People and skills fund

The purpose of these guidance notes is to help steer you through the complete process – from the initial contact stage with the Council, through to completion of the works and final payment of the grant.

This round is funded through both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and a Section 106 Agreement relating to the Panattoni Park Aylesford development. A total allocation of £60,000 (£35,000 UKSPF and £25,000 s.106) has been given towards local employment training and business promotion to support the borough economy.

What is the scheme?

Whilst the local economy is comparatively high-performing and resilient within the Kent context, there are clear signs that when compared to areas at a similar distance from Central London, the economy is relatively average. In addition, the borough has several neighbourhoods where residents have fewer life opportunities - these include parts of East Malling, Aylesford, Snodland and Trench in Tonbridge (our ‘priority areas’).

This scheme aims to support innovative projects that meet at least one of the following four aims:

• Helping unemployed people to access local job opportunities including through basic skills courses.
• Supporting people furthest from the workplace with volunteering and enrichment activities.
• Tackling digital exclusion to help improve quality of life and access to services.
• Enabling SEN students to gain experience of the workplace.

Whilst the fund can be used to support residents from across the borough, applications that aim to support residents in our ‘priority areas’ in the north of the borough (East Malling, Snodland and Aylesford) will be particularly welcomed, given the proximity to the Panattoni Park Aylesford site.

Who can apply?

This fund is open to applications from the following organisations:

• Public Sector Organisations
• Charitable Organisations
• Housing Associations
• Training Providers and Local Colleges

Whilst organisations based outside of Tonbridge & Malling borough are eligible to apply to this fund, the delivery, and therefore the benefit of the project must take place within the borough and support local residents.

Applications from groups of organisations seeking to deliver a project are welcomed. However, a single applicant must be nominated who will bear overall responsibility for the grant, and act as the point of contact.

Please note that the grants are discretionary and subject to the availability of funds – once all the funding has been allocated, this programme will close.

The scheme does not support projects that have already been undertaken or any projects which have started prior to a formal offer of grant funding being made.

If you are unsure of whether your project is eligible for this grant scheme, contact the Economic Regeneration Team.

How much is the grant for?

Organisations can apply for a grant of up to £8,000 (up to 75% of total eligible expenditure) towards their project.

How do I apply?

To apply for the scheme, make sure you have read the guidance notes and checked the application form in order to understand the information required. Please contact the Economic Regeneration Team if you have any queries. Having gathered the required information, apply via the online application form ahead of the 18 June 2025 deadline.

What will the scheme fund?

The fund contributes towards the following types of revenue expenditure where they help to meet at least one of the four aims set out in Section 2:

• Running skills-related events and activities.
• Delivery of training and development courses.
• Meeting the cost of new staffing resources.
• Travel costs for individuals.
• Purchase of small equipment.

However, this is not an exhaustive list, and consideration will be given to any innovative project that requires revenue support to help address at least one of the four aims.

What should your application aim to achieve?

Due to the limited funding available, applications are assessed by a Grants Panel who considers whether the application:

• Addresses at least one of the four aims set out in Section 2.
• Makes a positive impact on the lives of local residents, especially residents with limited life opportunities.
• Is innovative or offers added value to an existing initiative that meets the criteria.
• Offers value for money.
• Guarantees that the project will be delivered to a high standard.
• Supports at least one of our ‘priority areas’, but if not, puts forward a strong case.
• Can be delivered in a timely manner.

What do I have to supply with my application?

To consider your application, we require the following:

• Completed application form – this contains basic information about your organisation and the project proposal.
• A brief portfolio of organisational experience and delivery of projects.
• Recent bank statement.

How long will it take to make a decision on my application?

We aim to make a decision on your application within four weeks of receiving a fully complete application. If your application is submitted without all the necessary information, then this will delay a decision being reached.

Who will decide whether my application is approved?

Applications are initially assessed by the Economic Regeneration Team, in liaison with other teams across the council. Once assessed, a recommendation is made to the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Regeneration and Property.

The grant scheme is administered by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

What conditions will apply to the grant?

All grant offers are made in writing which set out project conditions, including a timeframe of a maximum of nine months to deliver the project. Full details of the conditions that apply to the grant are set out in the Grant Offer Letter.

When will the grant be paid?

Grant contribution payments are made in stage payments to help with cash flow. 30% of the grant is provided on receipt of the signed Grant Offer Letter, with the remaining 70% provided on completion of the project.

The application process

1. Submit your grant application along with the required information set out in the checklist.
2. If successful, you will be issued a formal Grant Offer Letter giving you nine months to complete your project.
3. Sign and return the Grant Offer Letter to economic.regeneration@tmbc.gov.uk.
4. The Council pays 30% of the grant contribution on receipt of the signed Grant Offer Letter.
5. Deliver your project within nine months.
6. When work is complete, submit your evidence including project summary, photographs, receipted invoices, and bank details.
7. Checks are made by the Council to confirm all evidence has been provided.
8. The remaining 70% of the grant is paid.