Scottish Government Healthcare Quality and Improvement section 10 funding call 2024-25

The Scottish Government is inviting project proposals from third sector organisations to improve healthcare and services in Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s Healthcare Quality and Improvement Division is responsible for delivering work to improve healthcare and services, through national strategies, frameworks and development of national guidance.

Section 10 funding is derived from Section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, which allows Scottish Ministers to make grants, subject to conditions, to voluntary organisations in order to engage in social work services and promote social welfare in Scotland.

What you can apply for

They invite applications for funding from third sector organisations for projects that support better health outcomes under the following themes:

• Long Term Conditions (LTC) (Annex 1)

• Armed Forces Families and Veterans (AFF&V) (Annex 2)
• Spiritual Care (SC) (Annex 3)

A maximum of one application can be submitted per project. The project must be delivered and completed between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

All bids should demonstrate the following:

• Evidence what the project will deliver within the time frame and the long-term implications of funding, including how the service will sustainably deliver services. Bids which are only designed to cover a short period or ‘plug a gap’ will not be considered. 
• Provide equitable access to care i.e., reducing variation of care across Scotland.
• Evidence how the project will reduce inequality i.e., address health inequalities.

They are particularly interested to hear from projects which support underserved communities, including minority ethnic groups and Gypsy Travellers and people living in areas of multiple deprivation.

Further details of the bidding criteria for each theme, including funding limits, can be found in the associated annex. Bids which do not meet the criteria set out above and those outlined in the annex will not be considered.

Application criteria and eligibility

Any third sector organisation can submit a bid, on their own or jointly with other organisation/s. Lead applicants and grant holders must be a third sector or community organisation. Partnership bids with public sector organisations such as the NHS or local authorities are encouraged, but public sector organisations cannot hold the grant or benefit financially; lead applicants and activity must take place within the third sector.

Out of scope

The following work is not within scope of this bidding process: 

• “Business as usual activity”. Where funding would contribute to the organisation’s annual operating plans and apply to core services.

Application process

The application process is as follows:

1. Applicants should complete the attached application form, providing concise and evidenced information about the proposal and identifying which theme they are applying for (details found in the attached Annexes) Email it to: section10-hqi@gov.scot by COB 26 January 2024.
2. Applicants will receive an automatic email acknowledging receipt of their application. Scottish Government officials and Advisors will assess applications.
3. Applicants will be advised of the decision by email by COB 1 March 2024. If you are successful, you will also be asked to provide supporting documents – such as your most recent annual accounts and cash flow forecast (including assumptions).
4. If you are unsuccessful in you bid for funding, unfortunately, they are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

Successful projects will be required to submit quarterly progress reports across the funding period, and an evaluation of the impact of the work at the end of the funding period.

If you have any queries about this process, please contact – section10-hqi@gov.scot

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