NU/1446 Phase 2: Framework 7 and Horizon 2020 Project Certification Auditors

The 7th EU Framework programme for Research, Technological Development and demonstration activities (FP7) is the European Union's main instrument for funding collaborative research in Europe, with awards being made during the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. The overall budget for FP7 is €50.52 billion, which has been earmarked to support four key programmes.

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) - in addition to the private investment that this money will attract. It promises more breakthroughs, discoveries and world-firsts by taking great ideas from the lab to the market. The first calls for proposals for Horizon 2020 were published on 11 December 2013.

The University of Newcastle upon Tyne (the University) has been very successful in securing FP7 and H2020 funds. The first FP7 award to the University started in December 2007. As of December 2018 we have been awarded over 230 FP7 projects which involve the University as either a partner or coordinator with 4 projects still potentially requiring an audit. Under Horizon 2020 programme, we currently have been awarded over 160 projects, with 40 projects potentially requiring an audit. The number of H2020 projects/audits are l to increase with further projects still to be awarded.

Each beneficiary must provide, amongst other things, a financial statement (Form C) together with a certificate on financial statements by an independent auditor certifying the overall total costs incurred.

The University is now seeking to engage with external auditors to provide FP7 audit certification services for the remaining duration of FP7 projects which may extend beyond 31 December 2020 and for new projects awarded under Horizon 2020 programme.