UK-wide Fund Opens to Support Disabled People into Work
Grants to test approaches supporting disabled people and people with health conditions into work
The Department for Work and Pensions has opened the first round of the Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, offering grants for new approaches to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions move towards, enter, stay and progress in work.
The initiative is part of Pathways to Work, a government programme bringing together personalised employment, health and skills support. It aims to develop evidence about what works and for whom, with projects expected to produce learning that could inform future services.
Up to £60 million is available over two years. The first round provides up to £10 million. A further £50 million is expected to be available through a second round in early 2027. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, although projects must be delivered within 12 months. Support is available until the end of March 2028.
UK-based organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors can apply. Eligible applicants include charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, businesses, academic and research bodies, local authorities and mayoral strategic authorities. Partnerships and consortia can also submit applications.
Individuals may participate in a partnership but cannot apply independently. One organisation must act as lead applicant for a partnership and manage any grant awarded.
Funding can be used to develop, test, deliver, monitor and evaluate innovative proposals. Eligible activity includes developing technology, equipment or artificial intelligence solutions, testing interventions, piloting products and services and carrying out user research or co-design.
Other eligible costs include staff, volunteer and participant expenses directly related to delivery, specialist support, partnership activity and monitoring and evaluation. Projects may also develop employer support, improve coordination across employment, health and skills services or apply an existing approach in a substantially different context or with a new target group.
