Scholarships Officer in London

This position is Hybrid. Depending on business needs and as a general rule, more than 50% of the working week should be in the office. Therefore, for someone working 5 days a week, a maximum of 2 days a week should be working from home.

Lincoln’s Inn is a thriving society of students, barristers, and judges set within an historic eleven-acre estate in central London. As one of the four Inns of Court, our core function is supporting the qualification, training and lifelong development of our members, within a collegiate and inclusive environment. As a multifaceted organisation, we provide a wealth of services and events for members, tenants and the public. This requires an experienced and dedicated professional team whose skills and responsibilities run wide, including for example education, scholarships, training, event management, security, gardens, estate management as well as all of the associated corporate functions.

The purpose of the Inn is to:

• support the rule of law and the administration of justice;
• support the effectiveness and standards of the Bar of England & Wales through education, scholarships, Call to the Bar, library and other services; and
• manage, use and enhance its historic estate in the heart of London for the benefit of members, barristers, tenants, residents, external customers and the wider public.

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Scholarships Officer to coordinate the delivery of the Inn’s scholarships and grants programmes. The post holder will oversee the administration of application, sifting and interview processes, working closely with volunteers to ensure panels are effectively resourced and supported throughout. They will also manage financial processes including means testing and payments. The role calls for excellent communication and relationship building skills, a high level of accuracy, and a calm and efficient approach to managing high-volume processes. Ideal candidates will have experience of working within a process-driven environment, with the confidence and communication skills to engage effectively with volunteers, applicants and other stakeholders. They will be highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail. A proactive approach, strong administrative capability, and a commitment to delivering a high-quality and fair applicant experience are essential.

Post Objectives

To manage the administration, coordination, and delivery of the Inn’s Scholarship and Grants Programmes end-to-end.

Main Duties

The following list of duties is indicative of the nature of the post. Priorities, timescales and standards will be set in agreement with management, recognising the level of professional competence of the post-holder.

• Manage the online scholarship application system, including setting up application rounds, making content changes, and liaising with the relevant internal team and suppliers on developments and issues.
• Arrange the sifting and interviewing processes for both applicants and sifters/interviewers, including creating materials, updating guidance, planning interview days, and processing scores.
• Undertake means testing for scholarships and grants in line with agreed criteria and processes.
• Arrange for the payment of scholarships and grants, including collating financial data and liaising with the Finance team to ensure timely payment.
• Lead the recruitment of volunteers to support scholarship processes, organising appropriate induction and training, and building and maintaining strong working relationships with volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Scholarships Committee, Head of Education & Scholarships, and key volunteers to review and improve scholarship processes and materials.
• Supervise the Students and Scholarships Coordinator when they provide support during peak periods.
• Oversee the arrangements for scholar and pupil accommodation, including advertising opportunities, managing applications, making selections, and liaising with applicants and the Estates team.
• Maintain accurate records on the Inn’s database, updating scholar details and monitoring scholar progress over the longer term.
• Manage scholarship-related webpages to ensure content is accurate and up to date and coordinate social media communications in partnership with the communications team.
• Work with the Head of Education & Scholarships to gather and analyse relevant data and insights on the programmes.
• Maintain a reasonable knowledge of the duties undertaken across the Department and help with general departmental administration as required, including dealing with general enquiries, maintaining the Inn’s database, and supporting on events and activities.
• Attend events both at the Inn and outside of London for which the post-holder is either solely or jointly responsible to ensure their smooth running as required which will require weekend and evening working for which Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be awarded. Some events will involve travelling nationally. The amount of weekend and evening working and travel required will vary throughout the year and will include at least several events (some with overnight stay) a month during busy periods.

Person Specification

Knowledge/skills required:

• Proven experience of providing high-quality administration in a busy, process-driven environment.
• Experience of managing or supporting structured processes (e.g. scholarships, grants, recruitment, or similar application-based systems).
• Experience of coordinating complex logistics and events (e.g. interviews, selection processes, training sessions, or multi-stage programmes).
• Experience of working with volunteers, including recruitment, coordination, and relationship management, is desirable.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and prioritise effectively, particularly during peak periods.
• Excellent attention to detail, with strong numeracy skills and the ability to handle financial information accurately.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Excel and experience using CRM/database systems and online application platforms.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the ability to use initiative, solve problems, and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to handle queries and challenging situations sensitively and professionally.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.
• High level of honesty, integrity, and discretion.

Benefits

What's in it for you? There are lots of great reasons to work at Lincoln's Inn, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement; 30+ days including closure periods over Christmas, Easter and August (for most roles)
• An excellent free lunch
• A 35-hour working week including paid breaks (for most roles)
• Hybrid working (depending on role)
• Overtime paid for Operational roles
• Private Medical Insurance
• A non-contributory 12% Stakeholder Pension Scheme
• Interest-free Season Ticket/Bicycle loan
• Free uniform for operational roles (laundered)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity and Shared Parental Leave
• Great annual training and continual development support
• Bicycle stands and shower facilities
• Death in Service benefit; 6 x your annual salary
• Free Eye tests and free chiropody
• Access to a confidential Employment Assistance Programme
• Team building days
• Plenty of social events, such as staff parties, quiz nights etc.
• Employment Membership shopping discounts

The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn is committed to ensuring both its members and staff members are treated with dignity and respect throughout their careers. We promote values of trust, transparency, and respect for all through robust policies and procedures.