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NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE REPORT INTO NESTA'S ACTIVITIES

25/02/2004

"The report largely endorses the way we have fulfilled our statutory objectives so far."

Jeremy Newton, NESTA Chief Executive, said: "The process has been very useful for us as it has given us an opportunity to focus on our strengths and weaknesses. We are a young organisation with a hugely ambitious remit and the report largely endorses the way we have fulfilled our statutory objectives so far.

We are pleased that the NAO have acknowledged our risk-taking approach and how we manage that risk. They have also recognised the value of the non-cash support we provide to our awardees, and praise us for the way in which we have managed our endowment - the first (and so far only) such endowment in the UK."

The report has highlighted a few areas where NESTA can enhance its programmes and operations. NESTA is already researching these areas for action and is putting in place robust measures to address them:

Regional distribution

A National and Regional Co-ordinator is being recruited to develop and implement a strategic approach to ensure equality of access to NESTA's programmes UK-wide. The pilot appointment last year of a NESTA representative in Scotland has been extremely successful. We are now recruiting to similar posts in Wales and Northern Ireland and plan to make appointments in key English regional target areas later this year.
Research, which will report in June, has been commissioned to examine how processes can be refined to address regional imbalance.

Targets will be set to improve the number of good quality approaches to NESTA's programmes from areas which are currently under-represented.

Social exclusion

Research, which reports on 11 March, has been commissioned to examine NESTA's current working arrangements and make proposals for an effective way forward.
Following this report, NESTA will agree a way forward with the DCMS.

Fellowship nomination process

A range of measures have been introduced to open up the Fellowship programme:

Our open-access scheme, 'Dream Time' Fellowships, has been extended this year from its pilot last financial year.
'Crucible' an open access scheme for post-doctoral scientists is currently open to applicants.

Award support costs

NESTA is in discussion with the DCMS to establish an appropriate performance indicator for non-award expenditure.

Sustainability of endowments

We are developing a fund-raising strategy to. ensure the long-term viability of our endowment.

All the above are in progress and will be completed by April 2005.