Join the South West London Research Support Network to crack the secrets of crafting successful research and innovation bids and elevate your bid-writing skills.

Securing funding for your research or innovation project can be challenging process, but a well-crafted bid can make all the difference. How do you effectively convey your ideas? What makes a proposal stand out to funders? This Network Cafe aims to answer these questions and guide you through the process of creating compelling bids.

About the Session

The session will be led by Alison White (Head of Innovation, Health Innovation Network South London/NHS South West London ICB) and Kate Scott (Associate Professor at Kingston School of Art and School Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange in the School of Design, Kingston University), and is designed to support you on your bid-writing journey, offering expert advice, practical activities, and interactive discussions to help you transform your research ideas into successful bids.

Speaking on the importance of the session, Kate Scott says, “We will take you through the bid-writing journey, from identifying your audience and vision, to polishing the final application. You’ll learn how storytelling techniques can be used to demonstrate the value of your proposals and increase your chances of funding success.”

Alison White adds, “Often, the thought of bid writing can be quite daunting. In this interactive session, as well as learning top tips to make the process as seamless as possible, you will have the chance to play the role of a ‘bid evaluator’ with real examples to critique and learn from.”

The session will be divided into three segments, each focusing on a key aspect of the bid-writing process:

Introduction to Bid Writing:
Understand the essentials of what a grant is, how to articulate your vision, and analyse your audience. Discover top tips for maintaining resilience in the bid-writing process and participate in activities like crafting a vision statement.

Persuasion Through Storytelling:
Explore how storytelling can make your proposal more engaging. Participate in group activities that will help you practice composing a narrative that highlights the impact of your work.

Polishing Your Bid:
Learn how to make your bid concise, compliant, and compelling. This segment will include tips on editing for clarity, meeting word count requirements, and critical analysis of real-life bids.

Key areas of focus include:

• Developing a clear and compelling vision for your proposal.
• Crafting persuasive narratives to engage funders.
• Practical tips for editing and refining bids to align with funder requirements.
• Real-world examples and hands-on activities to enhance learning.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the bid-writing process and practical tools to apply to their next funding applications.

Register your attendance

Why not stay on for the BIG South London Business, Innovation and Growth Summit?

This South West London Research Support Network Café will precede the annual BIG South London Summit, which this year, is focusing on the future of health in South London.

All attendees of this café are invited to stay beyond the end of the session and join us for the Summit, exploring some of the most pressing issues and trends in healthcare, through interactive sessions and keynotes.

To find out more and confirm your attendance, please register separately.

 

About South West London Research Support Network

The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.

Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.

In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships, that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.

Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.