| UNISON
SCOTLAND
FINANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANISATION SUB COMMITTEE
COMBINED FUNDING APPLICATION FORM
See guidance below and click here
for form (pdf format)
Introduction
The FDO Committee now has responsibility for awarding funding
from four separate sources:
* Regional Pool Fund
* Project Development Fund
* Contingency Fund
* GPF funding (for branches)
The Committee is also the gateway to National Office for
branches seeking Special Needs Funding.
The recent changes in the GPF arrangements, combined with
new advice in respect of the Regional Pool Fund provide
a good opportunity for the Committee to adopt a standard
application process at the same time as promoting the available
monies. By comparison to other regions, Scotland has made
good use of the Regional Pool fund but there is a considerable
amount unspent from last year and this, which could be put
to good use.
The attached document includes an application form that
can be used for all financial applications as well as explanations
of the various funds and eligibility for applying.
Glyn Hawker
March 2004
UNISON SCOTLAND
SECURING ADDITIONAL FUNDING
There are four separate sources of additional funding available
within Scotland which can be accessed by branches and/or
Committees and groups of members. The FDO Sub Committee
of the Scottish Committee has responsibility for awarding
funding from:
Regional Pool Fund
Approximately £60,000 per year
Project Development Fund
Approximately £16,000 per year
Contingency Fund
Approximately £10,000
GPF funding (for branches)
Up to £5000 per bid
The Committee is also the gateway to National Office for
branches seeking Special Needs Funding.
What follows is a description of each of the funds, eligibility
criteria and a combined application form.
You should note that it is not necessary for branches to
have no funds to make application but the FDO Committee
will take into account the reserves available and the proposed
budget for the year.
A list of the awards made is appended to this documentation
to show the range of activity that has been supported from
each of the funds.
REGIONAL POOL FUND
A recently issues National leaflet providing a detailed
explanation of the fund and the criteria for applications
is attached.
In brief, the funds are available for branches wishing
to undertake recruitment and development activity. Applications
from more than one branch will be welcomed.
The FDO Committee is keen to ensure that Health branches
in the process of merging have sufficient funds to enable
the creation of effective branches.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Project Development Fund comprises 10% of the total
annual Lay Activity budget. It is available to branches,
committees and groups. Applications for implementing or
supporting innovative activities that may have Scottish
wide impact are particularly welcomed.
CONTINGENCY FUND
This fund arises from previous lay activity budget reserves
and is not topped up annually.
Applications to the Contingency Fund should be from branches,
committees or groups which find themselves - for good reason
- with an unexpected shortfall in their budget.
GPF FUND
Approval for branch bids up to £5000 has now been devolved
to regions and, in Scotland, will be administered by the
FDO Committee. The detailed national criteria for applications
is attached. Approval for regional bids or those for more
than £5000 remains with the national GPF Committee.
SPECIAL NEEDS FUNDING
Approval for Special Needs Funding rests with the Chair
of the national Finance Committee. However, applications
also require the initial support of the region and these
are dealt with by the FDO Committee.
Special Needs Funding is generally awarded
as a higher percentage of branch retention to meet the specific
circumstances of the branch. In Scotland, a number of Scottish
wide and/or Islands branches receive additional income because
of the increased costs associated with participating in
the democratic processes of the union.
MAKING AN APPLICATION
The FDO Committee meets approximately every six weeks and
all applications should be submitted two weeks before the
scheduled meeting. A calendar of proposed dates for 2004
is attached but you should seek confirmation of these from
Glyn Hawker, Scottish Organiser, as they are occasionally
subject to change.
All applications must be submitted using the attached form
and applicants should provide as much information as possible
to avoid the necessity for a decision being deferred. Not
all of the questions on the form will have relevance for
all applicants. However, where you feel this is the case
you should give reasons why.
Regional Pool Fund awards are paid by National Office with
the next possible monthly retention payment. All other awards
are paid by cheque.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
In order to ensure that we promote good practice Branches
and Committee receiving funding are required to provide
a written report describing the outcome of the activity
as well as examples of any materials produced.
Reports must be provided to the FDO Committee within 3
months of the date of receipt of the award.
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