Funding Governance Framework

Funding Governance Framework

FUNDING GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK / 2011-2015 /

The funding governance framework for Regional Development Victoria (RDV) / Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) / Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) – (the Parties)

Objective

To describe the obligations of the parties in respect to the funding agreement between RDV and MAV and the activities undertaken by RCV, an unincorporated association, and to provide a framework for cooperation between the parties in the planning, development and implementation of the program of work funded by RDV called Networked Rural Councils.

Commitment

The overarching principles that guide the Parties in respect to the Funded Program are that they will;

  • work collaboratively to achieve the objectives of the Funded Program (Networked Rural Councils)
  • use their best endeavours to ensure that the Activities are carried out
  • share relevant information
  • commit to the Communication Arrangements
  • work openly and constructively to resolve any differences that may emerge.

RDV will:

  • ensure any approvals made by it or it’s representative in respect to RCV activities do not impact the capacity of the MAV to comply with the Funding Agreement
  • make payments to MAV in accordance with the Funding Agreement.

MAV will:

  • manage the grant in accordance with the MAV’s Grant Procedures (attached)
  • employ the Program Advisor and Policy Manager on the basis that theyProgram Advisor will;

-comply with all policies and procedures relevant to MAV employees from time to time

-report to, and work closely with, the RCV Executive Committee

-coordinate the delivery of the Activities detailed in the Networked Rural Councils program

-meet with the MAV Executive at least monthly to report on the Networked Rural Councils program.

  • establish and maintain appropriate internal financial reporting processes
  • ensure compliance with Financial Acquittal requirements and audit and certification processes
  • appoint consultants approved by RCV, RDV or the Program Advisor
  • annually deduct a sum equal to 24% of the gross salary of the Program Advisorand other staff from the grant funds
  • provide RCV members with a licence to use any intellectual property relating to the Funded Program and materials vested in the MAV as a consequence of the agreement.

The Executive Committee of the RCV will:

  • ensure that it is familiar with the terms and conditions contained in the Funding Agreement and the Funding Agreement Schedule through the Executive Committee
  • ensure that no decisions are made by it that will impact the MAV’s capacity to discharge its obligations under the Funding Agreement
  • authorise Funded Program expenditure in accordance with the approved annual Work Plan
  • advise members of any Funded Program Intellectual Property which may assist member councils in achieving program objectives
  • ensure that expenditure against each Milestone does not exceed the amount allocated in the Schedule to the Funding Agreement
  • ensure that the annual member contribution to the RCV network ($32000.00 from each of Victoria’s 38 rural councils through to June 2015) is used to fulfil advocacy requirements as part of Workstream 1 of the RCV program – Governance & Advocacy.(may not be relevant in the future)

Communication Arrangements

Representatives of the parties will meet at least quarterly six monthly and the Program Advisor and Policy Manager will attend the meetings. The representatives are:

  • RDV Manager, Strategic Relations and ProjectsDirector
  • RCV Chair
  • RCV Program Adviserolicy and Program Manager
  • MAV CEO
  • MAV Deputy CEO & General Counsel

Dispute Resolution

The parties acknowledge that while they have a mutual interest in the successful planning, development and delivery of the Networked Rural Councils funded program the views and objectives of the parties may not always coincide. The parties will work openly and constructively, and in a timely manner, to resolve any differences that may emerge.

The parties agree to resolve disputes quickly so as to minimise the impact of any dispute on the planning, development and implementation of the funded program. If any dispute arises between the parties:

  • the parties will meet within 10 business days of becoming aware of the dispute to endeavour to resolve the matter promptly;
  • if the dispute cannot be resolved between the parties and remains unresolved within three weeks of notification of a dispute the dispute may be referred to an independent mediator
  • an independent mediator will be selected by agreement of all parties
  • the decision of the mediator will be binding on all parties.
Top View