The Winchester Employability Fund (WEF) Terms &
Conditions 2025/26
These terms and conditions (“Terms”) apply to the University of Winchester’s (“University”) Winchester Employability Fund (“WEF”).
The WEF provides an opportunity for eligible undergraduate students to apply for funding to support with activities that will enhance employability. The WEF is part of the University of Winchester’s Access & Participation Plan (APP) which is a UK Office for Students (OfS) initiative.
The fund is available to support students from certain backgrounds who have fewer resources, support or opportunities to develop their careers.
These Terms and Conditions are subject to change.
Section 1: Outline of the WEF
Under the WEF, the University has a limited number of monetary grants which can be allocated to eligible undergraduate students for the following activities:
i. Secured a volunteering or unpaid work experience/internships within voluntary organisations or companies and require funding to support with travel to and from the experience.
ii. Secured a placement with an organisation and you require funding to support with travel to and from the placement.
iii. Secured an interview for a job/placement/volunteering opportunity and require funding to support with travel to and from the interview.
iv. Secured a placement or volunteering opportunity abroad and require the funding to support with travel to and from the opportunity. Please see section 3 viii for more details.
v. Essential clothing/uniform/tools/non-technical equipment (such as a stethoscope) if not provided by the course.
vi. Attending a conference event or careers fair related to degree / career goal.
vii. Conference, event or careers fair expenses (where travel and accommodation required) - UK or overseas.
viii. A one-off membership to a professional body related to your course. The membership must not already be provided as part of your course.
ix. Funding for the application of a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) which may be required by the University for an assessed placement or volunteering module
Section 2: Terms
By making an application for the WEF (whether or not you subsequently receive funding) you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms:
To apply for the WEF, the following criteria must be met. Please note that meeting the eligibility criteria set out in these Terms will not automatically result in you being entitled to or made an offer of the fund and allocation of this shall
(subject to these Terms) be at the University’s absolute discretion. The University may also withdraw WEF (or any part of it) at any time without notice.
i. You must apply for WEF funding before 31 May 2026, for any eligible activity during the academic year between 1 October 2025 – 31 August 2026.
ii. Applications will be considered, if they are received within the WEF application window, which is open from 1 October 2025 until 31 May 2026 (inclusive).
iii. Total amount of overall funding that can be awarded per student per academic year is £500.
iv. Students can apply multiple times up for different activities to a cumulative total award value of £500.
v. You will be required to submit receipts / relevant evidence within 2 working weeks of the activity/purchase. We may have to ask for reimbursement if you are unable to provide receipts.
vi. The University will request a proof of the agreed experience at application stage, ahead of the activity work experience / internship / placement / interview etc, If the evidence supplied is not substantial, you will receive an e-mail from the WEF team asking for further evidence. You will be required to send this within two weeks of the date of the e-mail. If we do not receive it within this time frame, your application will not be progressed.
vii. Evidence for essential clothing: we require a screenshot of the item and cost at application stage. If the evidence supplied is not substantial, you will receive an e-mail from the WEF team asking for further evidence. You will be required to send this within two weeks of the date of the e-mail. If we do not receive it within this time frame, your application will not be progressed. We recommend you liaise with your academic course team to ensure you purchase appropriate and recommended clothing.
viii. Evidence for conference / event related to your career goals: we require a screenshot of the conference booking / event. If the evidence supplied is not substantial, you will receive an e-mail from the WEF team asking for further evidence. You will be required to send this within two weeks of the date of the e-mail. If we do not receive it within this time frame, your application will not be progressed.
ix. Evidence for accommodation related to the above conference / event we require a screenshot of the accommodation booking.at application stage If the evidence supplied is not substantial, you will receive an e-mail from the WEF team asking for further evidence. You will be required to send this within two weeks of the date of the e-mail. If we do not receive it within this time frame, your application will not be progressed.
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x. Evidence for Professional membership: we require a screenshot of the cost of the membership at application stage. If the evidence supplied is not substantial, you will receive an e-mail from the WEF team asking for further evidence. You will be required to send this within two weeks of the date of the e-mail. If we do not receive it within this time frame, your application will not be progressed. We recommend you liaise with your academic for knowledge and advice on the relevance of the membership.
xi. Evidence for the application for a DBS: we require an email from Registry which confirms you require a DBS, or a copy of your receipt from the online payment portal.
xii. The Careers & Opportunities Team will require a feedback form to be completed and returned to them after completion of your experience to demonstrate the impact of the funding. This will be sent to you via email.
Section 3: Eligibility
i. To be eligible to apply for funding you must: be a full-time undergraduate, home student (but not Channel Islands) student with settled or pre-settled status, of the University.
And meet one or more of the following criteria:
ii. have a household income (as assessed by Student Finance) of under £42,875
iii. someone who receives Universal Credit or income-related benefits because they are financially supporting:
themselves
themselves and someone who is dependent on them, such as child or partner
iv. have disclosed a disability to the University
v. be a care-leaver or care-experienced
vi. be a young adult carer
vii. from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background
viii. be an estranged student (as assessed by Student Finance)
ix. be a Sanctuary Award student
x. a refugee or asylum seeker
xi. be a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GTRSB) student
Once you apply to the WEF one of our team will check our records to ensure you meet the criteria. Please note our records are based on what you submitted upon application to the University / enrolment process.
Channel Islands/EU/International students are not eligible to apply for this fund. Please contact studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk for information regarding alternative potential financial support.
Postgraduate students are not eligible to apply for this fund.
Students studying at partner colleges are not eligible to apply.
Students on the following courses are not eligible to apply for this fund for UK based placements related to travel and accommodation. This is because you may be eligible to access funding elsewhere Students on these courses may be able to apply for funding through the WEF for other items (please refer to section 1 of these terms).
Students on Nursing, and Allied Health courses should visit this page for advice on NHS funding.
o BN (Hons) Nursing (all branches)
o BSc Midwifery
o BSc Physiotherapy
o BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
o Students on apprenticeship courses are not eligible to apply for this fund. Please contact studentsandmoney@winchester.ac.uk for information regarding potential financial support.
i. Have secured a volunteering or unpaid work experience/internship/ placement, either as part of your course through the volunteering module or another work experience module, or as an extra-curricular activity during term-time or vacation.
ii. Have secured an interview for a job/placement/volunteering opportunity and require support with travel to / from the interview.
iii. Are applying for essential clothing/uniform/tools/non-technical equipment if not provided by the course.
iv. Are looking to attend a conference or event related to degree / career goal.
v. Are looking to use the WEF for a one-off membership to a professional body related to your course where the membership must not already be provided as part of your course
vi. Are looking for funding to apply for a DBS required by your work placement or volunteering module.
vii. Meet the other requirements set out in these Terms.
viii. Opportunities abroad
If you are applying for WEF funding to support an overseas placement / volunteering opportunity the Careers Team will pass your information to the Global Mobility team in Student Support & Success to determine the most appropriate funding option. Further advice can be sought from globalmobility@winchester.ac.uk
ix. The funding cannot contribute to fundraising targets for work experience schemes, work you have already completed, educational or cultural exchange schemes.
Section 4. Definitions
i. Volunteering means any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the environment or someone (individuals or groups) other than, or in addition to, close relatives.
ii. Unpaid work experience/internship means a temporary work placement within an organisation or company of good standing in the United Kingdom or internationally, which does not carry out business which is illegal, immoral, unethical or offensive or which could otherwise be detrimental to the University’s reputation or interests.
iii. A placement refers to a period of assessed learning in a workplace included in a module. Placements linked to modules need to be approved by the University and carry a requirement for the student to complete. Students may also do a placement outside of their course in holiday periods which might not be assessed.
iv. The University shall not be under any obligation to carry out enquiries into the organisation you are volunteering/working with and makes no warranty regarding the employer/voluntary organisation, or the work experience.
v. The University reserves the right to judge whether the proposed experience meets the criteria stated within this clause and its decision will be final.
vi. You must secure your own volunteering, placement or unpaid work experience but can use the assistance of the Careers and Opportunities Team, where appropriate.
vii. The University accepts no responsibility for securing the work experience or for any other matters relating to it and (except for personal injury or
death caused by the University’s negligence) excludes its liability for all matters (including without limitation any employment-related issues) related to the experience or any prospective volunteering/work experience.
viii. Your request will only be considered from the date of your application and for activities / items eligible within the period (1 October 2025 – 31 August 2026). Note applications must be made by 31 May 2026.
ix. The role will be within an organisation or company of good standing in the United Kingdom or internationally, which does not carry out business which is illegal, immoral, unethical, or offensive or which could otherwise be detrimental to the University’s reputation or interests and meet the recommendations in our Vacancy Policy.
x. The University shall not be under any obligation to carry out enquiries into the organisation you are offered an interview or experience within relation to your WEF application and makes no warranty regarding the organisation
Section 5. Allocation of funding
i. If the University notifies you that your application has been successful, the University shall pay you the funding directly into your bank account of up to £500 only. The amount will be based on the information you have requested on the application form. You will be notified of an expected payment date.
ii. If you are successful, funding will be allocated 10 working days from the point the award is approved.
iii. If you are successful, you will be required to provide the evidence requested by the Careers & Opportunities Team as set out in Section 2 of these terms.
iv. Prior to receiving funding, you will be required to provide evidence of your volunteering/work experience /placement with your organisation. It may be necessary for the University to contact the organisation you are volunteering/carrying out work experience with directly who will be required to present the University with an email confirming the nature of the experience and dates of attendance. If the organisation does not respond to our emails, you agree that the University may contact the voluntary organisation/employer by telephone to confirm these details.
