Thames Sailing Barge Trust is seeking an experienced self-employed Activity Planner and Bid Writer to support the development stage of Centaur Connections, a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to restore the historic sailing barge Centaur and create a five-year programme of heritage, learning and community activity at Maldon Quay, Essex. Working with Trustees, project partners and local organisations, the consultant will prepare an inclusive, practical and costed Activity Plan informed by consultation, co-creation and audience research. The role includes engaging community groups, schools and stakeholders; holding local consultation events; developing partnership agreements; planning accessible activities; trialing activity ideas where useful; identifying resources for delivery; and coordinating with communications and evaluation colleagues. The consultant will also support the second-round Heritage Fund application by reviewing existing project information, advising on supporting documents and budget, giving constructive feedback, and editing draft bid text. Applicants should have strong experience in heritage or community activity planning, co-creation, stakeholder engagement and bid development, with knowledge of sailing barge, maritime or traditional craft heritage desirable. This is a self-employed contract with a guide fee of approximately £24,000 including VAT. Submissions are due by 16 October 2026 and should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject 'Centaur Connections'. The successful consultant will need to demonstrate experience in heritage or community activity planning, co-creation and stakeholder engagement, ideally including National Lottery Heritage Fund projects. They should be confident consulting with community groups, schools, partners and public sector organisations; preparing practical, inclusive and costed activity plans; supporting accessible activity design; and working within agreed budgets and timescales. Experience of bid development, reviewing project information, advising on supporting documents and budgets, and editing application text is essential. Strong written communication, organisation and project coordination skills are required, along with the ability to work constructively with trustees, staff, volunteers, consultants and partners. Knowledge of sailing barge, maritime, traditional craft or local heritage would be desirable. The consultant will develop a detailed, inclusive and costed Activity Plan for the Centaur Connections project, informed by audience research, community consultation and co-creation. Responsibilities include engaging local groups, schools, partners and public sector organisations; holding at least two consultation events; developing partnership agreements; planning accessible heritage activities; trialling activity ideas where useful; identifying resources and materials for delivery; and coordinating with communications, evaluation, training and project colleagues. The role also includes supporting the second-round Heritage Fund bid by reviewing project information, advising on documents and budget, giving constructive feedback and editing draft application text. Email us to request a brief for this project, this then will require you to submit a single application package containing: Applications due by 23:59 on the 16th of October 2026.Job Summary
Job Description
Job Requirements
Job Responsibilities
How to Apply
• Project Team: Your company details, and CVs (max 2 pages each) for you and any team members or subcontractors.
• Approach: Outline your professional method, qualifications, team management, your general approach to activity planning and how this will benefit the project and any relevant credentials.
• Relevant Experience: Up to 3 recent examples (plus team/subcontractor examples where relevant) testimonials are encouraged; include any Heritage Fund activity‑plan experience.
• Outline what your team would bring to the project, what the 3 most significant challenges of this project are and outline how you would work with the Trust to engage stakeholders to inform the work.
• Fee Proposal — Submit a tender summary with fixed lump‑sum fees (ex VAT) and estimated expenses.