Pathways to Work Innovation Fund: applicant bid pack

The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund will invest up to £60 million over 2 years in grant funding to test new ideas that support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions to move towards, enter, stay and progress in work. We are looking for new ideas and approaches, including new uses of technology. The Fund is open to applications for grant funding from organisations across the UK, including:

• public sector organisations
• businesses
• voluntary and community organisations
• partnerships and consortia

We are interested in ideas that can improve employment outcomes and generate valuable learning.

Applicant guidance

This page contains the Pathways to Work Innovation Fund:

• Applicant bid pack
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Application form
• Supporting templates

Accessible formats

You can also find the following accessible formats on this page:

• Welsh
• Large print
• Easy-Read – please note this version may not be suitable for people who use screen readers. Please contact us to request an alternative version.
• accessible text
• British Sign Language (BSL)
• audio

If you require a braille version of the applicant bid pack or the FAQs, please contact us using the email or postal address provided at the bottom of this page.

Application documents

All the documents required to prepare your application are available below.

In early October 2026 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.  

Alongside your application form you will also need to submit the following documents:

1. Milestones and delivery template – please provide a concise overview of how the proposal will be delivered, the important milestones to be achieved and how delivery will be monitored throughout the project.
2. Budget template – please provide a clear breakdown of the funding requested and how it will be used to test, develop, implement or evaluate the innovation.

Partnership form

We know some organisations or individuals may wish to explore forming a partnership to prepare and submit an application. To support this we will publish a partnership directory by 5 October 2026 to help organisations and individuals to connect with potential partners before applications are submitted.

If you would like your organisation, idea or project to be included in the partnership directory, please complete the Partnership Interest Form. Your contact details will be published online so that people who are interested in working with you can get in touch. Send the completed form to the email or postal address below.

Contact details

Email: dwp.pathwaystoworkinnovationfund@dwp.gov.uk

Postal address: