I> Policy and Operational Issues Meeting policy objectives in grants and funding programs Managing grants in a fiscally tight environment How to enhance productivity and achieve program objectives in grants programs How to manage various stakeholders in a grants and funding program How to reduce costs by reducing red tape in grants and funding programs A practical risk management approach to manage grants and funding programs II> Legal and Legislative Issues The fundamental legal nature of grants and funding programs and observations from past decade The Commonwealth Grant Guidelines including the 1 June 2013 revisions Application of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) to funding agreements Legal considerations in identifying and avoiding the risks of adverse outcomes in programs Legal framework for managing risks and probity in grants and funding programs Legal considerations in securing the performance of grants and funding programs TEL: (02) 95807327 FAX: (02) 9585 2094, Email: info@learningnetworks.com.au Organised and Developed By: LEARNING NETWORK SOLUTIONS
After several successful past events, Learning Network Solutions is proud to present this 10 th national conference addressing the impact of policy and legal framework on the management of grants and funding programs in the public sector. Backed up an experienced speaking panel, and all current and new sessions, the conference is developed for both the non-legal and legal professionals involved with various aspects of grants and funding. The conference has been sold out on all previous occasions and has an excellent track record. The conference has a strong policy and legal focus and both days are relevant for non-legal and legal professionals. Each day is separately bookable and there are flexible options to send two delegates, one on each day. The content and structure of this conference is based on the back of the feedback of the past delegates and those who have registered their interest to attend this year. Generous offers and discounts: We are proud to say that not only the quality of our programs are first rate but also the discount options and registration price that we offer gives the best value for your money. PROGRAM AGENDA Day1, Tuesday, 15 th October Register and pay for 1 delegate and get the 2 nd delegate free limited to first 15 registrations and this offer is limited to 2 per organisation. Register 2 delegates and get a free pass for third delegate: 8.30 9.00: REGISTRATION AND TEA ON ARRIVAL Register 4 delegates and get additional free passes for up to 3 more delegates 9.00 10.10: SESSION 1 Please contact us for customized packages for your organisation. We look forward to welcome you at the conference. PROGRAM AGENDA Day1, Wednesday, 12 th March 8.15-9.00: REGISTRATION AND TEA ON ARRIVAL 9.00-9.10: OPENING REMARKS Georgie Davill, Manager, FIFTH QUARTER 9.10-10.10: SESSION1 ARC NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM: MEETING POLICY OBJECTIVES IN GRANTS AND FUNDING PROGRAMS The ARC manages the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), a significant component of the Australian Government s investment in research and innovation. The NCGP funds over $850million per annum in research grants to Australian universities through a suite of funding schemes that address a broad range of policy objectives. Through the NCGP the ARC supports the highest-quality fundamental and applied research, research training and collaboration or partnerships and infrastructure. Funding is allocated through national competition across all research disciplines. Sam Grunhard, Director, Program Operations Discovery, AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL Sarah Howard, Director, Program Operations Linkage, AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH COUNCIL10.10 10.30: NETWORKING TEA BREAK 10.10 10.30 : MORNING TEA BREAK
10.30-11.30: SESSION 2 FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING: CONTEMPORARY WAY OF SUPPORTING THE GRANT RECEPIENTS TO BECOME SUSTAINABLE In this case study driven session Georgie will share her experiences with working on grants programs with artistes and how it led to the reduced reliance their on public subsidy. Does public subsidy limit an artist s ability to think entrepreneurially Balance between an artistic life and the economic viability, value and output of the creative industries. Subsidy versus investment Models of Social Enterprise and entrepreneurial thinking which encourage reduced reliance on direct public arts subsidy Georgie Davill, Manager, FIFTH QUARTER 11.30-12.45: SESSION3 NATIONAL STANDARD CHART OF ACCOUNTS (NSCOA): REDUCING RED TAPE AND ENHANCED CAPTURING OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION In this case study session presented by the ACNC, the delegates will be able to hear how the NSCOA assists in reducing red tape and allows effective use of accounting information. Mapping financial reporting requirements with the NSCOA to ensure consistency Using a common set of definitions of financial account categories to assist the grant and funding recipients How to make it easy for other government agencies to access the reporting information Aligning with NSCOA is a practical example of how the ACNC will help cut red tape. John Reid, Director of Reporting and Red Tape Reduction Team, THE AUSTRALIAN CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFITS COMMISSION (ACNC) 12.45-1.45: NETWORKING LUNCH 1.45-2.45: SESSION 4 GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR FUNDING AGREEMENT Framework, including recent legislative and policy changes Monitoring compliance with the requirements of the funding arrangement Progress, performance and dealing with underperformance Considering outcomes - evaluation of the funding arrangement Suriyaa Rome, Senior Associate, CLAYTON UTZ 2.45 3.10 NETWORKING TEA BREAK 3.10-4.10: SESSION 5 ENSURING YOUR FUNDING AGREEMENT ENCOURAGES THE RIGHT BEHAVIOUR Common problems with funding agreements Contractual carrots and sticks to consider Recent developments that you need to be aware of Ashley Cahif, Special Counsel, SPARKE HELMORE 4.10-4.30 : SUMMING UP OF DAY 1
