Environmental, natural, resources and agriculture research programme 2022–27: commissioning evaluation

4. Recommendations

Based on the process evaluation Pye Tait Consulting has completed, we recommend that the SG considers the following actions:

1. Prior to the start of a future research programme commissioning process planning, appoint a project manager to oversee and monitor activities and progress of the programme commissioning process planning and roll out;

2. During the planning of the programme commissioning process, clearly establish and define internal staff roles and responsibilities;

3. Set the timeframes for each programme commissioning process activity and stakeholder involvement with more generous contingency time calculated in the timeline;

4. Centralise all relevant communications preparations and dissemination for clarity and effectiveness;

5. Maintain well received format and content of invitation to tender documents and guidance, along with a defined period for applicants' questions and clarifications calculated in the invitation to tender timeframes;

6. Produce a more succinct guidance and information pack for peer reviewers to ensure shared understanding across the board and enhance their involvement in the commissioning process;

7. Allow a greater amount of time for co-ordinating engagement with peer reviewers;

8. Strengthen communication with peer reviewers by, for example, informing them of the steps following completion of their work in the programme commissioning process;

9. Allow a longer period of time for applicants to respond to feedback to their proposals, so that applicants can co-ordinate the required amendments within and potentially between their partner organisations;

10. Continue with successful implementation of change of PIs roles and responsibilities which are well received in the current ENRA research programme;

11. Consider improvements around financing of projects and organising payments to reduce burden on research organisations, streamline finances and increase effectiveness of this aspect of the programme commissioning process.