What Works Centre (WWC) for Loc

Animal Research Rule: Not specified.

Appendices Required: Statement of Support from research organisation.

Application Limit: Single award only.

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service (not Je-S).

Application Sections: Summary. Vision. Approach. Applicant and team capability to deliver (R4RI format). Ethics and RRI. Research involving human participation. Resources and cost justification. Working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders. Delivering outcomes and impact. Governance and management. Organisation support. Project partners.

Assessment Process: Assessed through UKRI Funding Service process.

Co-Funders: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

Collaboration Rules: Must include at least one project co-lead from UK business, third sector or government organisation. Proposals must include team members and project partners from outside academia.

Competitiveness: Not specified.

Decision Risks: Automatic exclusion if requirements not met (start date, duration, scope, co-lead requirement).

Decision Timeline: Not specified in provided content.

Eligible Expenses: Full Economic Cost (FEC) model. Staff costs, including eligible project co-leads from government (with backfill). Advisory board costs. Centre management costs.

Eligible Scope: Must focus on locally delivered employment and labour market support. Must include employment as an intended outcome. Must align with role and effectiveness of local and regional government levers. Must apply for What Works Network status within 12 months of award.

Funding Intensity: 80% of Full Economic Cost.

Funding Rate: ESRC and DWP will fund 80% of the Full Economic Cost (FEC).

Important Notes: Funding is for a single award. Must apply to What Works Network within 12 months of award start.

Ineligible Projects: Clinical trials. Proposals duplicating other What Works Centres. Proposals focusing solely on one age group. Proposals focusing solely on one type of ill health. Projects not starting by 22 January 2027. Projects not running 60 months.

Interview Stage: Not specified.

Key Requirements: Must include at least one project co-lead from UK business, third sector or government organisation. Must include non-academic partners. Must start by 22 January 2027. Must run 60 months. Must align with scope.

Match Funding Requirement: No additional matched funding required beyond standard 20% FEC institutional contribution.

Project Duration: 60 months

Project End Date: 60 months after start date

Project Start Date: Must begin by 22 January 2027

Publication Date: 2026-01-27 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Not specified.

Research Category: Centre establishment; evidence synthesis; evaluation; primary research; knowledge mobilisation.

Sanctions Rule: Not specified.

Subcontractors: Not specifically detailed in provided content.

Subsidy Scheme: Not specified.

Total Fund Available: £15,000,000