About NC: Collective
NC: Collective is a Community Interest Company that connects organisations with skilled professionals who face barriers to employment because of involvement with the justice system.
We don't simply create opportunities.
We deliver high-quality business support whilst creating fair access to meaningful work.
Why We Exist
What Makes Us Different
Our Story
Too many talented people are excluded from employment because of their past rather than recognised for the skills they can offer today.
At the same time, charities, social enterprises and businesses are under increasing pressure to do more with fewer resources.
NC: Collective exists to address both challenges.
As the trading arm of Next Chapter Scotland, we provide professionally managed business support services whilst creating paid work opportunities for skilled associates who face significant barriers to employment.
Our model is built on one simple belief:
Talent should never be wasted because of stigma.
Instead of asking employers to recruit individuals directly, organisations contract with NC: Collective.
We:
Understand your requirements.
Scope the project.
Match the right associate.
Manage delivery.
Provide quality assurance.
Remain your single point of contact throughout.
This removes many of the barriers associated with traditional recruitment while providing organisations with a reliable, professional and flexible service.
Our Services
Funding & Impact Support
Helping organisations secure funding and evidence impact through:
Funding research
Grant application support
Impact reporting
Data collection
Monitoring & evaluation
Case studies
Communications & Digital Support
Helping organisations communicate with confidence through:
Social media
Website updates
Copywriting
Newsletters
Graphic design
Proofreading & editing
We believe meaningful work starts long before someone receives their first project.
Associates joining NC: Collective benefit from a structured programme of support, including skills profiling, mentoring, self-employment training, professional development and ongoing project management.
We work alongside each associate to understand their strengths, identify opportunities and help them build sustainable professional futures.
Supporting Associates
Our Impact
Operations Support
Helping organisations increase capacity through:
Administration
Virtual PA support
CRM management
Data management
Research
Business support
For organisations
Increased capacity
Flexible professional support
High-quality project delivery
For associates
Paid work opportunities
Professional experience
Skills development
Greater confidence
A pathway towards sustainable employment
NC: Collective was established by Next Chapter Scotland and is led by people with lived experience of the justice system.
That experience shapes everything we do.
It helps us understand the barriers people face, design services that work in the real world and build relationships based on dignity, trust and professionalism.
We don't ask organisations to lower their standards.
We help them discover talent they might otherwise have overlooked.
“NC: Collective understood exactly what we needed and delivered a professional service from start to finish.”
Whether you're looking for additional capacity, interested in becoming an associate or exploring partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
Let's create meaningful work together.
Rooted in Lived Experience
“NC: Collective showed us that talent should be judged by skills and professionalism, not someone’s past.”
“The quality of work was excellent, and NC: Collective managed the entire project seamlessly.”