Employability
HEP Challenge Fund Grant 2025
On behalf of Highland Employability Partnership (HEP), we will be launching a competitive challenge grant fund to support our clients to gain employment, including realising the potential of the large scale economic development initiatives currently emerging in Highland, such as the Green Free Port.
We are therefore inviting applications from Employability Service providers of an appropriate scale to deliver an all age / all pathway stage provision for our residents who require additional support in their journey towards and into work. This will include specialist support for clients with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Our particular priority of tackling child poverty means that there is also a requirement for targeted provision to support parents.
There will be one grant award for Highland, and whilst a single organisation can apply, it is the view of the HEP that it is unlikely that a single organisation will be able to deliver the full requirements. Consortium applications are therefore being encouraged.
The application process will open on Monday, 25 August 2025 with the closing date being 31 October 2025, 5:00pm. It is anticipated that service delivery will commence in January 2026.
You can view the Guidance, Application Form, Annexes and other relevant documents here:
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HEP Competitive Challenge Fund 2025 - Guidance
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Appendix A - Competitive Challenge Fund 2025 - Application Form
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Annex A - Competitive Challenge Fund 2025 - Finance and Outputs and Outcomes
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Client Progression Support Packages 2025
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NOLB Minimum Evidence Standards 2025
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HEP Strategic Plan 2025 to 2028