13. Delivery Organisation Funding and Support

The Delivery Organisation (DO) Funding and Support Function is responsible for designing, managing and implementing the RDN Funding Model.

• From April 2026 it was our aim to create a consistent, nationally agreed funding distribution model that is adopted across England.

• We will iterate this model to enable a more transparent, fair, and predictable system of funding that supports the NIHR’s strategic ambitions and the needs of the whole health and care system, including underserved areas and settings.

• Responsible for the RDN Funding Model and associated finance processes, managing the distribution of £400 million in public funding every year.

• To iterate and improve the model for Year 2 and beyond, looking for more innovative ways to distribute funding in a fair, transparent and predictable way.

The function’s activities are delivered by six sub-groups which are as follows:

1. Strategic funding

Lead by Karen Pearson - Head of Strategy, Research Engagement & Inclusion- East Midlands RRDN

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct a full analysis of the strategic funding model and assess the impact

• Review information provided by the Strategic Development Delivery Group on the outcomes and impacts from strategic funding, using this information to inform decision making about operational processes. 

• Collect and review feedback on the use of the application system, application review process and questions used

• Investigate various models of managing in year project underspends and develop nationally standardised process

• Develop and finalise application processes, guidance and support for 27/28 funding calls for both national and regional funding

2. Wider Care Settings funding

Lead by Penny Williams- Head of Research Delivery and Support for Wider Care Settings- North East North Cumbria RRDN

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct a full analysis of the Wider Care Settings funding and assess the impact 

• Review of impact of model on recruitment following the Q2 datacut

• Collect and review feedback on the use of the application system, application review process and questions used

• Q1/Q2 early signalling of future performance metrics

• Explore alternative to 'expected study numbers', and suggestions for different organisation subtypes

• Explore inclusion of PIC activity into model

• Establish routine payment of 'Direct payments'

• Further develop decision tool

• Explore different methodologies for applying caps and collars

• Develop 27/28 model for distributing WCS into trusts

3. Hospitals funding

Lead by Hannah Williams- Head of Partner Liaison and Planning- South West Central RRDN

Responsibilities include: 

• Conduct a full analysis of Hospital funding and assess the impact 

• Review of impact of model on recruitment following the Q2 datacut.

• Review historic / ABF / performance elements

• Explore nationally consistent approach for the distribution of Clinical Support Services (CSS) funding

•  Review of all reporting requirements, with a view to implementing a proportionate approach. This should minimise burden on sites whilst enabling the RDN to conduct robust Value for Money (VfM) assessments.

• Q1 early signalling of future performance metrics

• Incorporate PIC and Part B AMRC costs activity into ABF element, and explore use of more alternative data points for the future 

• Establish budget for direct payments to prevent compounding effects

• Explore different methodologies for applying caps and collars

4. Technical and Modelling

Lead by Jason Hide- Senior Analyst- Financial Modelling- RDNCC

Responsibilities include:

• Support the work of the Strategic funding, Wider Care Settings Funding and Hospital funding groups

• Ensure that the impact and distribution of funding for 2026/27 is fully understood

• Model the financial impact of options presented by the different sub-groups 

• Produce indicative and final allocations for 2027/28 and beyond

5. Finance

Lead by Jen Hartley and Lois Collins- Finance Business Partner - RDNCC

Responsibilities include:

• Support the work of the Strategic funding, Wider Care Settings Funding and Hospital funding groups

• Review the finance processes used across RRDNs for 26/27

• Manage the scoping and procurement of a new RDN Finance Tool

• Increase consistency across RRDNs in financial management processes

• Validate baselines and test the funding model to ensure accuracy and circulate allocations for 2027/28 and beyond

6. Funding Model Experts

Lead by Gillian Reeves- Communications Manager- South East RRDN and Esther Reeve- Communications Manager- East of England RRDN

Responsibilities include:

• Embed the funding model experts role as a mandatory requirement for RRDNs

• Review the impact and success of the funding model experts community

• Summarise the feedback received

• Work with the strategic development directorate to design and implement a structured stakeholder engagement process

Any questions or support please contact our inbox on dofundingdg@nihr.ac.uk

13.3.1. RDN Funding must be treated as a separate budget to any other form of NHS monies received. Therefore, RDN Funding must not be subject to spending restrictions that might be applied to other budgets in the RRDN Host Organisation or Delivery organisations, e.g. restrictions on recruitment of staff or non-pay spend.

The RDN Funding Model section of the RDN website provides an insight into the work that has been undertaken

The RDN Funding model allocations provide a breakdown of the allocations for 2026/27

POF Support Pages

PSP004: NIHR RDN Funding - Finance Tool Reporting Guidance 2026/27

PSP007: RRDN Minimum Financial Controls

PSP096: Payment of Excess Treatment Costs