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Funding applications for the next round of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for 2023/24 has been launched by the Department for Education (DfE), and there’s a few changes from last year.
The Condition Improvement Fund is an annual bidding round for eligible single academy trusts, smaller MATs, sixth-form colleges, and VA schools to apply for capital funding. The priority for the fund is to address significant condition needs, keeping education provider buildings safe and in good working order.
It is intended to address significant condition need, with the highest priority going to those addressing compliance and health and safety issues, including:
- structural safety
- fire protection systems
- gas and electrical safety
- emergency asbestos removal
- critical replacements of coal and oil-fired boilers with low carbon alternatives (new for 2023/24)
What's new for CIF 2023/24?
1. New priority project type – critical replacement of coal and oil boilers with low-carbon heating systems
The CIF’s new Priority Project Type will include projects for replacing expired oil and coal boilers with low-carbon alternatives to prevent school closure.
2. Options appraisal
Where academies set out different options within their applications, the options appraisal should include consideration of a zero/low carbon/sustainable replacement option.
3. Environmental sustainability/energy efficiency across the school estate
The Environmental Sustainability statement criterion has been updated, and schools must now prove that they have performed, or will be performing, works that lead to greater environmental sustainability within the CIF project or elsewhere across the school’s estate.
4. Ventilation
School’s must consider the adverse impact on broader ventilation in relation to their CIF project. The portal form includes a section to confirm this has been considered.
Additional smaller changes have been made to how CIF bids will be assessed for the 2023-24 round, you can view them here.
Key dates for 2023/24
| Launch of CIF 2023/24 | 13th October 2022 |
| Deadline for new applicants to register | 1st December 2022 |
| Deadline for applicants to request a CIF portal password reset | 6th December 2022 |
| Deadline for all applicants to submit applications | 7th December 2022 |
| Applicants notified of outcome | Spring 2023 |
How can YMD Boon support you?
Due to the high demand for CIF funding, only schools that can demonstrate and evidence high project need are likely to be successful.
Advanced planning is critical to ensure that all surveys, project tenders, supporting evidence and assessments are completed and the application written in time. Therefore we advise starting your CIF Bid process as soon as possible, with an experienced consultancy such as YMD Boon.
We have a proven track record of successful CIF applications, securing millions of pounds for schools and Trusts across the UK.
Our dedicated team can provide a free site visit and bid appraisal to advise you on projects with the best chance of success. We will guide you through the entire funding process, from preparing high quality bids, to managing the works thereafter.
View examples of our recently completed CIF projects here.
To arrange an initial discussion, please contact us or call us on 01858 464482.
