Deadline: 22-May-2026
The Skills for Londoners Community Outreach Programme provides £70,000–£120,000 grants to community organisations to increase participation in adult skills and employment support across London. It focuses on outreach, reducing barriers, and connecting underserved groups to training and job opportunities. The programme runs from September 2026 to August 2028 and targets organisations with strong community engagement capacity.
Programme Overview
The Skills for Londoners Community Outreach Programme is an initiative designed to improve access to adult education and employment support across London.
It leverages community organisations to reach underserved populations and connect them with skills training, employment services, and support systems.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme aims to create a more inclusive and accessible skills system.
Core Objectives
- Increase awareness of adult skills and employment opportunities
- Improve participation among underserved communities
- Reduce barriers to accessing training and jobs
- Strengthen community-led outreach and engagement
- Build sustainable partnerships with service providers
- Develop effective referral pathways
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
- £70,000 to £120,000 per organisation
Project Duration
- 2 years (September 2026 – August 2028)
Payment Structure
- Funding provided in instalments
Eligible Costs
- Staffing and personnel
- Outreach and engagement activities
- Events and workshops
- Venue hire
- Programme delivery expenses
Key Focus Areas
Community Outreach and Engagement
- Awareness campaigns for adult learning
- Targeted engagement with underserved groups
- Localised outreach strategies
Barrier Reduction
- Addressing challenges such as:
System Integration
- Embedding organisations within the Inclusive Talent System
- Linking skills, employment, and support services
- Simplifying access to opportunities
Partnership Development
- Collaboration with training providers
- Engagement with employment services
- Long-term community partnerships
Priority Target Groups
The programme prioritises organisations working with high-need communities.
Target Beneficiaries
- Disabled individuals
- People with long-term health conditions
- Minority ethnic communities
- Young people
- Individuals with low or no qualifications
- Refugees
- People with criminal justice system experience
- Neurodivergent individuals
- Unpaid carers
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Organisations
- Registered charities
- Social enterprises
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Community-based organisations
Key Requirements
- Based in London
- Annual income under £500,000
- Strong governance and financial systems
- Proven ability to engage target communities
Why the Programme Matters
This initiative addresses gaps in access to skills and employment opportunities.
Key Importance
- Bridges the gap between services and communities
- Supports inclusive economic growth
- Reduces inequality in access to opportunities
- Strengthens community-led solutions
- Helps businesses access skilled talent
Long-Term Impact
- Increased participation in adult education
- Improved employment outcomes
- Stronger local economies
- Better integration of support services
How the Programme Works
Application and Delivery Process
- Confirm eligibility (organisation type, location, income)
- Identify target community and outreach strategy
- Develop proposal with clear impact plan
- Submit application
- Selection based on impact and capacity
- Begin delivery (September 2026)
- Conduct outreach and engagement activities
- Build partnerships and referral pathways
- Monitor outcomes and report progress
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak community engagement strategy
- Lack of focus on priority groups
- Unclear referral pathways
- Poor partnership planning
- Insufficient evidence of organisational capacity
Best Practices for Applicants
- Focus on a clearly defined target group
- Demonstrate strong local trust and engagement
- Build partnerships with service providers
- Provide clear, measurable outcomes
- Include strategies to reduce access barriers
- Ensure strong governance and financial planning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Skills for Londoners Programme?
It is a funding initiative to improve access to adult skills and employment support.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £70,000 to £120,000.
Who can apply?
Community organisations based in London with income under £500,000.
What is the project duration?
Two years (September 2026 to August 2028).
What activities are funded?
Outreach, engagement, events, staffing, and support services.
Who are the priority beneficiaries?
Underserved groups facing barriers to employment and education.
What is the main goal?
To increase participation in skills training and employment support.
Conclusion
The Skills for Londoners Community Outreach Programme is a strategic initiative to improve access to education and employment opportunities for underserved communities. By funding community-led outreach and building integrated support systems, it helps create a more inclusive workforce and a stronger, more equitable economy in London.
For more information, visit Mayor of London.
