General Call Criteria for all themes based on Theory of Change
Section A: Purpose
Proposals should:
- seek two-way engagement for mutual benefit with Southampton’s Research and/or Teaching and Learning
- present clear engagement aims – include clear rationale on why you want to engage, who you want to engage with and why they might want to engage with you
- present clear project objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time bound
Section B: People
Proposals should:
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be led by a member of the University from any one of our six job families: Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE); Technical and Experimental (TAE); Management, Specialist and Administrative (MSA); Community and Operational (CAO); Clinical Academic; Research Nurse or Postgraduate Research (PGR) student (with supervisors' endorsement). Community individuals, groups or partners can co-lead the application but the form must be submitted and ‘owned’ by a member of the University for financial purposes
- demonstrate cross-sector engagement approaches that enable inclusive, mutually beneficial collaboration among researchers, students and community partners. Show how these methods can identify skills gaps and support the co-creation of entrepreneurial knowledge and capabilities that lead to evidence-based solutions
- be supportive of diverse career paths and contributions across wider research teams (for example technical and professional services staff) and partnerships.
Section C: Inputs
Proposals should:
- demonstrate consideration of roles, responsibilities, capacity and skills
Section D: Activities
Proposals should:
- present a clear, detailed, justified budget that covers all project activities and that will be spent by 31 July 2027. This should include all considerations such as public contributor time buy-out, equipment purchase, administrative support to arrange venue/transport, evaluation costs etc. The small PERu team do not have capacity to support this, however training and information is available on the PERu website
- ensure that the majority of funding is used for creative Public Engagement project methodology, activity and relationships. There will be no geographical restriction to the location of partners or activities, but the majority of funding cannot be used for travel or transport purposes
- mobilise change that supports local needs and social justice, ensuring activities and management of these activities are inclusive and not likely to present barriers to participation or disadvantage any groups from participation, including the inclusion of one group to the detriment of another
- demonstrate understanding and commitment to the principles described in the University of Southampton Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and describe how your project will value difference, embed inclusivity and combat inequalities/prejudice throughout your work with clear consideration of accessibility needs/measures, power balance and power-sharing as appropriate.
Section E: Outputs, Outcomes, Impact
Proposals should:
- describe how mutually beneficial, sustainable outputs will be created as a result of your engagement practice and be committed to power-sharing throughout the project, exploring and reflecting on what this means for all elements/aspects and at each stage.
- demonstrate plans for sustainability and legacy beyond the funded life-cycle of the project, with consideration of future investment that will retain/enhance regional social, environmental and economic resilience, benefits, productivity and innovation.
- support learning and development within the project team, impact on research and/or teaching and learning with examples of how this will be captured and shared with others
- apply the University’s sustainability principles and practice throughout the project behaviours and actions for positive impact on research, education, engagement, reach, significance and responsible practice
Section F: Assumptions, Risk
Proposals should:
- include appropriate methods of engagement for targeted groups and consideration of assumptions to understand if the project aims are realistic and achievable.
- include realistic consideration of potential challenges, barriers and/or risk to the success of your project and how you will mitigate these
Section G: Evaluation
Proposals should:
- ensure that your project aims are measurable using a considered, realistic and appropriate evaluation plan for measuring the project’s effectiveness and how this will demonstrate positive change for all the people involved
- establish a strong evaluation framework that clearly outlines how evidence will be gathered to demonstrate the project’s contribution to long term growth, legacy and impact.