ACCESS AGREEMENT PROJECT FUNDING 2014-15

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

  1. This annual “call” invites applications for funding to enable faculties/departments to develop activities which are consistent with the University’s Access Agreement and which are closely aligned with the Department of Employment and Learning’s Widening Participation Regional Strategy (“Access to Success”) and the University’s Widening Access and Participation Strategy (available at
  1. On the basis of statistical information/University priorities the ‘call’ will provide guidance on the target groups, geographical locations, specific themes and activities that are most likely to be funded in the current round.
  1. Staff from the Centre for Widening Access and Participation will be available at campus-based sessions on the following dates to advise on University targets in terms of geographical locations, specific themes and activities, and to offer guidance on the initial development and preparation of their bids:

Jordanstown: 27 March 2014 12.30-2.00pm 7C03

Coleraine: 28 March 2014 12.30-2.00pm J401

Magee: 3 April 2014 12.30-2.00pmMD026

  1. A pro-forma (see attached) will be completed by all applicants and will provide the information to enable the University’s Widening Access and Participation Sub-Committee (WAPSC)to make transparent and consistent decisions.
  1. Successful bids will be subject to regular review and applicants will be required to produce, as a condition of funding,an annual report, evaluation and financial report together with a transaction list.Funding will not be released to Faculties/Departments until these reports have been provided.

6.Funding:

  • Salary costs: funding will not be provided for staff salary costs;
  • Equipment: the purchase of equipment will only be approved if it is essential for the delivery of the project;
  • Prizes: prizes for individuals/team participants must be kept to below £50 each. If more substantial prizes are considered appropriate, they should be awarded to the school or community group rather than individuals/teams to ensure sustainability and involvement on an ongoing basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS

7.It is highly recommended that applicants should discuss their proposal with one of the staff named below or, preferably, attend one of the campus based information sessions before submitting the application form.

Mrs Barbara HunterComputing and Engineering

t Design & the Built Environment

Mrs Anne MooneyUlster Business School

ts

Dr Clare RyanLife & Health Sciences

cial Sciences

Mr Philip TurbittCentral Departments

8.Fully completed application forms, signed by the Head of School/Department, should be returned to Barbara Hunter, Access Officer (Policy and Practice), Centre for Widening Access and Participation, Room 02H03, Jordanstown Campus by Friday 18 April 2014 at the latest.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING APPLICATIONS FOR PROJECT FUNDING

9.Applications will be assessed on how they align with the following criteria:

  • Appropriateness of Aims/objectives: extent to which they align with the DEL Widening Participation Regional Strategy (Access to Success)and contribute to the achievement of targets associated with the Access Agreement and the Widening Access and Participation Strategy.
  • Targeting: extent to which project is appropriately targeted at groups/schools/communities/individuals in areas of multiple disadvantage or who have been identified as being under-represented at Ulster or in Higher Education within Northern Ireland. We especially welcome applications to work with groups which have been under-represented in previous years or where the University has identified an emergent or particular need. In 2014/15 these include projects targeting work withyoung males and those with disabilities.
  • Timescale and Method of Delivery: extent to which project can be delivered within the suggested timescale and proposed resource and consideration of how realistic and appropriate the method of engagement (with the target groups) and delivery appear to be.
  • Experience of Project Team: extent to which the project team have successfully delivered similar projects/programmes in the past (not necessarily widening access activity).
  • Anticipated Outcomes:extent to which the project will benefit

the target Group(s): more likely that they will in the future participate in

Higher Education.

the University: contribution to Widening Access targets/ Ulster’s reputation.

  • Method of Monitoring/Evaluation: extent to which the impact of the project/intervention can be demonstrated.
  • Dissemination: extent to which the project can be publicised to internal and external audiences to promote widening access at Ulster.
  • Sustainability: extent to which the project may be sustained in the future from sources, other than the Access Agreement

PFAA1

APPLICATION FORM: PROJECT FUNDING - ACCESS AGREEMENT FUND

(All sections must be fully completed)

SECTION 1 – SUMMARY

Project Title:
Proposed Start Date: Proposed End Date:
Funding Requested:
Principal Applicant: Tele/Email:
Position: Department/Faculty:
Names, Position of others involved:
Internal:External:

SECTION 2 – DETAILS OF PROJECT

  1. Title of Project

  1. Brief Description

  1. Main Aims / Objectives

  1. How does the project align with the DEL Widening Participation Regional Strategy (Access to Success) and the University’s Widening Access and Participation Strategy?

  1. Target Group / Recipients / Schools

  1. Timescale and Method of Delivery

  1. Outline relevant experience of project team.

  1. What are the anticipated outcomes (Benefits to participants/University)

  1. If this project is targeted at current students in an effort to aid retention, how does it differ from core University practice?

  1. How will the impact of the project be demonstrated? (Method of monitoring/evaluation)

  1. How will the outcomes be disseminated / publicised?

  1. Can the project be sustained in the future, in the absence of Access Agreement funding?

SECTION 3 – FINANCE

Year One

Expenditure Profile
Consumables ______
Printing/Stationary/Post ______
Transport ______
Staff Travel/Expenses ______
Hospitality/Catering ______
Visiting Lectures/Demonstrators ______
Other* ______
Total ______
*Please detail below:

Year Two (if appropriate)

Expenditure Profile
Consumables ______
Printing/Stationary/Post ______
Transport ______
Staff Travel/Expenses ______
Hospitality/Catering ______
Visiting Lectures/Demonstrators ______
Other* ______
Total ______
*Please detail below:

Year Three (if appropriate)

Expenditure Profile
Consumables ______
Printing/Stationary/Post ______
Transport ______
Staff Travel/Expenses ______
Hospitality/Catering ______
Visiting Lectures/Demonstrators ______
Other* ______
Total ______
*Please detail below:

Signed:______

Head of School/Department

Date:______

1