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Funding Sources

Funding Sources to Support Workforce Development in Social Work Services

These sources of funding help support the development of the workforce:

Specific Grant for Social Work Training

The Specific Grant for Social Work Training was introduced in 1992 and is paid to local authorities. The level of funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08 is £5.5 million. Its purpose is to increase the competencies of social work services staff working in:

  • Community care
  • Children and families services
  • Social work management

This form is available in word and pdf formats

Section 9 Grants

The Section 9 grant scheme aims to support practice development in the voluntary sector. The level of funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08 is £1.6 million. It is currently targeted at organisations working with the following groups of people.

  • Older people
  • People with mental illness
  • People affected by physical, sensory or learning difficulties
  • People with problems arising from alcohol and substance misuse and HIV/AIDS
  • Children and families, with particular reference to child protection
  • People who risk becoming, or who are, homeless
  • Victims of crime and offenders

This form is available in word and pdf formats

Voluntary Sector Development Fund

The Voluntary Sector Development Fund was set up in 2003 to assist the voluntary sector workforce to meet the Scottish Social Services Council's registration requirements. The level of funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08 is £1m. This fund provides a contribution to the cost of training staff required to register under phase one and phase two of the registration requirements.

Scottish Social Services Council

Information about other potential funding sources to support workforce training and development is available from the Scottish Social Services Council.

Postgraduate Bursaries

The Scottish Social Services Council grants postgraduate bursaries and associated allowances to students undertaking an approved postgraduate social work course.

Other Useful Funding Information

A Guide for the Voluntary Sector to Scottish Executive Grants

Navigating the Funding Streams 2

Page updated: Monday, September 25, 2006