Delivering the strategy
NERC delivers its strategy through a series of interdependent processes. These ensure that our strategic priorities are translated into the right investments to deliver our science and organisational goals. Each key step in the process is highlighted in the diagram below. 
Large version of the delivery process diagram
The links below provide more detailed information about each of these processes.
The Strategic Management Tool combines how we deliver the strategy with how we will monitor progress and manage its performance. This is mainly used for management purposes within NERC and for reporting to the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills.
Portfolio planning and management is the process for ensuring our investments are aligned to NERC's strategic priorities through clear action plans.
Our commissioning process sets out what needs to be delivered for each investment, then tenders and selects research suppliers or managers.
NERC has recently reviewed and improved the funding, allocation and budgeting mechanisms we use, to ensure the way in which we plan, prioritise and deliver our strategy is effective. NERC now funds investments through three funding streams:
- National capability
- Research programmes
- Responsive mode
It is important that NERC has strong and consistent mechanisms for governing and managing its investments. The governing process ensures that there is: clear accountability for performance against NERC's strategic objectives and a clear separation of management (board) and advisory (steering committee) functions.
Ultimately, NERC funds independent research to deliver scientific knowledge and evidence to inform decision making policy, society and business. NERC reports on its achievements through media such as the Annual Report, Delivery Report, Economic Impact Reporting Framework and the Economic Impact Report. A selection of these are available on the NERC/BIS planning and reporting documents page.