Today@Dal

The Tri-Agency (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) is initiating changes with the intention to reduce the administrative burden on the use of grant funds.  Dalhousie is one of twelve institutions participating in the pilot phase of this initiative known as the "Renewal of the Financial Administration Guide."  Dalhousie representatives from Financial Services, Research Services and Internal Audit are involved in the pilot.  In October 2018, the Tri-Agency held engagement sessions on the Dalhousie campus to provide an overview of the initiative and to gather input from researchers and other stakeholders.  The pilot is expected to conclude in Spring 2019. 

The New Tri-Agency Guide will focus on principles rather than rules for research grants and clarify the accountability of stakeholders in research (including the Tri-Agency, institutions and researchers).  The New Guide will place an increased reliance on the financial policies and controls of the administering institution.

Under the New Guide, Tri-Agency grant funds will be governed by four principles:

1.       Appropriate use of grant funds:

Grant expenditures must:

•  
  1. Contribute towards the direct costs of the research/research activities
  2. Not normally be provided by the administering institution to their research personnel
  3. Be effective and economical
  4. Not result in personal gain

2.       Authority to use grant funds – only grant recipients or their delegates can authorize grant expenditures

3.       Oversight of use of grant funds – institutions are responsible to establish and apply policies, procedures and controls for appropriate use of grant funds

4.       Reporting and supporting evidence – grant recipient/administering institution must keep complete and accurate records and report on the use of grant funds.

For more information, or questions/feedback, e-mail: pilot.feedback@dal.ca.  ​