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.
Webinars
Upcoming Transformation Fund Webinar: 18 March 2026, 11.30am – 12.30pm.
This webinar will cover any questions in relation to process, the transformation funding application proforma and transformation funding worksheet. Please send any specific questions you would like addressed at the session to nnicb-nn.systempmo@nhs.net.
Click here to join the webinar.
Transformation Fund Webinar: 9 March 2026.
Watch the recording of the webinar held on 9 March and view the slides. Find out more about the fund, including a Q&A session.
Watch the recording | View the slides.
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 information
Please note, these documents are still subject to sign-off from NHS England:
- DLN 5 Year Population Health Strategy
- DLN 5 Year Population Health Strategy Appendices
- Five Year Strategic Commissioning Plan
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
- Please read the application guidance
- We recommend an initial discussion before bids are developed. Please email nnicb-nn.systempmo@nhs.net to arrange this or to get clarification about the bidding process.
- Please complete the transformation funding application proforma and email to nnicb-nn.systempmo@nhs.net.
Please use the separate transformation funding worksheet for the consistent capture of key milestones, financial and non-financial benefits. This should be submitted alongside the transformation funding application proforma.