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 into practice.
Apply to the Innovation programme
Are you interested in creating a new project or service for children and families?
The Innovation programme is a six-month fully funded programme designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and resources to turn your idea into a reality.
Applications close 22 April
Why join the Innovation programme?
- Dedicated innovation skills training designed to fit around your job.
- One-to-one support from a dedicated innovation coach
- Peer group support through facilitated groups
Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for fellows with the drive and determination to go through an innovation journey and commit yourself to this over the next 12 months.
It’s also important that you have an idea to work on so that you’re learning is applied to something practical. That really is it, we will help you with everything else. Your idea doesn’t have to be world changing or the next Apple, so don’t overthink it. If you’re not sure talk to us.
We welcome a range of ideas, particularly those that:
- Provide solutions to extra-familial harm
- Address the challenges within the care system
- Support children in care
- Support young people leaving care
Programme structure
The innovation programme has two stages.
Define and explore
All participants will learn the essential innovation skills needed to define and explore your idea.
You will be supported by your coach and peers to refine your idea and outline a working model
Design and build
Ten participants will deepen their learning and design a plan to implement a pilot innovation project.
Pitch your proposal to our panel and potentially receive seed-funding.
Programme at a glance
Workshops – online sessions that cover themes such as defining your idea, market exploration, evaluation, and pitching
Coaching sessions – work with our coaches virtually to reflect on your learning and to receive guidance on your ideas
Innovation development sessions – small groups working with a trained facilitator to help find ways of overcoming challenges and problem solving.
Peer support – bring your skills and experience to the group and learn from members. Develop a network of like-minded people.
Important dates
Define and explore
| Session | Date | Time |
| Programme launch day and workshop 1 | Thursday 5 June 2025 | 10.00pm – 4.30pm (in person London office) |
| Workshop 2: define your idea part one | Saturday 14 June 2025 | 10.00pm – 3.00pm |
| Workshop 3: define your idea part two | Tuesday 24 June 2025 | 5.30pm – 7.30pm |
| Workshop 4: exploring the market | Saturday 12 July 2025 | 10.00am – 1.00pm |
| Workshop 5: evaluation and its role in your innovation | Thursday 24 July 2025 | 5.30pm – 7.30pm |
| Innovation development session 1 | Week commencing 11 August 2025 | To be determined with your group and facilitator |
| Workshop 6: finance | Thursday 4 September 2025 | 5.30pm – 7.30pm |
| Workshop 7: pitching | Tuesday 16 September 2025 | 5.30pm – 7.30pm |
| Innovation development session 2 | Week commencing 22 September 2025 | To be determined with your group and facilitator |
| Mini pitch: put your learning into practice | Tuesday 30 September – 1 Oct 2025 | By appointment (online) |
Design and build
| Session | Date | Time |
| 5-day bootcamp* | Monday 20 October – Friday 24 October | 10.00pm – 4.00pm (in person London office) |
| Pitch to panel | Wednesday 19 November – Thursday 20 November | By appointment (in person) |
Previously funded ideas
We have funded 13 innovations so far. Here’s our three most recent:
- 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 will be 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 will be piloted in Southwark.
- ReWired – An access and training programme for young people with a social worker or those open to 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 will be piloted in Merton.
Applications now open
Applications close on 22 April. We recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.