About Networks / Applying for funding / Assessment criteria

The deadline for applications for Finuas 2009-2010 funding was 24th April 2009.

It is important to note that Finuas applications were treated equally by Skillnets and were assessed on a transparent and comparable basis. This was a competitive process and the highest quality proposals were selected for funding. The approved enterprise-led learning networks operate exclusively within the International Financial Services sector.

All Finuas proposals for enterprise-led networks submitted to Skillnets by the application deadline were assessed against structured criteria. Final decisions on allocations of funding were made by the Skillnets board. The key objectives outlined in the ‘Future Skills and Research Needs of the Industry’ report produced by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) guided the selection of network proposals to be funded.

A sub-committee of the Skillnets Board oversaw the assessment process to ensure that fair, transparent and equitable consideration of all applications received was applied throughout the process.

Key criteria for assessment of applications 2009/2010

Each application seeking funding under Finuas was assessed against the criteria outline below grouped into three main areas.

Key Criteria	Sub Criteria
Strategic Contribution	Structured & Ongoing Industry Support
	Business Need
	New and Additional Provision
	Impact on Competitiveness
Operational Effectiveness	Partnerships
	Capacity to deliver
	Value for money
	Level of matching funding
Added Value Features	Innovation
	Flexible Learning Methodologies
	Certification/Product Development
	Special Features

Full details on application assessment criteria are available in the Finuas Networks Programme 2009-10 document.