New DLN Transformation Fund now open

A major new DLN Transformation Fund is being launched across the Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire (DLN) Cluster to accelerate improvements in care, reduce inequalities and strengthen the long-term sustainability of local health services.

About the fund

The fund is for bold, collaborative transformation that will reshape pathways of care, shift resources closer to communities and deliver measurable improvements in system performance and population outcomes.

It represents a non-recurrent investment of £33 million for 2026/27, rising to up to £100 million over three years. Initial focus in this first year will be proposals that focus on urgent and emergency care and planned care transformation.

Proposals for the fund

We are seeking ambitious, system-level proposals that demonstrate clear return on investment, strong partnership working and sustainable impact beyond the period of funding. We need providers and partners to come together with big, credible ideas that align with our integrated neighbourhood health ambitions and our commitment to prevention and reduced health inequalities and inequity.

Applications are invited from NHS providers across all three ICBs, demonstrating meaningful collaboration and partnership across primary care, community, acute, local authority and VCSE organisations. Single organisational bids will not be prioritised.

All proposals must demonstrate a positive return on investment within two years.

Key dates:

  • Fund launch: 27 February 2026
  • Closing date for applications: 5pm on 1 April 2026.
  • Decisions from assessment panel: late April – May
  • Mobilisation: from late April/early May

How to apply