PROGRAM AGENDA Day2, Thursday, 13 th March 8.15-9.00: REGISTRATION AND TEA ON ARRIVAL 9.00-9.10: OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR Paul Armarego, Special Counsel, DIBBS BARKER 9.10-10.10: SESSION 6 INTERACTIVE SESSION: HOW TO MANAGE RISKS AND PROBITY IN GRANTS AND FUNDING PROGRAMS In this session, Tetyana in an interactive workshop style format will address and analyse the various key risk areas that need consideration in managing grants and funding programs. The delegates get an opportunity to share their experiences and address issues of concern that the encounter. Tetyana will address these issues and potential solutions from both the legal and operational perspective. Tetyana Wotton, Senior Associate, TRESSCOX 10.15 10.35: NETWORKING TEA BREAK 10.35-11.40 : SESSION 7 LEGAL AND PRACTICAL OVERVIEW OF GRANTS AND FUNDING AGREEMENTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH - The fundamental legal nature of grants Differences between grants and acquisition and procurement (purchasing) The Commonwealth Grant Guidelines including the 1 June 2013 revisions Some practical issues and examples with grant and funding arrangements Paul Armarego, Special Counsel, DIBBS BARKER 11.40-12.40: SESSION 8 Thus session is divided into 2 parts. The Part I will address: APPLICATION OF THE PERSONAL PROPERTY SECURITIES ACT 2009 (CTH) TO FUNDING AGREEMENTS The basics key terms and concepts. Application of the PPSA to Funding Agreements. Why the Commonwealth should protect its interests. How can the Commonwealth protect its security interest? What should the Commonwealth be doing as the transitional arrangements come to an end? Part II will address: SECURING THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDING AGREEMENTS Part II will address: Options available to the Commonwealth to secure performance of the funding agreement terms where capital works or purchase of property interests are involved. Current trends with taking security. Case studies looking at funding agreements where inadequate security taken Priya O Sullivan, Special Counsel, MINTER ELLISON Briony Holcombe, Associate, MINTER ELLISON
12.40 1.35: NETWORKING LUNCH 1.35 2.40: SESSION 9 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN IDENTIFYING AND AVOIDING THE RISKS OF ADVERSE OUTCOMES IN PROGRAMS Applying FMA agency obligations to grant programs Some statutory models used for grants Assessment criteria and mechanisms to 'weed out' un suitable applicants Avoiding adverse outcomes for the Commonwealth Chris Headon, Senior Associate, DLA PIPER 2.5 3.20: NETWORKING TEA BREAK 3.20-4.15: SESSION 10 3.20-4.20: CONTRACT SESSION MANGEMENT 10 IN GRANT PROGRAMS Key differences between procurement and funding contracts Tips and traps and grants administration Contract administration in funding context Athol Opas, Counsel, MYER VANDENBERG LAWYERS 41.5 4.35: QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION 4.35-4.45: SUMMING UP AND CLOSE OF THE CONFERENCE
Policy and Legal Framework For GRANTS AND FUNDING AGREEMENTS 12 & 13 March 2014, Cliftons Centre, Canberra **REGISTRATION FORM** Register By: Tel: (02) 95807327 Fax: (02) 9585 2094 Email: info@learningnetworks.com.au INVESTMENT TOTAL: For 2 days: Register by 1 Feb - $ 1499+ GST : ($ 1648.9) - Super Saver!! Register from 2 Feb to 15 Feb - $1599+ GST: ($ 1758.9) Register after 15 Feb: $ 1799 + GST : ($1978.9) For any 1 day: Register for Day 1 or Day 2 before 15Jan: $ 799+GST : ($878.9) Register for Day 1 or Day 2 from 16 Jan to 1 Feb: $ 899 +GST: ($988.9) Register for Day 1 or Day after 1 Feb: $ 999 +GST: ($1098.9) First Delegate: Day 1 Day2 Name Position Email Second Delegate: Day 1 Day2 Name Position Email Third Delegate: Day 1 Day2 Name Position Email Organization: Address: Telephone: Fax: Sign: *Invoice shall be sent after receipt of the registration * Please make payment prior to the event * Cheque made payable to Learning Network Solutions Please debit my: Visa Amex Master card Bankcard Card Number: Expiry Date: Cardholder s Name: Continuous Professional Development This summit will add to your CPD points based on the state you are based in. You may claim up to one unit for each hour of attendance. Refreshment breaks are not included in this hour. Venue:Cliftons Centre, 10 Moore Street, (Optus Building), Canberra. Tel: 61220999 Documentation Documentation provided by speakers will be supplied to delegates at the venue. Team Discounts (only one discount applies) *Be amongst the first 15 to register and send up to 2 delegates on a single pass. Register 2 delegates and get a free pass for the 3 rd delegate (offer till 20 th December only) *Register 4 delegates for both days and get free passes for 5 th and 6 th delegate * Customised Team Bookings: Please speak to us to assist you in developing a package to meet your requirements. Lunch Lunch and refreshments will be provided within registration package. Please inform us if you have special dietary requirements Privacy Statement We do not have mailing lists and we do not share your contact information with any external agency. Cancellation Policy Cancellations made 2 weeks prior to the event will receive a complete refund. For cancellations done within 2 weeks of the program you are liable to make full payment and no refund can be made. We will issue you a credit note that could be used to attend any of our future events of the same amount. If event is not held due to any reason, our liability is limited to the event fee only. In any event our liability is limited to the event fee only. Program Changes We reserve the right to make changes in the program and the panel of speakers. Copyright: Learning Network Solutions @2013. All Rights Reserved. ABN: 27107034453 Website: www.learningnetworks.com.au Code: s* LNS