A very useful day related what to think about and how to write JISC funding bids that could be transferred across all funding applications not only JISC. Alice Colburn (head of finance and corporation for JISC and Ruth Drysdale (Programme Manager for JISC) gave the JISC overview on bidding. Noting JISC works on behalf of the sector and funds projects related to where they obtain their funding from, and funds according to the information needs received from the sector itself.
There was an emphasis on realising that bidding is a selection process not a recruitment process as one of the main element of bidding. Institutional bids are only as good as the other bids submitted. The metaphor of a job application was used, it takes time and effort, each bid needs to be written inline with what JISC is asking and with equal effort and time.
JISC funding priorities:
- Cost-effective and demonstrate how the project will shared infrastructure and resources throughout and at the end of its life
- Illustrate that it will be efficient and effective within its main institution
- Show how it has creative approaches to teaching and an enhanced learning experience
- Add to the wider body of research, demonstrate an impact and productivity, and innovative approaches to supporting the research process
When writing think:
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Why would you do it? |
What is the Institutional strategic context |
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Why would JISC fund it? |
Think about the funding call, what can you do for JISC (the sector) as much as what JISC money will do for you |
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Wider Sector Benefit |
The big picture - The project must benefit the wider sector and be seen to benefit the wider sector at all stages |
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Local Benefit |
Demonstrating Buy-in - SMT must support the project and are accountable if it does not deliver |
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Choosing convincing partners |
Collaboration is essential between HEIs and FE colleges, increasingly funding is attached to wider sector collaboration |
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Demonstrating expertise and competence |
Participants must have a history of working in the specific area and project management |
Finished writing? Check:
- Are aims and objectives clearly and concisely stated
- Are project outputs and outcomes, demonstrating impact and wider benefits to education and research
- Is it readable, use clear language, avoiding any loose or ambiguous terms
- Does the bid describe how it meets the bid criteria set out in the call
- Is there a sound project plan and project management arrangements
- Have you documented a proposed dissemination and evaluation mechanisms
- Does it demonstrate how the bid is aligned with the objectives of your institution and has high level institutional support
- Are there clear costings, % FTEs, grades of staff, fEC etc.
- Have you shown value for money, with institutional contribution(s) as appropriate
- Remember comment on sustainability issues when JISC funding ceases
- A valuable part of the day was the afternoons spent critically evaluating a successful project proposal discussing its strengths and weaknesses.
What if we are not successful: how to get involved?
The work carries out by JISC is for the sector so no one is really a looser, however it is disappointing when all the effort put in writing a bid does not materialise in money! So what then?
- Join in any communities of practice which may exist around funded projects.
- Volunteer to assist projects who are looking for people to work with, perhaps by taking part in a survey or by piloting tools they are developing.
- Attend events run by projects in your area of interest.
- Invite projects to run sessions as part of your staff development programme. JISC projects have budgets for dissemination which will normally cover reasonable costs of appearing at events.
- Join JISCmail discussion lists or use social networking tools such as blogs or Twitter feeds to keep up with what projects are up to.
A valuable resource and information from the JISC RSC Wales Moodle
