£1m fund for fresh ideas to boost health at work
Government Launches £1 Million Fund to Boost Innovation in Occupational Health
Supporting Small Businesses and the Self-Employed
The UK Government has launched a £1 million competition to encourage innovation in occupational health. The new fund aims to help small businesses and self-employed workers improve health and wellbeing at work.
Through this initiative, organisations can apply for up to £100,000 to develop projects that increase access to occupational health (OH) services.
Driving Better Access Through Innovation
The funding supports projects beginning 19 May 2023 and focuses on research and development to improve capacity in occupational health.
Applicants should demonstrate how they plan to use technology, data, and AI to deliver practical solutions. For example, they may design digital tools for remote health assessments or platforms that make OH advice more accessible to smaller employers.
Stronger occupational health provision benefits both employees and businesses. Healthier teams are more productive, remain in work longer, and contribute to the economy. However, smaller organisations and the self-employed often lack access to affordable OH services.
Who Can Apply for Funding
The competition welcomes proposals from:
Businesses of all sizes
Research and technology organisations
Academic institutions
Charities and third-sector partners
Applicants can apply individually or in collaboration with others. The Government is seeking proposals that:
Deliver new models of occupational health that reach SMEs and self-employed people.
Develop scalable technology to improve access to OH services.
Create measurable improvements in workforce health and retention.
A Partnership to Improve Workplace Wellbeing
The competition is a joint initiative between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It is managed by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.
This partnership forms part of the Joint Work and Health Unit, which promotes collaboration between health and employment sectors. Applications opened on 30 January 2023 and close on 15 March 2023.
Ministers Highlight the Importance of Workplace Health
Tom Pursglove MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work
“Good occupational health in workplaces supports both wellbeing and productivity. We spend so much of our lives at work, so it’s vital that employers help us maintain our physical and mental health.
This new £1 million fund will inspire innovative, workable ideas that help small businesses deliver healthier, more supportive working environments. That, in turn, drives growth and improves people’s lives.”
Helen Whately, Minister for Care
“This fund will help us find new ways to support the nation’s workforce, particularly small businesses and the self-employed.
When people stay well enough to work, everyone benefits — from higher productivity to better quality of life. I look forward to seeing creative projects that keep people healthy, happy, and contributing to the economy.”
Delivered Through Innovate UK
The Fund to Stimulate Innovation in Occupational Health operates as a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). Innovate UK manages this model, connecting government needs with business-led solutions.
Through this programme, the Government encourages innovation that can be scaled across the UK. Businesses that secure funding will test new ideas and demonstrate real-world results in occupational health delivery.
Why It Matters
Occupational health plays a crucial role in helping employees stay healthy and productive. By investing in innovation, the Government aims to reduce health-related work absence, support small businesses, and strengthen the national workforce.
Organisations interested in applying can find full details on the UK Research and Innovation website.
