CPD Impact
Empowering people and partnerships to deliver lasting impact.
Skills Scholarships
We launched University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Skills Scholarships in Summer 2024 to provide learners with the opportunity to complete one Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module at no cost, helping individuals enhance their skills and progress in their professional journeys. Since launch, we have supported over 300 learners through this initiative, enabling them to upskill and gain valuable knowledge relevant to their industries. These scholarships were designed to make learning more accessible, particularly for those looking to develop new competencies or retrain in response to evolving workplace demands. By removing financial barriers, Skills Scholarships have empowered individuals to build confidence and stay competitive in their fields. Organisations have also greatly benefited, especially those operating with limited training budgets, as the initiative allows them to invest in staff development in a cost-effective way, building resilience, productivity, and a culture of continuous learning within their workforce.
Learn more about UWS Skills Scholarships
Help to Grow: Management at University of the West of Scotland
Through the Help to Grow: Management programme, UWS is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to strengthen their businesses and plan for sustainable growth. So far, more than 250 UK businesses have registered for the programme at UWS, participating across our Scottish campuses and in London. Over the course of 12 weeks, business owners and leaders take part in a series of workshops, one-to-one mentoring sessions, and peer groups, designed to help them develop key skills in strategy, innovation, digital transformation and leadership. By combining academic expertise with practical insights, we are helping SMEs to build resilience, drive innovation and make a lasting impact on their communities and the wider economy. 90% UK Government funded, UWS continues to offer a bursary to cover the participant fee, and enable SMEs to engage in the programme on a fully funded basis.
Hear from some of our UWS Help to Grow: Management Alumni:
Ewan MacDonald - Houston Kilt Makers
Karen Wallce - Right Way Credit Union
Susan Deakin - Albion Environmental
Cultures for Leadership Integration
Our Cultures for Leadership Integration short course was developed in direct response to the ambitions outlined in the Health & Social Care Service Renewal Framework 2025–2035, addressing the need for strong, collaborative leadership across integrated services. The course equips learners with a deeper understanding of diverse organisational cultures and the leadership capabilities essential for effective service integration and transformation. Delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Government, the programme offered nearly 100 fully funded places, ensuring accessibility for professionals across the health and social care sectors. Through this initiative, participants have strengthened their ability to lead inclusively, drive cultural alignment, and foster more cohesive, person-centred approaches to care delivery.
Digital Dairy Chain
The Digital Dairy Chain (DDC) is a five-year, £21 million UKRI-funded project designed to drive innovation, collaboration and digitalisation across the dairy sector and its supply chain. The initiative aims to transform the regional dairy industry and boost the rural economy through grant funding and sustainable solutions. The project supports any business or individual involved in the dairy supply chain across Cumbria, South and West Scotland, offering a range of services to enhance innovation and productivity through collaboration. Led by SRUC, the project focuses on aligning industry needs, strengthening digital connectivity, stimulating research and product development, supporting business growth, and attracting talent and skills across the region.
UWS leads the ‘Workforce of the Future’ now referred to as the ‘Think Dairy Careers’ work package, which underpins the DDC’s mission to transform how the dairy sector workforce of tomorrow is attracted, developed and retained. To underpin this effort, UWS has launched the DDC Talent Forum – a collaborative, multi-agency network developing a national solution with strong regional insight.
As part of this activity, UWS launched a groundbreaking pilot CPD course titled Blockchain & Cryptocurrency for Dairy Sector SMEs. This practical fully funded short-programme helps rural dairy businesses in Scotland understand and apply blockchain and digital finance tools to enhance supply-chain transparency, reduce costs and access new markets.
Carbon Champions
UWS led a pioneering initiative to provide tailored support and training, enabling organisations across South Ayrshire to progress towards the national Net Zero goals and position the region as a leader in sustainable and green working practices. Through the project, thirty organisations received fully funded consultancy and training to help shape their plans for decarbonisation and improved environmental sustainability. Participants became known as Carbon Champions, trained auditors equipped to identify challenges and opportunities for reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability within their own organisations. The Carbon Champions Project was funded by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund and delivered by UWS in partnership with South Ayrshire Council, with the support of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Ayrshire College and Entrepreneurial Scotland.
Women in Business
In 2024, UWS delivered a Women in Business Programme as part of the Scottish Government’s Pre-Start Pathways Fund, in collaboration with Robert Gordon University and the University of Stirling. The initiative was designed to support local mothers in exploring entrepreneurship, providing practical guidance, mentoring and networking opportunities to help them develop their business ideas and build confidence as entrepreneurs. Ten mothers from the Renfrewshire area took part in the fully funded programme, with several going on to open business premises and secure regular vendor spots at festivals, events and food markets across the region. Through this programme, UWS is helping to empower women, strengthen local enterprise and contribute to inclusive economic growth in Scotland.
Hear from course participant, Jacqueline Quigg:
Upskilling Fund
The Scottish Funding Council Upskilling Fund was introduced to make high-quality learning more accessible and to support ongoing professional development across a range of industries. From 2019 to 2024, over 1,000 learners have benefited from this initiative, gaining the opportunity to study at no cost and develop the skills needed to meet changing workplace demands. By removing financial barriers to education, the fund has helped people enhance their confidence, adaptability, and employability while contributing to a stronger, more resilient workforce overall.