DELIVERING SUCCESS
OUR APPROACH
We understand the requirements for successful funding bids. Our specialist CIF team can prepare bespoke bids to provide the strongest evidence. Such is our expertise, that many academy trusts retain us to bid across multiple rounds, and then deliver projects across their estate as they progress to Formula Funding.
Our approach reviews each case on merit and includes:
∎ Identifying project needs based on the Department for Education (DfE) guidance
∎ Reviewing building/installation conditions to demonstrate the risk of school closure
∎ Reviewing statutory and legislative compliance and identifying gaps or concerns
∎ Providing bid delivery, opportunities, and assessment
∎ Project design and delivery
SAFE, WARM AND DRY
We are passionate about helping schools and academies to provide high-quality, inspirational, and sustainable learning environments. Reflecting on our experience with successful CIF bids, we see how these have helped to maintain safe, warm and dry buildings.
SUCCESS IN NUMBERS
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
BID DELIVERY
RLB reviews the latest round of bids and receive instructions to proceed with RIBA Design Stages 2-7 for those that are accepted.
RLB is appointed as Contract Administrator to deliver the bids for a number of Trusts.
BID OPPORTUNITIES
While on site, Surveyors should engage with the Trust and establish new potential bids.
RLB will receive instructions from new clients looking to obtain funding.
ASSESS BID
Following an instruction from a Trust, the surveyor should visit site with the relevant internal/external support to establish the urgency of the bid.
The surveyor should review proposals against the latest project criteria as outlined in the latest CIF guidance document.
Once the urgency of the need has been concluded, the surveyor should consider potential proposals (bids require a minimum of two alternative proposals).
Therefore, the scope of works should directly address the issues while delivery works for the best value for money.
FORM CIF BID
Once a scope is confirmed, bid writers should form a cost plan with quantity surveying support, if required.
Contact a minimum of three contractors from the recommendation list to obtain Form of Tenders (FoT). One FoT should be within 5% of the cost plan and the highest should not exceed more than 10% of the cost plan construction costs.
BID SUBMISSION
Using existing templates, write the CIF bids in accordance with the guidance documents. Contact bid leads for further assistance.
NAVIGATING THE TIMELINE
TESTIMONIALS
“We have been working with RLB since forming our MAT in 2016. The decision to move to RLB was on a recommendation from another MAT and the no fee for bid writing was a huge consideration. We have never looked back.
The CIF guidelines are very clear about the level of detail required and RLB's team has worked closely with our MAT throughout the application process to submit comprehensive bids, which carefully target the guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome for the bids. Since starting our journey, RLB has been successful in obtaining £6m in CIF Funding for our academies. This has made a tremendous difference to our schools. The variety of work carried out covers complete heating systems, a new school roof, replacement emergency lighting renewal, and replacement fire alarm systems.
The central team, along with our business managers, have built up a long-term relationship with RLB's team and there is a shared understanding of our MAT requirements. RLB delivers a professional and effective service and from my point of view, ease my workload as they upload the applications onto the CIF portal, complete the monitoring returns, and issue a complete financial breakdown to our CFO. The majority of our building work is carried out throughout the summer break and the RLB team organises the initial meetings with the contractors and schools and review meetings throughout the projects.
Without reservation, I would endorse RLB.”
Deborah Temperton, Chief Projects Officer/DPO The Rose Learning Trust
“We would like to thank RLB for their hard work, commitment, and speed in delivering what has been an instrumental project for one of the schools in the Trust.
The RLB team could not have done more to support the Trust in our first CIF bid project. We look forward to working with you again on future projects.”
Nicola Roys, Director of Operations Interaction and Communication Academy Trust
“Working with RLB has been an extremely positive and seamless process, we’ve had great success in securing a large amount of funding which is invaluable to our schools.
I cannot explain how grateful I am to everybody at RLB, the advice, attention to detail, and customer service is second to none.”
Sarah Jones, Trust Business Manager Swift Academies
