pickleball, encouraging active lifestyles and strengthening community ties.
This substantial funding award reflects the Fund’s strong track record of responsible stewardship over the past 13 years and underscores the significant socio-economic benefits it has helped deliver across the region.
The NDA is the UK government body responsible for the safe, secure and sustainable decommissioning of the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, including NRS Dounreay.
NDA Director of Socio-Economics, Jamie Reed, said: “We’re delighted to renew our support for the Fund and enable them to continue the valuable work they are doing – it’s a testament to the success of the programme so far.” “These projects are really making a difference and help us deliver on our promise to the local community that we’ll leave a positive legacy that will continue to benefit the region’s people, places, and economy, long after our mission is complete.”
NRS Dounreay Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics, Dave Calder, said: “It’s testament to the fund and the impact it has had over a number of years that the NDA have continued to offer support beyond its intended life span. The fund plays a vital role in the suite of interventions the NDA and NRS Dounreay provide in the local area for the benefit of the community, and this announcement acknowledges that recognition.”
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund Board Chair, Fiona Forbes, said: “I am delighted that the NDA have provided more funding to CNSF for the next 3 years. This will sustain the fabulous work of the Fund in the local area.”
About the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund was established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to distribute resources aimed at increasing the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest. The Fund is administered by Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Funding applications ranging from £1,000 to £30,000 are available on a quarterly basis. These funds are open to voluntary or community organisations, school parent councils, community groups, community councils, community development trusts, and local councils located within the Dounreay Travel to Work Area.
We are looking to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors and are seeking applications from enthusiastic individuals with a passion for our communities. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and vibrant board and make a significant contribution to the local community.
As a Director you will be responsible to ensure that the Fund complies with its objectives and governing documents as well as all relevant legislation and regulations. You will also become a member of the Fund’s assessment committee (meeting quarterly) and will use your skills and knowledge to help distribute our grant funding to benefit communities within the Dounreay travel to work area.
Applications would also be welcome from candidates who are less experienced and who do not possess the above attributes to join a board as a non-executive director for the first time (mentoring will be provided).
The Application Deadline is 12 noon on 30th June 2025.
For further information or for an application form, please contact the Fund Administrator:
Email: enquiries@cnsf.org.uk
Tel: 01847 500101
Please see below for the AGM Report for CNSF for the Year 2023/2024.
Thank you to all who contributed to the document and a huge congratulations to the successful projects!
CNSF is holding the AGM in The Pentland Hotel on Wednesday 4th December 2024 at 2pm.
Please contact us via the email address below if you would like to attend.
We are looking to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors and are seeking applications from enthusiastic individuals with a passion for our communities. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic and vibrant board and make a significant contribution to the local community.
As a Director you will be responsible to ensure that the Fund complies with its objectives and governing documents as well as all relevant legislation and regulations. You will also become a member of the Fund’s assessment committee (meeting quarterly) and will use your skills and knowledge to help distribute our grant funding to benefit communities within the Dounreay travel to work area.
Candidates must be resident in Caithness and North Sutherland and we are particularly interested in
attracting candidates with the following attributes:
Applications would also be welcome from candidates who are less experienced and who do not possess the above attributes to join a board as a non-executive director for the first time (mentoring will be provided).
For further information or for an application form, please contact the Fund Administrator:
Email: enquiries@cnsf.org.uk
Tel: 01847 500101
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund AGM Report 2022/23 is available to read and download online here.
Make a Difference in Caithness and North Sutherland – Director Vacancy (Voluntary Position) Deadline for applications: by 12 noon on 12th August 2026 Would you like to help decide how funding is invested to support local communities, create opportunities and make our area an even better place to live, work and invest? The Caithness and […]
Exciting News for All Applicants We’re thrilled to announce that the Fund is increasing its maximum award to an incredible £50,000. This means even more opportunities for you to achieve your projects. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a significant impact. If you have been in touch with the Fund previously, please get […]
Our AGM Report for 2024/2025 is Now Available We’re pleased to share our Annual Report for this year, which highlights our key achievements, activities, and impact in 2024-2025. You can read the full report here: CNSF Annual Report 2024-2025 Thank you to all who contributed towards another successful year and a huge congratulations to the […]
The FOURTEENTH Annual General Meeting of the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund will be held at the Pentland Hotel, Princes Street, Thurso, KW14 7AA on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at 12:00 noon If you would like to be in attendance at the Annual General Meeting please let us know by contacting enquiries@cnsf.org.uk (There will be […]