The application process

How to submit an application

There are a number of stages to submitting an application to the ULF:

1. An expression of interest must be submitted by 31 October 2008. The expression of interest should include the aims and objectives of your proposed projects and the associated costs.
2. Expressions of Interest forms must be submitted on the electronic form provided on the ULF website which is www.unionlearningfund.org.uk/
3. Once the Expressions of Interest have been reviewed, you will be contacted by the ULF team who will provide feedback and where successful ask you to complete a full application form. Full application forms should be submitted by 5 December 2008.
4. Please send a supporting letter, signed by the union's authorising officer, to confirm that the bid has the support of the union nationally.

   Please send to:

   unionlearn
   Union Learning Fund
   Second Floor, Orleans House Edmund Street
   Liverpool
   L3 9NG

A ULF team member will be allocated to each bidder to assist with the process.

What are the key deadlines?

Expression of Interest: 5.00pm on Friday, 31 October 2008

ULF Application and supporting letter: 5.00pm on Friday, 5 December 2008. Bids received after this date will not be considered.

What happens next?

• The Assessment Panel will then meet in mid-January 2009.
• You will receive feedback by the end of January 2009 to inform you whether the bid has been successful and setting out any final points for clarification or negotiation
• Contracts will be issued as soon as possible after final negotiations are completed for a project start date of 1 April 2009.

Who decides whether my bid is successful or not?

The ULF Assessment Panel, made up of representatives from unionlearn, LSC, DIUS and trade unions will make final recommendations on all applications to the Union Learning Fund steering Group and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills.

Help and Support

You should at the earliest stage contact the unionlearn ULF team based in Birmingham and Liverpool to discuss your expression of interest. You can expect to receive help in framing your application and the on-line procedures.