SECTION 3: DELIVERING THE STRATEGY
3.1 How we are going to deliver
We will work with the network to achieve best value for money for the investment, made in line with strategic objectives. The science centres will be responsible for delivering, at a network level within the context of this joint strategy:
- operations, at the local level, which meet local priorities;
- maximisation of revenue income;
- optimisation of internal efficiencies;
- best practice in corporate governance and financial probity; and
- network collaboration.
The centres will submit their operating plans and submit proposals to access funding, which will be offered on a two-fold basis:
- core operational funding, levels for which will be determined via a demonstration of efficiency savings and revenue maximisation within the centre; and
- funding of discrete programmes, which will emerge from the consideration of the policy areas set out in this joint strategy.
The Joint Executive Group will work to develop and inform policy and delivery and consider and propose an acceptable mechanism for the delivery of collaborative initiatives.
Wider (not science centre specific) science and society initiatives will be required to engage with the science centre network, as a condition of funding, whenever appropriate.
3.2 Funding to deliver
In June 2004, Scottish Ministers announced funding for the four science centres for a two-year period (2004/05 and 2005/06) within the context of the business case for funding support for science centres prepared by Jura Consultants.
For the period thereafter, the Spending Review, announced in the autumn of 2004, set a baseline budget allocation of £3.7m per annum, from 2006-07 onwards, to allow the Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department to support the four centres, subject to annual Budget Act approval in Parliament (and in-year amendments thereto).
The Scottish Executive, together with the four science centres, has developed this shared strategy in support of science engagement and communication throughout Scotland in line with A Science Strategy for Scotland. Funding will therefore be provided on a basis consistent with the overarching aims and objectives of this strategy. 21
Where centres are able to raise funds from local sources they would be able to deliver local priorities which may fall outwith this strategy.
Scottish Executive budget line | 2004/05
(£) | 2005/06
(£) | 2006/07
(£) | 2007/08
(£) |
|---|
Science Centres | 2,200,000 | 2,900,000 | 3,700,000 | 3,700,000 |
|---|
Science and Society | 135,000 | 140,000 | 140,000 | 140,000 |
|---|
TOTAL | 2,335,000 | 3,040,000 | 3,840,000 | 3,840,000 |
|---|