We are coming to the time of year where Kenneth and Edwards Ltd is an especially busy place to work! We are currently gearing up to prepare the annual CIF Bids for our clients in the Education Sector. From now until when we close for our Christmas break, we will be running full steam ahead to prepare all the relevant documentation and figures in order to hopefully secure the necessary funding to enable essential works to take place at various education establishments.
The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual funding stream for eligible Academies, Sixth Forms and Voluntary Aided (VA) schools to apply for capital funding for works to the buildings. The funding is for priority works to take place in order to maintain the safety of the buildings within the school site. This can cover a wide range of issues, such as faulty or failing heating systems, tired and dated toilets and sanitaryware, weathertightness issues, site security improvements and roofing replacement works. The exact details for the 2023/24 CIF Bids have not yet been released by the Department for Education, however, we at Kenneth and Edwards Ltd like to get ahead of the game, as it is a lengthy process to prepare for a successful CIF Bid submission.
We can assist with the entire process from discussing and agreeing with the client what works they wish to bid for, i.e. Heating Replacements, Toilet Refurbishments, Modular Block Replacement and Roof Replacement Projects. We will prepare the bid documents ready for submission, specify and tender the works to demonstrate value for money. We will also submit the bid on behalf of the client on the CIF Portal. We will obtain Building Control and Planning Consent if required and if the bid is successful, we will be the Project Manager for the works to go ahead.
We would not charge any fees unless the CIF Bid is successful. Our fees would be covered within the bid itself, however, we would need to cover any statutory costs i.e., Building Control and Planning.
In order to be eligible for CIF funding, you will need to be one of the following:
- stand-alone academy
- school in a multi-academy trust (MAT) with fewer than 5 schools at the start of September 2022, or with 5 or more schools but fewer than 3,000 pupils in those schools (or their predecessors)
- VA school in a VA body or VA group with fewer than 5 schools at the start of September 2022, or with 5 schools but fewer than 3,000 pupils
- sixth-form college
- school with a signed academy order as of the start of September 2022 that Department for Education expects will convert by 1 April 2023
Our previous round of CIF Bids submitted last December which were announced May 2022 were our most successful round of CIF Bids we have ever had. We have the same high expectations going into this next round of funding and are excited for the projects ahead.
If you are eligible for the Condition Improvement Fund and are not sure where to start, please get in touch! We are currently arranging consultations with prospective clients and would be more than happy to speak with you.
info@kennethandedwards.co.uk
01179 411 401