The Edge Foundation has announced that its Innovation and Development Fund is now open for the first round of grant applications.

The Innovation and Development Fund is a new £1m grant programme looking to support innovation and development within technical, practical and vocational learning.  Two application rounds to the fund are planned  in 2014 and applications will be welcomed from projects, both long and short term, that build on proven models of success or test new approaches within education and learning.  All projects will be required to ensure effective dissemination of best practice in order to support further development or to enable replication.

All project applications must meet a minimum of 2 of the 3 aims of the fund, which are to:

•             support the creation of new institutions

•             support the development of profound employer engagement

•             address areas of skills shortages for the UK economy.

More information on the fund and how to apply can be found on the Edge website here where you can download a prospectus and request an application form.

UVAC would be happy to support and work with members on appropriate projects.  Please get in touch with us if you wish to discuss further.