Due Diligence
Increasing numbers of funders are requiring research organisations to conduct due diligence on collaborators and sub-contractors as part of the grant terms and conditions. In order to obtain the information necessary to comply with funder obligations, in many cases it is necessary that third parties complete a questionnaire.
In response to funder expectations, QUB has developed an internal due diligence process and assigned a dedicated resource to aid academics in this process. Information on this process can be found at the below link (internal staff only).
Please note, should the scope of the initial project change or new partners/entities introduced during the duration of the project, the due diligence team must be informed of this to allow a new due diligence review to be undertaken.
It is the responsibility of the QUB PI to inform the Due Diligence team of any relevant changes which may impact the initial due diligence/risk assessment undertaken.
QUB’s funder mandated due diligence process is based upon the UKRI guidance with respect to due diligence, and as such encompasses the recommended pillars below.
| Governance and Control | Ability to Deliver | Financial Stability |
|---|---|---|
| Governance | Past Performance | Financial viability |
| Fraud, bribery, corruption, money laundering and slavery | Staff capacity and capability (number, track record) | Financial Management e.g. experience of finance team and segregation of duties |
| Internal Controls | Infrastructure and programme management for research | Strength of audit, internal and external |
| Risk Management | Monitoring and management | Value for money |
| Ethics | Training | Policies, procedures and systems – incl IT systems |
| Assurance Processes | Equality and Diversity | Separate bank account |
| Research Governance | Data Management | Income from other sources – diversity of income streams |
| Scientific Misconduct | Openness and Publications transparency |
QUB adopts a risk-based approach with respect to due diligence, recommending a proportionate level of due diligence be undertaken at various stages of the project lifecycle – application, award and during the award
For any individual questions or further information relating to due diligence, please contact the Due Diligence Team at the below email address.