Whether your idea involves small changes within your local authority or has the potential to lead system change on a wider scale, the programme will give you the tools you need to put it into practice.
Apply to the Innovation programme
Do you have an innovative idea that could improve services for children and families?
Our Innovation programme is a six-month, fully funded programme for Frontline fellows, designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and resources to turn your idea into a reality.
Applications close 17 May
Why apply to the Innovation programme?
- Learn the innovation skills you’ll need to turn an idea into reality
- Get one-to-one support from a dedicated innovation coach
- Enjoy peer support through facilitated groups
- Present your idea to a panel of experts
- Have the opportunity to apply for seed funding
- Receive post-programme support to help you develop your idea
Programme structure
The innovation programme has two stages.
Define and explore
Learn the essential innovation skills you need to define and explore your idea.
With support from your innovation coach and peers, refine your idea and outline a business model.
Design and build
Deepen your learning and design your plan to implement a pilot innovation project.
Pitch your proposal to our panel of experts and potentially receive start-up funding.
Time commitment
The Innovation programme is a six-month programme. We’ve designed the programme to easily fit around a busy job, like social work. You’ll learn through a mix of in-person and online teaching, made up of:
- One in-person launch day on 20 June 2024, 10am – 4.30pm
- Six online workshops lasting two hours each (two will place on a Saturday and four will take place on a week night, after work hours)
- Three online one-to-one innovation coaching sessions lasting 90 minutes each
- Two peer-to-peer support groups lasting two hours each
If you progress to the design and build phase of the programme, we will invite you to attend a one-week in-person bootcamp. You may need to use CPD (continuing professional development) time or annual leave to cover this.
Important dates
| Programme launch day | 1 day in-person, London | 20 Jun 2024 |
| Define and explore workshops | 6 x two-hour sessions online | Jun – Oct 2024 |
| One-to-one coaching sessions | 3 x 90 minute sessions online | Jul – Oct 2024 |
| Facilitated peer support groups | 2 x two-hour sessions online | Aug and Oct 2024 |
| Design and build workshop | 5 days in-person, London* | 4 – 8 Nov 2024 |
| Pilot project support | 1 year ongoing support | Nov 2024 – Nov 2025 |
Eligibility
The Innovation programme is open to all our fellows, provided you are not currently participating in one of our programmes.
Applications now open
You’ll need to answer a few questions about yourself and your idea. Applications will close on 17 May. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.