due-diligence

							Due Diligence Checks for Partnership Approval

Note - Academic Services will coordinate completion of this form

Following approval of Stage 0, due diligence checks on a proposed new partner for collaborative
provision will be undertaken. The purpose of the due diligence investigation is to enable the University
to satisfy itself of the standing of the proposed partner institution, its capacity to fulfil its role in the
proposed activity and to assess potential risk. All due diligence checks must be completed prior to
University Stage 1 of the programme approval process or, for validated provision, the Stage 1
validation visit.

Completion of this form will be coordinated by Academic Services following approval of Stage 0.
Liaison will take place with the Finance Department, School and proposed partner institution as
appropriate.

Information provided on this form will be submitted to the School and University Programme Approval
Committee with the site visit report for sign off as part of the Stage 1 meeting for the programme.

 1.   Proposed partner institution

 2.   Address

 3.   Website address

 4.   Date institution established

 5.   What is the legal status of the institution?

 Attach constitutional documents showing legal
 status/licences/approvals

 6.   What are the governance and management
      arrangements at institution?

 Attach details of management and governance structure,
 and membership and composition of governing body

 7.   Does the institution have the financial means to
      carry out its obligations under the proposed
      arrangement?

 Attach previous three years of audited financial accounts
 and annual reports and details of sources of. A view on
 the financial information will be sought from the Finance
 Department.

 An independent credit report may also be obtained as
 part of the due diligence check if the Finance
 Department advises that one is required.

 8.   Existing academic provision
Details to be provided of discipline areas, level of current
academic provision at the institution, staff expertise, size
of relevant department(s), number of permanent and
visiting staff within relevant department(s), etc. This will
be used to provide an indicator of the ability of the
partner to fulfil its role in the proposed collaborative
provision and any support needs.



9.   Relationships with other HEIs

Details to be provided of any current and previous
relationships with other HEIs

10. Reports from external bodies

Attach the most recent reports from any external bodies,
e.g. audit/accreditation/external review reports.
Information on overseas institutions will be sought from
the British Council/FCO.

11. Does the proposed partner institution have
    appropriate policies and procedures in place to
    ensure equality of treatment of staff and students?

The equal opportunities policy (or equivalent) of the
institution should be attached.

12. Will the proposed programme be operating under
    the UK legal system?

     If no, please provide further details of the legal
     system that will govern the programme/parts of the
     programme.

13. Are there any exchange controls or currency
    regulations affecting payments of currency into or
    out of the country where the programme will be
    delivered?

14. Are there any third party insurance arrangements
    that will cover City staff involved in the
    delivery/management of this programme overseas?

15. Will government approval or a licence need to be
    sought for the programme to run?

16. Are there any local conditions which may affect the
    proposed partner institution’s ability to comply with
    UK HE principles?

17. Is it lawful for us to take part in education provision
    in the country concerned?

18. Are there any limits in law in the relevant country on
    how much can be charged as fees?

19. Is it lawful for a surplus to be made from the
    provision of education in the relevant country?
     If yes, is it lawful for such surplus to be moved from
     the country concerned back to the UK?

 20. For programmes leading to a joint award with the
     proposed partner, does the proposed partner have
     the legal authority to award joint degrees?

 Attach evidence (e.g. charter, constitutional document)
 of this authority.

 21. Are there any claims, disputes or legal proceedings
     involving the institution that may affect the proposed
     partnership?



Confirmation of completion of checks

Academic Services

Signed:                                                    Position

Name:                                                      Date:

Any further comments for School Stage 1/University Programme Approval Committee consideration: