The BIGSPD Bursary Scheme is open to people with ‘lived and loved’ (service-users/carers) experience who would benefit from attending the annual conference. Due to the number of applications outstripping the number of places available, BIGSPD operates an application process. The process takes into consideration some factors, including how many times a person has been in receipt of a bursary in the past; whether the person is in paid employment; what the person feels they would gain from attending the conference, etc.
We also ask people to indicate whether they have submitted an abstract or are named on an abstract that has been accepted for the conference. We ask this question because BIGSPD is committed to encouraging coproduction. BIGSPD believes, therefore, that statutory and private organisations should fund places for all the people giving a presentation, whether that be those with occupational, lived or caring experience. If this is the case, then an applicant would not be eligible for the Bursary Scheme. We ask that you attach confirmation from your employer that they have declined to fund your attendance.
Each person wishing to be awarded a bursary must apply individually, regardless of presenting as a group.
Once you have completed the application, it will be sent for selection, and you will be informed of the outcome.
If you are successful, the bursary will provide the following at BIGSPD 2026:
- Attendance for all three days at the Conference: Tuesday 16th – Thursday 18th June 2026.
- Accommodation for the 16th & 17th of June
- Networking Event Tuesday 16th June 2026 (Welcome drinks, canapes & entertainment)
- Dinner Event Wednesday 17th June 2026 (Welcome drinks, dinner & entertainment)
Registrations are based on individual delegates and cannot be shared with others.
Please note the bursary does not include travel reimbursement. Bursary places are fully funded, hence we are unable to fund any travel expenses. If you are awarded a fully funded or subsidised place, it is therefore expected that you or a supporting organisation should cover travel expenses to the conference.
Please complete the online or manual form by 26th January 2026.
A manual application form is available on request. We will also accept applications via audio recording. Please ensure you have answered all the questions on the application form in your recording and send it to bigspd@northernnetworking.co.uk by 26th January 2026.
