Nesta (“Nesta”, “we” and “our”) is launching an open call for Expressions of Interest from local areas to work in partnership with Nesta to improve outcomes for children in the early years (the “Programme”). You can find out more information about the Programme on the Early Years Innovation partnership homepage.

Please read these terms and conditions, our Privacy Policy and all information on the Programme carefully before submitting an Expression of Interest to the Programme. 

By submitting an Expression of Interest, you accept these terms and conditions and our Privacy Policy. If you are submitting an entry on behalf of one or more organisations or a team, you undertake to Nesta that you have the authority to bind each of them and that you will be responsible for ensuring that they comply.

Any local area that falls within the Programme eligibility criteria can submit an Expression of Interest to the Programme.

2.1 We will assess any Expressions of Interest received by the deadline which satisfy the eligibility criteria against the Programme selection criteria. Eligible applicants may be invited to present to a selection panel at a video-call interview. We currently intend to inform eligible applicants about whether they have been selected to participate in a Trial Discovery Project on or around the 29 January 2021

2.2 Applicants participating in a Trial Discovery Project (and that have indicated their continued desire to participate in the Programme) will again be assessed against the Programme’s selection criteria at the end of the Trial Discovery Project. Nesta may consult with an advisory board when carrying out this assessment. We currently expect to inform applicants about whether they have been selected as a long-term local area innovation partner of the Programme on or around the 28 May 2021.

2.3 Our decision about eligibility, about selection of applicants for the Programme (at any and all stages), and about the type and amount of support to be provided, shall be final. We may publish general feedback on applications to the Programme, but will not provide detailed individual feedback or enter into correspondence with individual applicants.

2.4 Any financial or other support awarded by Nesta (if any) will be subject to satisfaction of all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, signature of appropriate legal documentation required by Nesta and completion of appropriate milestones. Any decision by Nesta to award financial support is at our discretion. We may only fund activities which meet our charitable objects and provide public benefit. We may impose conditions and restrictions on any private benefit or profit that may be derived from any support offered by Nesta. Financial support provided by Nesta may not cover all the costs of your project and VAT is not payable on grants.

2.5 You and your partners must bear any costs relating to the submission of your Expression of Interest and participation in the Programme. You must take independent legal advice if you are concerned about these terms and conditions or your participation in the Programme. Unless otherwise stated, each applicant may make only one application to the Programme.

2.6 We reserve the right to refuse to accept any Expression of Interest; to suspend or withdraw the Programme at any time; to vary the form and substance of the Programme or extend the deadlines; to reduce or increase the number of applicants selected for each phase of selection or the amount of support available under the Programme; and/or to reject any proposal or withdraw a place on the Programme if you are in breach of these terms and conditions, fail to participate fully in the Programme or in the event of an actual or potential conflict of interest. If any selected applicant subsequently withdraws or is withdrawn from the Programme, we may select a replacement applicant, but will not be obliged to do so.

2.7 We reserve the right to vary the Programme or these terms and conditions at any time and at our sole discretion. Variations will take effect from the date they are posted on our website so you must check this page regularly to see the current version. If you provide us with a contact email address, we will aim to notify you of any changes.

2.8 If you are unable to complete the Expression of Interest and/or application process due to a disability, please let us know so that we can consider whether reasonable adjustments can be made.

By submitting an Expression of Interest for the Programme, you confirm on behalf of yourself and your partners that:

• all information and materials provided to Nesta by you or your partners are true, accurate and complete and you will notify us immediately of any changes to information or materials provided;
• you have provided us with all information which might reasonably be thought to be relevant or necessary for us to consider your Expression of Interest;
• you and your partners have, or will obtain as required, all authorisations, registrations, licences, consents and permissions necessary to submit your Expression of Interest, participate in the Programme and comply with these terms and conditions;
• in participating in the Programme, you and your partners will act lawfully, ethically and in good faith and will comply fully with equality and anti-bribery legislation and with any other applicable laws, regulations, guidelines and codes of practice, and will comply with our reasonable requirements, including in relation to health and safety and security, while attending interviews and workshops as part of the Programme; and
• neither you nor any of your partners has any actual or potential conflict of interest with Nesta (including with our trustees, officers or employees) in making your application or complying with these terms and conditions and you will immediately inform us if you become aware of any such conflict of interest.

4.1 We will use any personal information provided by you or your partners, including contact details for your staff and your partners’ staff in line with our Privacy Policy.

4.2 We may carry out publicity and promotion for the Programme and publish our research and evaluation in relation to the Programme. You agree that you and your partners will participate in publicity for the Programme and consent on behalf of you and your partners to the use of the names of your organisations and a summary of your participation in the Programme in promotion and publications relating to the Programme in any media and online.

4.3 Any publicity which you or your partners wish to carry out in relation to the Programme must acknowledge Nesta and be approved by us in advance.

5.1 To the extent permitted by applicable law, we will not be liable to you, your partners or anyone else in respect of any direct or indirect loss, or liability, costs claims taxes, charges or expenses, economic loss or loss of opportunity arising in connection with your Expression of Interest, and your participation in, the Programme, and/or any reliance by you on any statement made or advice given by us, our partners or contractors. If you submit any materials or items as part of your Expression of Interest, you are doing so at your own risk. We give no undertakings to keep safely, maintain or return any materials or items. We do not make any warranty about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by Nesta in connection with the Programme. Any dispute between you and/or your partners and/or any other applicant must be resolved between you and independently of Nesta.

5.2 Without prejudice to Clause 5.1, our maximum liability to you or anyone else under these terms and conditions and the Programme (including the Programme application process) (if any) will be limited to £500. Nothing in these terms and conditions shall exclude or limit our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence or fraudulent misrepresentation made by us.

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales and both parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.