Strategic Development Fund approval process
The approval process for the Strategic Development Fund varies according to the amount of funding and the risk represented in the project.
In all cases the first step is for HEIs to discuss proposals with their HEFCE institutional team at a very early stage. The institutional team should be kept involved during all key stages from first soundings about a possible project to submission of a full business plan for assessment for funding. As part of assessing proposals against the criteria for the fund, our institutional teams make a risk assessment of the project.
From September 2007 onwards, our chief executive (using delegated authority), advised by our chief executive's group (CEG), is able to approve awards up to a maximum of £3 million HEFCE grant, with linked additional student number (ASN) requests. The SDF Panel is able to approve awards up to a maximum level of £8 million, with linked ASNs. Projects valued at over £8 million require approval from the HEFCE Board. Projects at high risk levels will still need to go to higher levels of approval even if, on the basis of their value, they could be approved at a lower level.
HEFCE 2007/22 describes the approval process in detail.
Last updated 1 August 2007