The Wider Role Fund supports Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to undertake projects in their local communities, beyond their principal role as landlords, which make life better for the people living there. RSLs often work in partnership with other organisations to deliver wider role projects.
The Scottish Government values the contribution of RSLs to regeneration and wants to see that contribution continue, while developing wider role to support the priorities for the Fairer Scotland Fund. Scottish Ministers have allocated £36m for wider role activity over the three financial years 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Wider Role Priorities
This year (2008-09) the priorities for the Wider Role Fund are: improving employability, developing joint work on community regeneration with local authorities and community planning partnerships; and improving quality of place in neighbourhoods.
In 2009-10 and 2010-11 the priorities for wider role projects will be:
- investment to address the causes of poverty, community decline and worklessness;
- making early interventions for vulnerable individuals, families and disadvantaged communities; and
- improving employability as a key means of tackling poverty.
Priority will also be given to projects which demonstrate an ability by the RSL to work effectively with other RSLs, other Third Sector organisations and where possible with local authorities and community planning partnerships.
Applications for the Wider Role Fund
Applications for the fund are accepted throughout the year. There are no deadlines. But before projects are developed they should be discussed with a member of the Wider Role team to assess their eligibility.
You can download an Application form and Guidance, as well as a Claim Form.
You can read more background information on the Wider Role Fund on this site, and any questions you might have may be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page.
A 2008 evaluation of the Wider Role Fund is available.