Capital Funding for Academies Mark Hayward – EFA Capital Division CPC Conference May 2014
Dec 21, 2015
Purpose
Raising your awareness of key issues
Importance of strategic planning and understanding risk
Arrangements for Round 2 - 2014 to 2015
Context
Significantly reduced capital investment budget for DfE – sharper focus on funding priorities
Increasing numbers of converter academies – highly competitive environment
Academies Capital Maintenance Fund
Established in 2011
Ministerial focus on tackling building condition issues
Expanding, popular and successful academies
ACMF 2014 to 2015 Round 1 ACMF 2014 to 2015
– 2015 academies, 3300 projects, requesting £1.4 billion– Allocations of £394 million to 1,134 academies for 1,388
projects
Round 2 ACMF 2014 to 2015 – for 1 building condition project only at:
– academies that open from 2 December 2013 to 1 June 2014 that did not apply in Round 1
or– schools with a signed academy order at 1 June 2014 that did
not apply in Round 1
Boiler and Heating system projects
A new approach in partnership with Salix Finance Using interest free loans to support a sustainable way of
funding boiler and heating system projects Energy savings cover the repayments Frees up future funds for other works Moving from reactive to preventative maintenance 260 applications worth almost £75 million – funded 190
schemes worth almost £50 million
Considering how we can extend the principle for other types of project in the future
What makes a good ACMF bid
Clarity – if you can’t meet the word limit, perhaps the project needs further thought
Evidence that matches the stated priorities – we get too many bids for desirable projects
Sensible costing – a scope of works that’s appropriate together with quotes
What makes a good ACMF bid
A good project plan – an understanding of how works will be phased (particularly during term time) and of key risks
Proportionate options appraisal – so we understand your thinking
“Before you apply” – section in the guidance
Strategic Estate Planning Why?
– Support and deliver the school’s vision– Understand (and manage) legal responsibilities– More cost effective than crisis management– Good governance
Why not?– Too difficult– Perception that requires costly consultant support– Other priorities
Managing an ACMF project
Prepare well– Getting the right advice, early– Identify the right procurement process for you
• One off project? Phased development?
Understand and manage risks– Importance of contingency and continuous value
engineering
Managing an ACMF project
Aim to be a good client– Have a team in place to oversee, challenge and
support– Governance arrangements
Manage your stakeholders– Staff, pupils, parents, neighbours, EFA
The risk is yours, the responsibility is yours, but the rewards are yours too!
Proposed Timetable for Round 2 ACMF 2014 to 2015
Action Date
Guidance available on website Mid May 2014
Online application portal opens By 13 June 2014
Recommended target date for
submitting applications
16 July 2014
Deadline for submitting applications 21 July 2014 at 3pm
Target date for notifying successful
projects
Mid October 2014