Propel is a seven-year, £34 million programme supporting 34 organisations tackling structural inequality across London. We are looking for a learning partner to work alongside funded partners, funders and our team, helping us learn, adapt and push funding practice forward as the programme develops.
About the opportunity
Most of Propel’s funding has gone to organisations led by and for the communities they serve. Rather than short-term project grants, the programme gives organisations the time, stability and flexibility to tackle the root causes of inequality.
Learning is built into Propel, not bolted on. This is not a traditional evaluation commission. We want a critical friend and thought partner who will help shape the learning approach with us, build on what Propel has already learnt, and bring fresh perspectives from beyond the programme.
Current learning questions include how funding organisations led by and for groups experiencing structural inequality enables systems change, what becomes possible through relationships across the collaboration, and how power is experienced between funders, the Funding Committee, the delivery team and funded partners.
What the role involves
- Leading reflection and collective sense-making with funded partners, funders and others in Propel, in person once a year and online throughout.
- Identifying patterns, opportunities and challenges as they emerge.
- Bringing independent perspectives and models from outside Propel.
- Helping the programme test assumptions and learn in real time.
- Turning learning into accessible insights for the wider funding landscape.
Our principles
- Relational: Learning grows through dialogue, trust and relationships.
- Equitable and collaborative: Recognises power and values different forms of knowledge.
- Honest: Makes space for challenge, tension and what isn’t working.
- Cumulative: Builds on existing learning rather than starting again.
- Contributive: Everyone involved has something to add.
- Creative: Goes beyond traditional learning models.
- Useful: Informs decisions and leads to action.
Who we’re looking for
We welcome proposals from individual organisations, partnerships and collaborations of learning providers. We are particularly interested in experience of supporting learning in complex collaborations, a strong grasp of systems change, a deep commitment to power, equity and participation, and the ability to hold spaces for difficult conversations.
Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Expressions of interest open | November 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 15 December 2026 |
| Online interviews | Week commencing 11 January 2027 |
| Appointment | End of January 2027 |
How to apply
Send an expression of interest of no more than five pages, answering the four questions set out in the full brief, along with one existing example of relevant work. Email it to [email protected] by the end of 15 December 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview with members of the Propel Funding Committee. There is no full proposal stage: we will develop the details of the commission together after appointment.
Do you have further questions?
We’re happy to talk before you apply. Please contact Daniel Orrego at [email protected] or Malene Bratlie at [email protected].