NERC's internal scheme of delegation
Case studies: NERC strategy
There are four aspects to this:
Development
The Science & Innovation Strategy Board (SISB) provides advice to Council about the development of the scientific aspects – including Knowledge Exchange, training and science infrastructure – of the NERC strategy.
The NERC Executive Board (NEB) provides advice to the Chief Executive about the development of both organisational and scientific aspects of the NERC strategy. The Chief Executive further advises Council on all aspects of NERC strategy development.
Council ultimately decides how it wants NERC strategy development to be shaped. For example, for NERC's new strategy, Council agreed with the suggestion of using themed Strategy Panels to provide cross-community input. Regular reports are provided to Council on how strategy development is progressing.
Strategy development
Approval
Following development, Council is the only body in NERC which can formally approve the final NERC strategy.
Delivery
The delivery of the strategy will take place over the duration of its lifetime.
This requires advice and decisions on:
target-setting to meet particular aspects of the strategy
devoting funding levels to particular scientific areas
any implications using resources within NERC and across the wider community.
Setting targets. Using the scheme of delegation, SISB may advise Council on suitable targets for delivering elements of strategy. NEB may also advise the Chief Executive on suitable targets and on any issues associated with delivering those targets. Council will make the final decision on the targets set out in the NERC strategy and on the associated investment decisions – although the NERC Investment Committee (NIC) has a level of decision-making power in this area.
Monitoring progress. Council requires assurance that progress on those targets is on track. NERC's balanced scorecard and strategy implementation plan ensures this happens, setting out the targets and deliverables to meet NERC's strategy. These represent NERC's reporting framework, which takes place over periods of the strategy tied in with Spending Review cycles.
- NEB provide advice to the Chief Executive on progress of the delivery aspects of the strategy.
- SISB provide advice to Council on the quality of the science.
- The Audit Committee provide advice to Council on any internal control and risk management aspects.
Management
Council notes the advice provided from all sources and directs the appropriate actions.
Strategy approval and delivery 