Fit for the Future

paying the fee

Agencies in the research in practice network use a variety of methods to pay their annual fees. Every agency has distinct local priorities reflected in how budgets are allocated - this means that there is no one 'right way' to fund this kind of work, nor one 'right budget' from which to take the fee. It might help some agencies, however, to know of the range of budget heads and methods that have been employed over the last eight years.

single agencies

• Quality Protects grant

• children and families (operations) budget

• Specific Formula Grant (for improving services to safeguard children)

• policy and performance budget

• policy and research budget, evaluation department,

• training budget

• underspend in each year.

local consortia of agencies

• Local Strategic Partnership Board for Children and Young People

• Children's Trust

• Safeguarding Board training budget

If a local consortium joins as a Partner then one agency (most likely social care) will need to take the lead, and also provide the Link Officer.

research in practice welcomes both single agencies and local consortia of agencies as Partners. Current Partners are welcome to stay as single-agency Partners or to arrange locally to change to a consortia. This flexibility is designed to assist local agencies join in the way that best suits their strategic and operational objectives. Even where a single agency is the Partner they are free to use the research in practice resources in the way that works best for them - and this can extend to staff from other agencies.

timing

The research in practice 'year' starts on 1 September. Fees are payable in advance and invoices are normally sent in August. Agencies are also contacted in January and offered the opportunity to pay the fee earlier. Agencies can also choose to pay two or three years in advance. Please contact us if you wish to take advantage of these earlier payment methods: ask@rip.org.ok or 01803 867692.