As many of you will know, the Democracy Network has been instrumental in connecting over 1,000 members working to strengthen democratic participation across the UK. As we approach a significant transition point, we wanted to update you on the exciting opportunity ahead.

The Steering Group will be leading the process to invite organisations to express interest – and recommending a host to go forward to develop the grant application.

There will be two stages to application – first an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, then a full grant application. JRRT has asked the Democracy Network Steering Group to lead the Expression of Interest process so that potential hosts for the next phase of the Democracy Network can be identified.

The Expression of Interest process will likely involve a relatively short written submission and interviews. It is not the same as developing a full grant application. It will go to the Steering Group, who will then make a recommendation, and a full grant application will then need to be made by one recommended host, to go to JRRT directly.

Who is eligible to express interest?

The Steering Group is meeting on 10 June to finalise the criteria and process for the Expressions of Interest, with full details to be circulated to all members as soon as possible afterwards.

This will be an open process, and any organisation or partnership can apply to host the Network, including current Steering Group members, our present host (Involve), and any other organisations who are not yet members of the Network but share our commitment to democratic renewal.

To ensure transparency and fairness, any Steering Group members interested in hosting may participate in discussions about the criteria and selection process, but will step back from the actual selection decisions.

JRRT has asked for one grant application from a host explicitly recommended by the Steering Group; so all potential hosts need to participate in the EOI process.

Would your organisation like to express interest?

If you are a Steering Group member organisation considering an EOI: please notify the co-chairs as soon as possible.

If you are another organisation considering an EOI: please also reach out the co-chairs (details at the end of this post).

The timeline is as follows:

10 June – Steering Group meeting to finalise EOI process and criteria

After 10 June – Full details and EOI application criteria circulated to the Network

Applications close: 3 July 2025

SG panel interviews potential hosts: 7-10 July 2025

The SG will then recommend a potential host to develop the grant application to JRRT by 1 September, for their board meeting on 3 October.

JRRT’s Chief Executive or Programme Manager will be available over the summer to talk with the new host, answer questions, and advise on how to best to present proposals and anticipate questions the Board is likely to ask.

There is no guarantee the JRRT Board will fund the application, as it will be considered alongside other bids and available funds.

Steering Group members will work with whoever they choose to make the best possible application for this important role.

For more information see the EOI information document.

Ed Saperia [email protected] is administering the selection process.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this process.

Best regards,

Edward Saperia, Dean, Newspeak House

[email protected] / [email protected]

Titus Alexander, Founder Democracy Matters

E: [email protected] / [email protected]

Co-chairs, Democracy Network Steering Group