CIF Guidance Understanding the Process for Condition Improvement Fund Bids
                     CIF Guidance: Expert 
Support for Successful 
School Funding 
Applications
Tailored, customer-centric, and no-win no-fee CIF bid 
management from Warneford Consulting
Warneford Consulting: Your CIF Success 
Partner
Warneford Consulting specializes in comprehensive 
Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid management services 
across the UK. We operate exclusively on a no-win no-fee 
basis, ensuring our interests are perfectly aligned with 
yours.
Our commitment includes director-level support from initial 
conception through to successful project completion, 
ensuring continuity and expertise at every stage.
We've successfully delivered estate-transforming projects across UK academies, building lasting partnerships with schools and 
trusts nationwide.
The CIF Landscape: 
Understanding the 
Challenge
5,500 £500M
Eligible Schools Total Funding
Academy schools competing annually Available through the Condition 
for vital capital funding Improvement Fund each year
With intense competition for limited resources, your bid must not only meet 
stringent DfE criteria but also stand out from thousands of applications. Choosing 
the right partner for advice, preparation, and submission is crucial to your 
success.
We also provide Urgent Capital Support (UCS) bid management for 
critical off-cycle projects requiring immediate attention.
A Partnership Approach to CIF 
Success
Collaborative Strategic 
WAes sweorsks imn peanrttnership with clients and our specialist OSuerl seecrvtiicoens are motivated to ensure correct project 
supply chain to thoroughly evaluate each potential selection through comprehensive analysis
project
Robust Successful 
PWre eepvaaluraateti pornoject need, risk of school closure, and ODuer lciovmemryitment extends beyond bid submission to 
curriculum impact to build compelling cases ensure project completion meets all requirements
Building a Compelling Evidence 
Base
Targeted Surveys Itemized Costing
Our specialist supply chain Detailed cost plans 
conducts detailed condition benchmarked against 
surveys to capture contemporary market rates 
comprehensive evidence of ensure competitive and 
project need realistic budgets
Quality 
Assurance
Robust tendering with quality-assured, school-sector-
experienced contractors guarantees best value for DfE 
funding
Safeguarding Your 
School Community
Safety First Operational 
Project plans ensure staff and CDeovneltoipneud ictoyllaboratively 
pupil safety throughout with your school to minimize 
construction disruption
Seamless 
GDuealriavnetereyd smooth execution from start to finish
Your CIF Journey: Step by 
Step Initial 1
One-to-one discussion to understCanodn ysouurl tsachtoiooln's 
priorities and needs
2 Data Collection
Gathering floor plans, condition reports, compliance 
records, and expenditure data
Additional 3
Targeted assessments conducted if Sreuqruvireedy tso 
quantify and demonstrate project need
4 Pre-Tendering
Provides trustees with visibility of realistic project 
costs before commitment
Submission 5
Application prepared in full compPliarnecpe awritaht EiSoFnA 
guidance by the CIF deadline
Understanding CIF Scoring: What 
TMhe EaSFAt ptubelishres sfee dMback oeacsh Atpril–May, providing valuable insights for future applications. Understanding the scoring 
weightings helps focus your bid preparation effectively.
Project Project Project 
Need Cost Planning
Project Need carries the greatest weight, emphasizing the importance of robust evidence and compelling justification. 
Understanding ESFA feedback helps us continuously improve bid quality and success rates.
Common Pitfalls in CIF 
Applications
1
Insufficient Financial 
CFaoilinngt rtiob duetmioonnstrate appropriate school or trust investment alongside DfE funding
2
Weak Evidence 
BLaacks eof detailed supporting evidence or insufficient technical documentation
3
Poor Cost 
IBnaednecqhuamtea mrakriknetg testing or rates significantly above industry benchmarks
4
Generic 
ANosns-sepsescimfice rinskt sassessments and options appraisals that lack project-specific detail
Our expertise helps you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your bid meets all ESFA requirements and maximizes your 
chances of success.
Ready to Maximize Your CIF 
Success?
"Tim goes the extra mile to "The attention to detail is "Client-focused, dependable, and 
ensure bids are robust and well- phenomenal. Warneford builds positive relationships. A 
prepared. His expertise has been Consulting delivers the best trusted partner throughout the 
invaluable to our trust." chance of success for every entire process."
application."
Chris Honey, Trust Facilities David Harrison, Chief Operating Nirmala Kumari, Trust Business 
Manager Officer Manager
Adopt a Strategic Approach to Capital 
Funding
Contact Warneford Consulting today to maximize your CIF success. Our expert guidance ensures your school's bid stands out 
from the competition and achieves the funding your estate needs.
Thank 
You
www.wa
rnefordconsulting.com
7970466
010
tim@warnefordconsulting
.com
44 Bedford Street, 
Ampthill