Professional development, education and training support

We believe that investing in your learning and development benefits everyone – patients, teams, and the wider NHS. When staff have opportunities to grow, it leads to better care and stronger services. That’s why we welcome applications for funding that support meaningful professional development.

What We Can Support

We review applications from funds that have an education or training purpose, and we’ve set out some principles to make sure funding is fair, impactful, and aligned with our charitable objectives.

Our Approach

We cannot fund mandatory or core training – this is the responsibility of NHS Lothian.
We understand that many professions require ongoing development to maintain registration. This doesn’t stop us from supporting activities that go beyond the basics.
We look for a clear link between professional development and enhanced patient care—not just personal benefit.
We aim for equity across teams, even where donations vary. The Elsie Inglis Development Grant helps ensure fairness and is managed on behalf of the Charity by NHS Lothian’s HR & OD team.
Opportunities should be open to all relevant staff, not just a select few.
We prioritise requests that meet service needs, not just individual aspirations.
We work strategically with NHS Lothian to make sure resources are used where they’ll have the greatest impact.

Funding Parameters

To keep things fair and sustainable:

Applications can only be supported where funds have a relevant purpose.
Generally, one application per person or team per year is supported, though exceptions may apply.
For applications over £1,000 (or more than £3,000 over three years), we’ll fund 80% of the additional cost. You’ll need to confirm how the remaining 20% will be covered.
NHS Lothian’s travel and study leave guidance applies: virtual first, local second, Europe next, global last.
Subsistence and travel costs must follow NHS Lothian’s guidelines and be reasonable.
All applications must be endorsed by NHS Lothian management as supporting service development and patient need.

Higher Education

Applications for qualifications like Masters or PhDs will be considered case by case. If approved, we ask that:

Learning is shared with colleagues.
Charity support is acknowledged in any presentations or papers.
You engage with our evaluation process to show the impact of your development.
Certificates of attendance are provided for any reimbursed travel.

Important Notes

Staff wellbeing activities can only be funded from relevant charitable funds.
If we are unable to support your request through the funding streams we manage, you may be eligible for an Elsie Inglis Professional Development Grant, managed on behalf of NHS Lothian Charity by NHS Lothian’s HR & OD team.