WHAT IS CIF?
CIF is an annual bidding round for academies and sixth-form colleges to apply for capital funding. The fund is administered by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) which is part of the Department for Education (DfE).
CIF’s core priority is to address significant condition need to keep educational buildings safe and in good working order.
CIF also supports a small amount of expansion projects for those rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding. This includes expanding existing facilities or floor space to increase the number of admissions in the main year of entry or address overcrowding.
Only projects that demonstrate a high project need and those that align with CIF priorities are likely to be successful.
You can find further information on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/condition-improvement-fund
The highest priority works are:
• Health and safety or safeguarding issues
• Emergency asbestos removal
• Fire safety works
• Leaking roofs, cladding and windows
• Heating and hot water systems.
In order to prepare a high-quality bid, it is essential to start the application process as soon as possible and in September/October at the latest.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Philips Surveyors LLP is one of the south’s leading Education specialist consultancies. We have an excellent track record of successful CIF applications and understand how complex and time-consuming the preparation of funding bids can be for individual Academies and Business Managers.
The CIF guidelines are very clear about the level of detail required and we will assist throughout the application process and submit a comprehensive bid which carefully targets the EFA guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for your Academy.
We have a detailed understanding of how to prepare successful CIF applications and will take responsibility for preparing the application and any necessary supporting information, leaving academies to concentrate on their core activities.
We will meet you at your convenience to discuss your requirements and the details of your proposed bid. We can then advise on the best strategy to adopt.
Depending on the nature of your bid, much of our preparation service is provided FREE on a goodwill basis. This enables Academies who want to apply for funding but do not have the time or technical knowledge to do so on a ‘no risk’ basis.