Assessment Process - Community Champions

There several stages to assessment and decision making to ensure fairness and transparency.

The stages are:


1). Basic eligibility check

The Project Assistant will ensure that the necessary questions are answered and the required supporting information is obtained and attached


2). Formal Assessment

A group of independent, experienced individuals (representing a range of organisations from the Herefordshire Development Agencies' Network to the Worcestershire Onside - Independent Advocacy) each received a proportion of applications and produce a formal assessment with recommendations. They specially address;
  • Value for money – economy efficiency, effectiveness
  • Local need for the idea / cover gaps in terms of activity of access
  • Could the idea be funded elsewhere
  • Community Champion development
  • Sustainable longer term
  • Inclusive and innovative
  • Whether the project is practical and the time-scales are realistic
If applications are submitted at least a week in advance of the deadline date, feedback can be given after the assessment to ensure any issues are addressed before it is sent to the decision making panel. If your project is going to involve volunteers working with vulnerable adults or children then fresh CRB checks must done and submitted straight away as checks can take a long time. Grants will not be paid until evidence of these checks have been sent to us.

Please make sure that you address the following key points in your application;
  • What your organisation / community group does or aims to do
  • Aims of the activity
  • When the activity will happen
  • How the activity will be delivered
  • Why it is needed
  • How much it will cost (detailed breakdown)
  • How the activity will benefit the wider community

3) Decision Making

The decision making panel is an independent body working to clear roles and procedures. The group is made up of 13 individuals who are experienced in the work of community projects. There is a balanced mix between voluntary and statutory representation.

The panel meet at fixed times throughout the year and also take part in a virtual panel process when necessary. The panel’s decision is based on:
  • Local need for idea (idea not already catered for elsewhere)
  • Fits Project (or activity) criteria
  • Community involvement and sustainable longer term
  • Value for money – economy efficiency, effectiveness
  • Whether the idea be funded elsewhere
  • Community Champion development
  • Activities that are inclusive and innovative
The panel’s feedback and decisions are recorded on a central form which enables Community First to administer the contracting stage.


4) Appeal

All applicants are entitled to appeal against their decision following the appeals process (see appeals and complaints).


5) Moderation

Applications are sampled on a random basis to ensure consistency and fairness in decision making.

Appeals and complaints

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