v. The funding for related travel costs for any eligible activity including public transport, travel will be for public transport within the UK and not first or business class and should be at the cheapest rate possible.
vi. If your chosen method of transport is by car you must be the driver of the vehicle, we cannot fund car-sharing where you are the passenger.
vii. Funding for mileage can only be considered if the journey is longer than your usual journey to university, The WEF team will calculate the additional mileage incurred.
viii. The funding for related travel costs for travel abroad for the eligible activity should be not first or business class and should be at the cheapest rate possible.
ix. The University shall always use reasonable endeavours to act fairly when making decisions as to whom to allocate the funding. However, by applying for WEF you acknowledge and agree that the University reserves the right to decide at its absolute discretion how it wishes to allocate the funding to applicants. You further accept that the University shall not (unless required by law) be required to give any reasons for its decisions.
x. There is a limited amount of funding available, and the payment of the funds shall always be subject to the University’s budget constraints.
xi. Funding will be allocated on a first come first served basis. There is no guarantee you will receive the funding before you start your opportunity, activity or attend your interview so please apply as far in advance as you can.
xii. Funding will only be allocated after the full WEF application process has been completed and written (email) confirmation by the Careers and Opportunities Team has been sent.
xiii. The amount issued is at the discretion of the Careers and Opportunities Team / Students and Money and is non-negotiable.
Section 6: Making Your WEF application and the support from Careers & Opportunities Team.
i. Please visit the Winchester Employability Fund intranet page to find out how to apply or email employabilityfund@winchester.ac.uk
ii. Should you require assistance in completing your application or have any queries about your eligibility, contact employabilityfund@winchester.ac.uk (or visit Careers and Opportunities Hub in SAB303).
iii. If you are considering going on a placement, please get in touch with Careers for support. You can email workplacements@winchester.ac.uk or telephone 01962 827310. You can also access our resources to support you.
iv. Applications must be submitted via the online application form. Applications sent by other methods or in an incorrect format will not be considered.
v. On submission of your application, you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.
vi. The University will consider all the applications received and will let you know if you have been successful in being awarded funding by email.
vii. You will receive an email if you have been unsuccessful.
viii. The University may however at its sole discretion consider your application at a subsequent time during the academic year.
ix. The University shall not return your application form to you.
x. Each application to WEF is only valid for the 2025/26 academic year, should you wish to apply for WEF in the future a new application should be made as applications cannot be carried over. Future WEF funding is at the discretion of the University.
Section 7: General
i. The University reserves the right not to award funding to you and/or to end WEF (or any part of it) at any time.
ii. If you provide the University with incorrect or incomplete information, or if you do not to complete the placement / volunteering/unpaid work experience or interview, so that you do not in fact meet the eligibility criteria for the funding, or you otherwise do anything which might bring the University into disrepute, without prejudice to its other rights and remedies, the University may, on notice to you, terminate its agreement with you pursuant to these Terms with immediate effect and will not pay any money to you and/or may require you to return any money already paid to you pursuant to these Terms.
iii. By submitting an application to the WEF you agree to disclose your personal information and for this to be held by us, according to our Privacy Notice.
iv. Your personal information will be used for legitimate purposes in connection with your application to the WEF. Data held by the Careers and Opportunities Team is also subject to the central University Data Protection Policy.
v. You accept that the University does not act as agent, partner or employer of you, nor of any employer. You shall not be providing services to the University and the University does not act as an employment agency or employment business in any capacity under these Terms.
vi. The University takes no responsibility for undertaking health and safety or any other risk assessments of placements/voluntary/work experience/interviewing organisations unrelated to course requirements organisation/association/University.
vii. The University takes no responsibility for professional memberships or essential equipment /clothing purchased using WEF funding.
viii. If the opportunity is for a placement or volunteering module related to an assessed piece of learning the relevant process should be followed by the student to either upload the information to InPlace or liaise with the course team to ensure the information follows the University process. More information can be found here.
ix. Students and graduates participating in the WEF are expected to undertake their own assessments and familiarise themselves with the relevant organisation’s processes in order to ensure their personal safety and well-being.
x. Except in relation to personal injury or death caused by its negligence or for fraudulent misstatement, the University accepts no liability to you for indirect and consequential losses, loss of opportunity, loss of business or loss of profit and otherwise limits its liability under these Terms the amount of funding allocated.
xi. By submitting an application to the WEF, you agree to being contacted by the Careers and Opportunities Team with requests for assistance with promoting the WEF to future students; this may include being part of a case study.
xii. Other departments within the University may wish to contact you in the future in connection with any funding you receive, for example, for general marketing purposes. Your details will not be passed to third parties outside the University. We will assume that you agree to your details being forwarded to colleagues within the University unless you tell us by emailing careers@winchester.ac.uk
Version 1: Updated September, 2025