POLICY CRITERIA FOR AWARDING STUDY BURSARIES
Bursaries

• have been offered a place on a UK University validated programme in specialist addiction studies;
• have a demonstrable commitment to working in the addictions field;
• have not participated in a substantial event of this nature in the 1 year prior to that for which they have applied (unless the latter is a follow-up event for which they cannot obtain funding).

Courses

Applications

• Applicants can apply for a bursary of up to £750 to cover course fees
• Preference will be given to applications from members of the Society
• The applicant's line manager is required to indicate the support of the employing organisation with confidence in the applicant's ability and by allocation of time for study. The manager should indicate which other sources of funding have been sought.
• The manager's letter of support should be forwarded direct to the Executive Office (SSA Bursary Administration, Executive Office, 19 Springfield Mount, Leeds, LS2 9NG)
• To enable an efficient applications process, all applications must be submitted electronically
• Consideration for an award of a full bursary is contingent upon clear and fulsome answers whilst unclear, unconsidered, rushed or partial responses will only be considered for partial bursary award or may be rejected.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications cannot be considered until the manager's letter of support is received

If you anticipate any difficulty obtaining this letter, or need advice in identifying an appropriate manager, email graham.hunt@nhs.net for advice which will be provided in consultation with the Bursary Coordinator.

The Student

• is currently working (paid or voluntary) or in a practice placement in the addictions field or in a post with a substantial addictions interest
• is able to make a case for requiring to pursue the course of study for which the bursary is requested
• has the support of their employer to pursue this course of study
• is able to provide evidence for acceptance on the course of study
• is, and for the duration of the course will continue to be UK-based

The Training or Educational Institution

• is a recognised and UK university-validated provider of further or higher education
• offers validated programmes of study leading to a recognised qualification

The Course

• provides substantial knowledge and skills in the addiction field in practice, research or policy
• is validated by a recognised Institution of Higher or Further Education
• results in a recognised qualification or credits (not just a Certificate of Attendance)

The Employer/volunteer supervisor (not the course manager)

• is a specialist addiction agency or has a commitment to working with addiction problems
• confirms their commitment to support the student's learning, which must include time for studying and to attend the training
• provides clarification of their contribution (financial or in kind) to the student's proposed training
• is not in the private for-profit sector. As part of ongoing review in a changing employment market, the Bursary panel is interested to hear from students who feel they have a strong case but are currently excluded by this requirement. Please email Graham Hunt a short paragraph outlining your circumstances. This information will be used in confidence to inform future discussions about eligibility criteria*.

  * We do not seek full applications in such cases and are not considering making awards in such circumstances. We are seeking only to obtain information which will help inform future policy and will therefore appreciate some brief information from you about your circumstances and how this exclusion affects your situation.

Specific Awards

• Students will be awarded a maximum of £750 for an individual course of study in any one financial year. Awards are not transferable in whole or in part, and relate only to the academic year, and the specific course, for which they are initially granted
• The award is available only for the payment of course fees and cannot include other expenses (such as course materials, travel expenses)
• A percentage of bursary students will be followed up for audit purposes on completion of a module. Further funding will depend on students returning the Bursary audit form. We reserve the right to contact the course co-ordinator directly if audit forms are not returned.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

APPLICANTS SHOULD NOTE THE INFORMATION SET OUT ABOVE AND BELOW BEFORE DECIDING TO SUBMIT.

Application forms can be downloaded as a MS Word document here. Please send as an attachment to: graham.hunt@nhs.net

The manager's letter of support should be forwarded direct to the Executive Office (SSA Bursary Administration, Executive Office, 19 Springfield Mount, Leeds, LS2 9NG).

Please be aware that it may take up to 6 weeks to process each bursary application. This is to allow the applications to be read and considered by Dr Daphne Rumball, SSA Bursary Coordinator and Professor Jo Neale, and any further consultation and subsequent administrative processes. You can expedite this process by ensuring careful completion of your application form and supporting letter.

The Decision

• is taken by at least two members of the Executive Council, one being the Bursary Co-ordinating Officer and the other a second officer of the Society designated to the task by the Executive Council. This panel is elected by the Executive for a period of four years
• will be taken by an alternative officer of the Society where one of the above has an interest
• the award of a bursary in one year of a course does not indicate it will be granted in subsequent years or for subsequent stages/modules of courses. Applications must be made for each year and the SSA reserves the right to alter the awards criteria from time to time
• the Bursary Sub-committee scrutinises a large volume of applications, applying consistent and experienced standards. Applicants have no right of appeal and the Sub-committee’s decision will not normally be reconsidered. We do not allow re-application, and each application is judged on the application and support letter as submitted

Funds

The Society will make available the sum of £45,000 per annum (from financial year 2009-10 onwards)

Payment of Awards

Payment will be made directly to the educational establishment and not to individuals.

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