Back on the Map project funding process

1. Each theme has a strategy which is reviewed every year. The strategies outline what the theme wants to achieve and how they plan to achieve this. For Back on the Map to fund a project it needs to contribute towards the aims and objectives set out in one or more of the strategies.

2. Ideas for projects that link to the priorities in theme strategies are discussed at the relevant theme team, avoiding any duplication of projects and involving local residents in the process. 

3. If an idea fits into more than one theme it is discussed by the chairs of all the theme teams at the 'cross-cutting task group'.

4. A lead agent is identified, who will deliver the project and ensure that it is managed effectively and meets its targets. The lead agent fills in the project appraisal form, bank rolls the project and ensures monitoring returns are sent back to claim back the funding.

5. When a project has gone through all of the above stages, the lead agent then fills in a project application form. This is a thorough form which asks for information about the project design and description, alternative options, methods of monitoring, evidence of value for money, projected outcomes and outputs and financial information.

6. The relevant theme team then looks at the project application form and gives its recommendations on the idea for the project and their assesment of how likely it is to hit the aims and objectives in their strategy.

7. The project application form then goes to an independent appraiser who studies it and makes recommendations or notes on how well they think the project will meet the priorities in the strategies.

8. The Project Development and Appraisal Task Group (PDAT) is the group that looks at the theme team comments and information from the independent appraiser, as well as having discussions with the relevant officer from Back on the Map about the project. The members of this group score projects and recommend them for funding if they are thought fit. If a project is not fit it the group can either defer it until more information is received or reject the project completely. This group is accountable to the management board.

9. The project then goes to the management board for discussion of the recommendations and consent to fund it.

10. If a project is under £250k then it can be agreed by Back on the Map (delegated responsibility).

11. If a project is over £250k it must go to Government Office for the North East (GONE) for approval.

12. Offer letters are then sent out, signed and returned.

13. The project begins.