Submit an application to deliver a Policy Lab

Please read the following before completing this form.

The application must be submitted, and delivery overseen by a Full Member Council, Town, Parish or Community Council, Political Group or other elected body.

Timetable:

The closing date for submission is midnight 16th March 2026

The Executive Oversight Committee will meet in April to assess applications, with a view to successful Bids commencing on 15th June 2026

Organisation leading the project(Required)

The application must be submitted, and delivery overseen by a Full Member Council.

Lead Councillor or Officer(Required)

Job Title(Required)

Contact Telephone(Required)

Contact Email(Required)

Project Title(Required)

How much funding are you applying for?(Required)

You can submit a bid for between £10k - £20k depending on the complexity of the project

Summary of project idea (150 words max)(Required)

This text will be used on the CCIN website should your application be successful

Which other CCIN members will work on this project?(Required)

A key requirement of Policy Lab Funding is that you work in partnership with other CCIN members. We recommend engaging a minimum of three other CCIN members (Affiliates and Associates should bid alongside Full Council members) to create a working group to support the development of your project.

1. What are the three key outcomes this project will achieve?(Required)

In addition to the final report, some examples could be: •⁠ ⁠Production of a practical toolkit to support CCIN members in implementing similar initiatives. •⁠ ⁠⁠Creating an online resource hub providing access to templates, case studies, and guidance materials. •⁠ ⁠⁠Organising study visits to showcase successful initiatives and facilitate peer learning. •⁠ ⁠⁠Hosting of at least two knowledge-sharing events to disseminate project findings and insights. •⁠ ⁠⁠Establishing an Officer network to enable ongoing knowledge exchange and collaboration.

2. How does your project support the CCIN Statement of Values and Principles?(Required)

See Statement: : https://www.councils.coop/about-us/values-and-principles/. What is the cooperative difference? How does the approach differ from a non-cooperative council?

3. What is your idea and how will you allocate the budget?(Required)

4. Provide a detailed budget of how you will spend the funds and whether you are bringing in other funding.(Required)

If you would prefer to send the budget via email please send it to [email protected]. Remember to explain how the money will be spent.

5. How does your project support the aims and objectives of the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network?(Required)

The Cooperative Councils' Innovation Network aims to frame the debate on the future of sustainable solutions to public sector challenges. Our work will ultimately improve outcomes for communities by enabling Members to develop radical innovation in policy and practice, sharing best practices and learning, and enabling innovators to chart new territory together. Please provide details of how your project will support this aim.

6. How will you share the learning from this project across the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network?(Required)

Submit an application to deliver a Policy Lab

Submit an application to deliver a Policy Lab

Application Process