Thank you to Marshall Wace and Portal Trust for their support in funding the Innovation programme, and helping turn ideas into action for children at risk of harm.
Innovation programme
At Frontline, we believe the professionals who work closest to children at risk of harm are best placed to design better ways of supporting them.
They see where systems fall short and where small, practical changes could make a real difference. What is often missing is the time, space and support to turn those insights into action.
The Innovation programme exists to change that.
Applications are open from 23 February to 9 March. Now’s your chance to turn your idea into a reality.
What the programme offers
The Frontline Innovation programme is a free, part-time opportunity for professionals who want to develop practical ideas that improve how services support children at risk of harm.
The programme supports forward-thinking professionals to develop practical, evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for children.
Participants are given dedicated time, expert guidance and structured support to:
- explore a clearly defined problem affecting children
- test and refine an innovative response
- build evidence to show what works and why
- develop solutions with the potential to influence practice and services
Who can apply
The Innovation programme is open to professionals whose work supports children at risk of harm and who have a clear insight into a challenge that needs a better solution.
You do not need to have a fully formed product or service. What matters is a strong understanding of the problem, a commitment to evidence-based practice and a desire to improve how children are supported.
If you have an idea you want to explore, or want to understand whether the programme is right for you, join our online information session on 3 March, 6 – 6.45pm to find out more.
Why innovation matters
Social work and related services operate under significant pressure. Systems designed for past needs do not always reflect the realities children face today.
By backing innovation led by professionals on the ground, the Innovation programme aims to support change that is realistic, informed by practice and focused on making life better for children.
Previously funded ideas
Since 2022, we’ve funded 21 innovations. Here are some examples:
- ReWired – An access and training programme for young people with a social worker or those involved in youth justice services. Participants will shadow leading industry professionals in creative settings, providing them with the skills to practice in entry-level roles within the sector. This was piloted in Merton.
- Conscious Policy Group – Aiming to improve children’s online safety, this initiative will build a policy and strategy organisation that brings expertise and experience from statutory safeguarding into the online safety sector. The goal is to strengthen, shape, and inform the design, implementation, and management of new online safety systems.
- Life Story Cards – Therapeutic, trauma-informed cards designed to help social workers make life story work a core and enriching part of a child’s care experience. This initiative was piloted in Wirral.
- Impakt – An organisation focused on addressing and challenging the growing issue of unlawful school exclusions in the UK, ensuring every child’s right to education is protected. Impakt will provide essential support to families, schools, and policymakers, working towards a fairer and more inclusive education system. This was piloted in Southwark.