Training for the UK unscripted TV industry is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund (with contributions from productions companies, broadcasters and SVoDs in the UK).
Investment addresses the skills and development needs of unscripted TV, tackling skill gaps and shortages, and ensuring the robust growth of the sector is secured with a fully skilled and inclusive workforce. All priorities are endorsed by the industry-led Unscripted TV Skills Council and Steering Group.
The Unscripted TV Skills Fund is looking for applications to the Unscripted TV Contestable Training Fund.
This fund is intended to support third-party training programmes where the Unscripted TV Skills Fund would be a minority funder and amplify successful training in key shortage areas.
We can fund up to 49% of a project’s total costs, up to a maximum per project of £25,000.
This fund is not tied to our commissioning cycles and is open for applications all year round. Applications will be assessed on bi-monthly basis, by a cross-industry working group.
If the fund is oversubscribed, priority will be given to new training programmes over those which have benefitted from funding in previous years. We also reserve the right to offer a reduced contribution percentage in some cases, to enable us to support as many projects as possible.
Who can apply?
ScreenSkills welcomes applications from individuals, partnerships or organisations that have a proven track record of delivering successful industry-standard training including but not limited to training providers, national and local screen agencies, local enterprise partnerships, professional guilds, and representative bodies.
To be considered for funding, applicants must:
- give evidence of majority funding in place, or plan for securing majority funding if not yet confirmed
- demonstrate evidence of appropriate, recent engagement with the industry in the design and delivery of the programme
- outline the skills shortage area which the programme addresses and how
- clearly demonstrate the impact of the project so far, or projected outcomes
- make best efforts to meet critical diversity aims as outlined in this tender, including but not limited to:
- making reasonable adjustments to the training (whether face-to-face, content or online and including during the application process) to make it accessible to a diverse audience
- having an equality policy in place as an employer
- providing diversity and inclusivity training to facilitators – (see free ACAS online training).
- demonstrate a clear structure for the training, ensuring that it is outcome focused.
Participant aims
The following are the minimum diversity aims for the Unscripted TV Skills Fund. We recognise that majority funders may set different aims, but would expect applicants to make best efforts to meet those of the USF
- At least 68% of beneficiaries based outside London
- 50% female
- 30% social inclusion (based on parental occupation)
- 20% from a minority ethnic group
- 12% disabled
- 12% LGBT (sexual orientation and gender identity aim)
How to apply
All applications are made via our online application form. If you would like an alternative way to submit your application, please email usf@screenskills.com and we will be happy to help.
How much can you apply for?
We are looking for bids of up to 49% of a project’s total budget, up to a maximum of £25,000.
Please complete the budget document to upload with your application. The template for completion can be downloaded here.
All our funds are treated as grants and therefore are not applicable for VAT.
Deadlines
All applications are made through Grant Request via this link. There is no specific deadline for applications, but our regular assessment schedule will take place bi-monthly, as follows:
|
Applications Received By |
Application Assessment |
Decisions By |
|
30th June 2025 |
July 2025 |
w/c 4th August 2025 |
|
31st August 2025 |
September 2025 |
w/c 6th October 2025 |
|
31st October 2025 |
November 2025 |
w/c 1st December 2025 |
|
31st December 2025 |
January 2026 |
w/c 2nd February 2026 |
|
28th February 2026 |
March 2026 |
w/c 24th March 2026 |
In exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered outside of the above schedule and/or financial parameters.
We reserve the right to close applications to the fund early if all funds are allocated.
All subsequent correspondence on your application will come from USF@screenskills.com We would advise adding this email address to your safe senders list to ensure you do not miss any communication from us.
Other useful information
As part of your application, we will expect you to detail how you have, or will be, ensuring the training and any application process are accessible including, but not limited to, alternative application formats, marketing and the delivery of training.
We expect your budget to include a reasonable bursary allocation for delegates who risk being excluded due to costs including, but not limited to, travel and caring responsibilities.
If there is, or will be, a charge to the delegates for the training, we will also expect your budget to include a reasonable bursary allocation.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this tender, or your proposal, before submitting your application, please contact us at USF@screenskills.com.