Collaborative Provision

Welcome to the Cardiff University Collaborative Provision Web Pages.

The Handbook has been developed by the Collaborative Provision Sub-Committee to give details of the University approval processes for new collaborative provision and to outline the expectations for the ongoing management of collaborative provision.  The Collaborative Provision Sub-Committee has highlighted a number of “Top Tips” that proposers of new collaborations are advised to bear in mind:

• Ensure that you make contact with REGIS and CAIRD at an early stage in the development of any collaboration.  They will be able to provide help and advice to guide proposals through the approval process;
• Share the associated guidance with potential partners so that they understand the Cardiff approval processes;
• Use the Collaborative Provision Sub-Committee as a source of advice when developing proposals.  Members of the Sub-Committee have direct experience of collaborative provision and would be happy to share their experiences with other Schools;  
• Ensure that you fully evaluate any approach from a potential partner before proceeding.  Be clear as to the benefits of a collaborative relationship but also be aware of the risks.  Detailed due diligence is a fundamental element of any decision to engage in collaborative provision.  Therefore, Schools should be cautious of uninvited approaches;
• Be aware that the only authorised signatories for agreements between institutions are the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.  Schools should not enter agreements themselves as the University is the legal entity;
• Try to ensure that, wherever possible, the University’s solicitor-prepared templates are used in constructing the formal agreements to support collaborative provision.  The use of a partner’s agreement may lead to further scrutiny and more delay in approving the proposal;
• Ensure that any collaborative development is fully consistent with School strategic plans and other University strategies including the International Strategy and the Education Strategy;
• Be realistic as to the timescales for approving new collaborative provision.  The University will need to ensure that the benefits and risks of engaging in collaborative provision are fully evaluated.  In general, the more complicated the relationship with a partner the longer an arrangement will take to approve.  Colleagues in REGIS and CAIRD can advise on timescales.

The Handbook is updated annually and every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents at the time of publication. To view the latest release of the handbook please visit:

 Collaborative Provision Handbook 

Schools who are considering the development of a proposal for collaborative provision should contact the following at the earliest possible opportunity prior to developing a formalised relationship with a potential partner:

Where a proposal involves an overseas institution, Schools are also advised to contact CAIRD: