Policy of Bursaries for BLF Events
Bursaries are for those on low or no income who meet the following eligibility criteria;
• students, apprentices and trainees not paid for by their educational institution or organisation.
• individuals who are in the early years of their career or self-employed business, and/or those who are self-employed and would suffer significant financial loss from attending.
• businesses that are paying the full price for the attendance of their experienced employees’ and that want to bring trainees in addition.
Or
• invited speakers who cannot identify other sources of funding and would suffer significant financial loss from attending, particularly those in the early years of their careers.
Applicants will be asked to explain their career aspirations, what they hope to gain from attendance at the event, where they are based, and how they meet the criteria for eligibility, and to provide evidence of their financial circumstances where possible. This can be done via a statement of no more than 250 words or a video of no more than two minutes within the application form.They will also need to include a letter of reference from someone such as a current or former employer or tutor who can attest to their work and aspirations. We welcome applications from underrepresented demographics.
Types of bursary
• Educational Bursary – includes entrance to lectures, talks and tours
• Conference Bursary – includes entrance to lectures, talks, tours and evening meals.
• Exceptional Bursary – in addition to one of the bursaries above and includes an award towards travel and accommodation
The event team will determine the award of bursaries.
Successful applicants will be expected to assist with small tasks during the conference, such as assisting with tours, passing the mic, and helping with the registration desk. These tasks will be assigned by the event team prior to the event.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, BLF Members would not normally be awarded more than one full bursary in a year, and non–members would not normally be awarded more than one bursary in total. Preference will be given to BLF Members and those who have not previously attended a BLF event.
Adopted by the Committee of Management
02 June 2024