National Workforce Programme
A new grant to strengthen and support the capacity, capability and career pathway opportunities for the homelessness and rough sleeping sector’s workforce in England.
Applies to England
The new grant of £12 million will be delivered from 2026 to 2029 in partnership with 3 national sector experts; Shelter, Homeless Link and Housing Justice, focusing support for the voluntary and community sector, advice services and local authorities in 4 distinct programme areas (known as pillars).
Pillar 1: Foundations
Homeless Link will provide a programme of work to strengthen the foundations of the sector and develop workforce capacity, recruitment and career pathways.
This is delivered in partnership with St Martin-In-The-Fields Charity and Expert Link.
The allocation for delivering this programme is £4,500,000
Pillar 2: Training
Shelter will provide a comprehensive workforce capability package accessible to professionals and volunteers working in the sector, in order to strengthen workforce capacity and prevent and respond to homelessness and rough sleeping.
This is delivered in partnership with Homeless Link.
The allocation for delivering this programme is £3,244,602
Pillar 3: Advice
Shelter will provide a national expert housing advice service to deliver prompt and effective second tier housing and homelessness advice via telephone, webchat and digital tools to new and existing frontline audiences.
The allocation for delivering this programme is £3,238,019
Pillar 4: Community
Housing Justice will strengthen community-based organisations to tackle homelessness in all its forms, through the delivery of training and best practice support, as well as focusing on community recovery.
The allocation for delivering this programme is £1,045,598