Approval process
In line with the University's Financial Directives, there is a two-step authorisation process for research applications. The price of the proposal should already have been approved at this stage via the URMS process.
1. All application submissions require departmental approval to ensure that:
- the department supports the application,
- the application complies with internal policy and regulations.
2. An authorised institutional signature, via R&IS, is required on all applications to ensure that the University:
- recovers all direct costs and maximises indirect costs,
- meets sponsor requirements,
- complies with internal and external policy and regulations,
- does not accept unduly onerous contractual obligations.
Approval process for electronic submissions
When submitting a grant application electronically the approval process is automatic. Submissions will first go to the Head of Department for approval, and when authorisation is granted, will pass to R&IS for final submission. It is therefore important to leave plenty of time for the application to be processed through the system.
Guidance on the various electronic submission systems
Approval process for paper submissions
Paper applications must be signed and approved by the Head of Department before they are submitted to R&IS for institutional approval. Hardcopy applications can either be sent by mail, dropped into the reception at New Spring House, or into the post box at New Spring House outside working hours. R&IS will contact the applicant when the application has been signed and is available for collection.
Three days notice
When your application is submitted, either electronically or by hard copy, the Pricing Team will complete the following tasks:
- Ensure the application budget matches the approved figures on URMS.
- Check that the justification of resources is reflected in the budget breakdown.
- Check any attachments to ensure that they comply with the sponsors guidance.
- Check any queries with the investigator (please ensure you are available to take any queries).
- Make any relevant amendments.
- Arrange approval by an authorised signatory.
The Pricing Team is often managing several applications to several different call deadlines, and therefore it is important to allow as much time as possible for an application to be checked prior to submission. R&IS recommend a minimum of three days notice for applications.