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Lifelong Learning Fund

The Lifelong Learning Fund provides support to members who want to learn new skills, from flower arranging to a master’s degree – you can apply for a grant whatever you fancy doing on your self-development journey. The fund will provide grants of up to 50% of the cost of courses and training materials, up to a maximum of £500

In 2024 the Lifelong Learning Fund paid out 27 grants totally £10,294.

Grants are available to members who are currently pursuing studies or planning to undertake them in the future - they cannot be used for studies that have already been completed.

If you’ve been an Accord member for at least 3 years and would like to apply for a grant from the Lifelong Learning Fund, please complete an application form. We review applications on a quarterly basis.

Need help?

If you need help understanding the scheme rules or submitting a form, please contact us for further assistance.

  • For simple queries or if you don't have much time, you can use the quick contact form at the bottom of any page on the website - or you can use the chat function on the right-hand side of any page on the website to talk to someone straight away.
  • Web chat is available Monday-Thursday 8:30-17:30 & Friday 08:30-17:00. Outside of these hours, you can send messages to us through the web chat. We'll respond to your contact via email.
  • For more general or urgent queries, we operate a helpline Monday-Thursday 8:30-17:30 & Friday 08:30-17:00. Call 0118 934 1808.

"The Lifelong Learning Fund has been a phenomenal gift allowing me to train as a interpersonal mediator which I now use to support families and young people. Thank you Accord - your generosity is hard at work supporting communities and rebuilding families."  Paulette Tajah-Bell

Accord first launched a study bursary, called the Bill Wright Memorial Fund, as an enduring tribute to Accord’s first general secretary, Bill Wright. Bill was a dedicated trade unionist with a lifelong commitment to education and training and he believed passionately in self-development. Accord also commemorated Clive Webster's (Accord Deputy General Secretary), tireless union work by offering a scholarship to provide opportunities for several Accord members to return to degree level education.