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Simpler and Better: issue 1, November 2022
The newsletter from the UKRI Simpler and Better Funding programme
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UKRI is developing a new funding service. This is our new Simpler and Better newsletter to keep you up to date on progress and give you opportunities to engage and provide feedback.
In this issue:
Our Simpler and Better newsletter is a gateway for you to learn more about the programme, with links to further information on areas we think you will find of interest.
If you’d like to see something covered in future issues, let us know. We’d also like your feedback so we can bring you the most relevant topics. Please send us your ideas or let us know what you think via: SBF@ukri.org
You can unsubscribe from this newsletter anytime.
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Who are we and what do we do? |
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Our main research funding system, Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S), goes out of service in December 2023.
The Simpler and Better Funding programme is creating a new consistent funding service across all our councils. It will help reduce the burden of finding, applying for and managing research funding and to support everyone involved.
Learning from our users
Within UKRI, we are working with councils to create a well-supported transition to the new Funding Service, through testing and practicing internal processes and procedures and piloting different funding types. Learning from our users means that are we able to continuously refine and enhance everything we do.
Since the start of the programme, we have seen:
- over 7,000 users registered on the new Funding Service
- 13 pilots launched
- over 1,100 applications submitted
- over 550 external applicant, expert reviewers and research office professional interviews and survey responses
- over 560 administrators from 168 Research Organisations
- 135 reviews received
Key dates for the transition from Je-S to the new Funding Service
- An initial ‘no frills’ service for users of 7 research councils which is planned to be in place by March 2023
- Funding Opportunities will launch in the new service in increasing numbers through 2023
- By December 2023 all live grants will have migrated onto the new service
- We will be enhancing the service continuously to ensure a consistent, simpler, and better funding service for all
Research councils are making specific plans for transitioning different funding types during 2023. For example, you will shortly hear from councils about their plans to transition Open Responsive Mode Opportunities to the new Funding Service.
Find out more on our website
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Spotlight: the Funding Service, an agile design |
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We’re building the new Funding Service in an agile way. We’re doing this by gradual introduction of functionality and by piloting new features after testing and user feedback.
As we introduce the Funding Service for some opportunities in 2023, we will continue to operate Je-S for others. This will allow us to work with councils to run pilot opportunities and develop standard templates and questions.
As we introduce the Funding Service you will see some changes, including:
- guidance and questions for applicants will be more consistent across our councils (they will be concise, and reflect assessment criteria)
- applicants will be asked questions once, and only for the information needed to assess the application
- fewer attachments will be required
- automated checks before submission, reducing the likelihood of applications being returned for amendment
Our initial user research indicates that, notwithstanding some current limitations in functionality, most users report that the service is simpler and easy to use.
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The Funding Service will be underpinned by a set of streamlined, clear and consistent funding policies across UKRI to support the grant funding process.
Our aim is to reduce the variation in policy guidance, making it easier for people to apply and to assess applications.
The programme aims to offer a funding process which is supported by more consistent and robust policies and guidance. Wherever possible the new service offers applicants the guidance they need at the point of the process where they need it. As this is an agile programme, if we learn that a piece of guidance does not work or is unhelpful then we will improve it considering user feedback.
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On Monday, 21 November 2022, between 1 and 2pm, we will be holding a webinar for Research Office directors, administrators, and research management professionals at all levels. This is a chance to hear about the next stages of development for the new UKRI Funding Service.
There will also be a Q&A with a panel of colleagues from the SBF team at UKRI.
Learn more about the event and reserve a spot.
Registration closes on Friday 18 November.
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