Since 2009 We Have Been - Building Pathways & Breaking Barriers.
Developing People. Supporting Organisations. Strengthening Communities.
Who We Are
Registered in 2009, Next Step Initiative (NSI) is a Scottish charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), concerned with promoting and empowering individuals from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic groups. However, whilst we are concerned with Minority Ethnic communities, our focus is on the Black community as we are aware that the term BAME presents a homogenous front, whereas these groups are heterogenous, with markedly different experiences across economic and social divides (Institute for Fiscal Studies, 2020; Ubele, 2020). Hence our focus is on Afro-Caribbean Communities.
Partner With Us
NSI Comic Relief Global Majority Project
Next Step Initiative received the sum of £358,000 from Comic Relief, for onward distribution to minority communities across Scotland.
Following consultation with leaders of minority communities, we identified key barriers to fundraising. These include irrelevant questions, long application forms, lack of human and financial resources, lack of documents and non-ownership of bank accounts with mainstream/high-street banks.
Therefore, to address some of these barriers, we designed a simplified application form, whilst ensuring key questions were not compromised.
Furthermore, we carried out due diligence. As an intermediary partner with local presence and knowledge, we are familiar with these organisations and it was easy to carry out all necessary due diligence, as well as evaluation of funded projects. In total 52 Ethnic Minority community organisations were funded across Scotland
32+
Trainees Supported Across Scotland
25+
Strategic Heritage Partnerships
1200+
Community Engagement Events Delivered
250+
Local Organisation Supported For Funding
NSI Business Accelerator and Employability Hub
Our social enterprise program- business incubation and accelerator hub has supported over 385 Individuals, organisations, and community groups.
This has been described by Fiorina Mugione, of the Chief Entrepreneurship Section, United Nations Conference for Trade and Development Geneva as ‘’the prime exemplar of diaspora impactive entrepreneurship’’.
Additionally, our Inclusive Museum Heritage Project Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund as a route of employability has been recognised as a Recruitment Best Practices Model. This hub continues to provide coaching, mentoring and capacity building support to African and Caribbean social enterprises, community groups and individuals across Scotland.
The African Climate Change Centre in Scotland Heritage (2012-2015).
The African Climate Change Centre in Scotland Heritage Initiative (2012-2015).
This built the expertise of over 1000 African and Caribbean/Ethnic Minority participants in environmental sustainability and conservation, leading to over 5 full time jobs over a 4 year period.
This was funded by Scottish Government through the Climate Change Fund
Build Your Dream
Our Strategic Focus
Heritage Leadership Training Programme
A structured development programme placing trainees within leading museums and galleries across Scotland, combining professional training, mentoring, and real-world experience.
Organisational Capacity & Strategic Partnerships
Supporting cultural institutions to diversify leadership pipelines while strengthening inclusive practice through collaboration.
Community Engagement & Representation
Connecting communities with heritage spaces to ensure inclusive storytelling and accessible participation.
Heritage Leadership Programme 2024/2025
The 2024/2025 cohort has successfully completed the Heritage Leadership Training Programme, culminating in formal certification and recognition of their leadership development within partner museum environments. This achievement reflects NSI’s commitment to building sustainable pathways into heritage leadership for underrepresented communities.
Young Leadership Engagement
A structured initiative supporting young people to develop leadership confidence, sector awareness, and practical skills through facilitated sessions, mentorship, and engagement within Scotland’s heritage and cultural institutions.
The Youth Cultural Diversity Heritage Leadership Project
The Youth Cultural Diversity Heritage Leadership Project “The Way Back to My Roots’’ (2014/2015). In this successful youth heritage leadership capacity-building initiative, over 150 young people developed a better inter-cultural understanding of the different cultures and their inter-connectivity across Scotland with funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Connect With Us
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Our Research Programm
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Across many communities in Scotland, young people—particularly those from ethnic minority and underrepresented backgrounds—continue to face significant barriers to employment. These barriers include limited access to professional networks, lack of work experience opportunities, low awareness of career pathways, and systemic inequalities within key sectors such as heritage, culture, and the creative industries.
At Next Step Initiative (NSI), we believe that every young person deserves a fair opportunity to develop their talents, gain meaningful experience, and build a sustainable career. Our Youth and Employability programmes are designed to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by equipping young people with the practical skills, professional exposure, and confidence they need to thrive in the workplace.
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