Applications to the 2026-27 Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF) are now open. The fund supports voluntary sector organisations providing social services that are a registered charity and are registered with the Care Inspectorate.

Up to £994,000 will be available in three new funds to support study for practice educators, mental health officers and new social workers in local authorities in the coming year. The SSSC will administer the funds on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Scottish Government has confirmed the bursary allowance to students studying an approved postgraduate social work programme in the academic year 2026-27.