2  Programme Partnering Agreement route 

2.1  General

2.1.1  This section sets out the process that RSLs must follow with regard to the Programme Partnering Agreement.  The following will not be relevant to RSLs who will have been allocated funding under the non-Programme Partnering Agreement Route (Specialist Route).

2.2  Process 

2.2.1  Once funding has been approved, a legally binding contract, referred to as the Programme Partnering Agreement (PPA), must be signed by the RSL
 
2.2.2  The PPA sets out the Agency's and RSLs’ obligations and rights. Each PPA will include an Annex listing the schemes to be developed, stating the amount of Grant and forecast dates (Milestones). 
 
2.2.3  The programme of schemes, as detailed in the Annex will be input into  the Agency's Investment System (IMS). 
 
2.2.4  There may be Special Conditions stipulated in the agreement (in addition to the standard Funding Conditions, see Finance 2 which have to be met before payment of Grant can occur. An example might be that a Black and Ethnic Minority RSL must join the partnership.  The PPA will last for the duration of the schemes within it.
 
2.2.5  For a copy of the current  PPA follow the asterisk.  

 
 
2.2.6  RSLs will be sent the PPA for signature. This must be signed by the RSLs’ authorised signatory and returned to the Corporation. RSLs must retain a copy for their own purposes. Only one PPA should be signed by the relevant partners regardless of how many schemes that Partnership will deliver.
 
2.2.7  RSLs must confirm within IMS that they agree to the terms of the PPA; the developing RSL(s) will sign off on-line first, then the Lead RSL will sign, and then the HCA Lead Investor will approve/accept the submission on-line.
 
2.2.8  RSLs must not seek changes to the programme contained within the PPA, however the Corporation understands the need for flexibility regarding the client groups to be housed.

2.2.9 The Agency will review progress against agreed milestones and targets at Quarterly Liaison Meetings as detailed in the PPA. No adjustments to the programme will be permitted without the agreement of the Agency.

2.2.10  The amount of Grant payable by the Agency under the PPA remains fixed regardless of the actual costs of projects to the RSL.
 
2.2.11  Where a number of associations form a consortium to develop schemes under the Partnering Programme route, one association must undertake the role of Lead as nominated at pre-qualification. RSL. The Lead RSL will be deemed responsible to the Agency for a number of additional responsibilities and obligations on behalf of the other associations within that partnership. These responsibilities are outlined in the  PPA.

2.3  Authorised Signatories

2.3.1  To use the Agency's Investment Management System (IMS) the RSL must nominate at least one RSL Security Administrator.

2.3.2  RSLs must inform the Homes and Communities Agency of any change of RSL Security Administrator by submitting a SIGRSLv3 form (available in the Help page of www.housingcorp-online.org) to the Homes and Communities Agency. SIGRSL forms must be signed by one of the senior officers of the RSL as recorded on the Homes and Communities Agency's On-line Register. RSLs can have up to four RSL Security Administrators.

2.3.3  RSLs who have not previously accessed IMS but would like to gain access should email THCHelpdesk@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk in order to obtain the necessary information and application pack.

2.3.4  The RSL Security Administrator(s) have delegated authority in IMS to confirm the Authorised Signatories in IMS for their organisations by setting up each Authorised Signatory with the relevant security authority in IMS.

2.3.5  RSL Security Administrators can also add the ‘Maintain Register’ Authority to a user in IMS which will allow that user to update the Homes and Communities Agency's On-line Register if there are any changes to the RSL details in-year e.g. if there are changes to senior officers.