The Career Support Fund is a short-term fund, limited to the current academic year, and is designed to support employees whose careers have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It replaces the Returning Carers Scheme for this academic year and includes those who have taken a three month break due to caring responsibilities within the last five years.
The fund will be accessible to all employees who can evidence that their career has been or is being disrupted as a direct result of the pandemic, or due to a career break for caring responsibilities under the terms of the Returning Carers Scheme.
Funding through the Career Support Fund can be used to mitigate past adverse impact or potential anticipated future adverse career impact.
Grants may be awarded of up to £10,000 (typically no more than £5,000) to support award holders with their career development.
The fund will open for three application rounds (February, April and June).
The application deadline for the current round is 15 March 2021.