Pathways to Work Innovation Fund

Applications are invited from organisations across the United Kingdom, including:

·       charities and voluntary organisations

·       social enterprises

·       businesses

·       universities and research organisations

·       councils and other eligible public organisations

UK Government departments cannot apply. An individual cannot apply alone to fund a project, but individuals may work with an eligible organisation and be part of an application.

Partnership applications

Organisations may apply alone or as a partnership. Where organisations apply together, one organisation must act as the lead organisation. The lead organisation will submit the application, manage the grant and receive payments from DWP before distributing agreed funding to project partners.

Organisations may apply even if they have not previously supported disabled people into work, have not previously applied for government funding, or already receive funding from another DWP programme. They must demonstrate that they can manage public money and deliver the proposed project.

Pathways to Work brings together support for work, health and skills. The Innovation Fund will support organisations to develop and test new or significantly different approaches.

What the fund aims to achieve

Every funded project must support disabled people or people with long-term health conditions in at least one of the following areas:

·       Prepare for work, for example by building skills or reducing barriers to starting work.

·       Get a job, by providing the support a person needs to move into employment.

·       Stay in work, by helping a person keep a job that is right for them.

·       Make progress at work, for example by learning new skills, taking on new tasks or moving to a better job.

What counts as innovation

Innovation means doing something new or very different from how things have been done before. This could include:

·       a new service or type of support

·       a new product or tool

·       a new way to use technology

·       a new way for organisations to work together

·       a new approach for employers to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions

·       using an existing idea in a different place, with a different group of people or with an important change

Projects do not have to use technology or operate across the whole UK. An idea may focus on a particular place, community or group. Applicants must clearly explain what is new or different and what DWP and others could learn from the project. The fund is not intended to pay for an organisation simply to continue delivering an unchanged existing service.

Applications open: 28 September 2026, 12:01am (Midnight)

Applications close: 26 October 2026, 11:59pm (Midnight)

Applicants notified of shortlisting: By 9 November 2026

Shortlisted applicant development sessions: 16 November to 27 November 2026

Updated applications accepted: 27 November to 4 December 2026

Funding decisions communicated: From January 2027

Successful projects may begin mobilisation: From February 2027, after the Grant Funding Agreement is signed

Application Documents

All the documents required to prepare your application are available at Pathways to Work Innovation Fund guidance - GOV.UK

In early October we will be launching an online application portal which in most cases will be the best way to apply. However, in the meantime if you wish to you can download an application form and submit by post or email.  

You contact us via: Email: dwp.pathwaystoworkinnovationfund@dwp.gov.uk

 The application form asks about:

·       the applicant organisation

·       the problem the project aims to address

·       the proposed innovation

·       the people the project will support

·       the difference the project is expected to make

·       how the project will be managed

·       the funding required

·       how disabled people and people with long-term health conditions have helped shape the proposal

·       how the project will be accessible

Every application must include a completed Budget Template and a Delivery Plan and Milestones Template. Applicants may also submit up to three optional supporting documents, such as relevant research, evidence of potential impact or letters of support.

An organisation may submit more than one idea, but it must complete a separate application for each idea. Applications can be saved and completed later. An application cannot be changed after it has been submitted unless it is shortlisted and DWP invites an updated application.

If an application is shortlisted

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to development sessions between 16 and 27 November 2026 and may submit an improved application between 27 November and 4 December 2026. Sessions may be available online and in person in Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Cardiff.

If an application is successful

DWP will begin informing applicants of decisions from January 2027. Successful projects may begin preparing from February 2027, but delivery can start only after the Grant Funding Agreement has been signed.

Funded organisations must provide a short monthly update and a more detailed report every three months. Payments will normally follow completion and evidence of agreed project activity, with up to one payment each month. Organisations must obtain DWP agreement before making changes to the project.

Appeals and complaints

An organisation may appeal where it believes the application was not assessed correctly, important information was not considered, the decision relied on incorrect facts, or the process was unfair. An appeal cannot be made simply because an organisation disagrees with the decision. Appeals should be submitted within five working days of the decision.

A complaint may be made about the administration of the fund, including customer service, accessibility, delays, paperwork, technical issues or failure to follow the published process. DWP aims to respond to complaints within five working days where possible.

Email: dwp.pathwaystoworkinnovationfund@dwp.gov.uk

Support for applicants

DWP will provide weekly online drop-in sessions between 28 September and 26 October 2026. These sessions will allow potential applicants to ask questions, learn more about the process and get support with an application. Participation is optional. Important information from sessions will be shared with all applicants so that the process remains fair.

DWP cannot discuss or advise on an individual project idea before an application is submitted.

Partnership support

DWP will make a Partnership Directory available to help organisations and individuals identify potential partners with relevant lived experience, local knowledge, specialist expertise, useful skills or new ideas. Joining the directory does not require a person or organisation to submit an application or enter into a partnership. The Partnership Directory will be published on Pathways to Work Innovation Fund guidance - GOV.UK

Accessibility and reasonable adjustments

Applicants can request information in Easy Read, large print, Braille, audio, British Sign Language, accessible digital formats and Welsh. Support for meetings may include BSL interpretation, captions or subtitles, telephone or face-to-face support, and accessible venues.

Applicants should contact DWP as early as possible to discuss accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments.

Email: dwp.pathwaystoworkinnovationfund@dwp.gov.uk