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PME

The PME monitors all approved projects in a number of ways. The first stage involves the information set out in the approved application form submitted by applicants. This details the quantified outcomes, non-quantifiable benefits, expenditure rates and timescales for delivery. Against this context, regular Claim Forms are submitted (at least quarterly) by applicants to claim grant (retrospectively) and report on the delivery of the project.

In addition to Claim forms, it is a European Commission requirement that a certain value of the Programme is "physically" monitored. The PME has agreed targets to undertake a minimum number of detailed monitoring visits each year. Whilst it is anticipated that all projects will receive a monitoring visit during the lifetime of the Programme, a Risk Assessment methodology identifies certain projects. 

The aims of a monitoring visit are to:

• Establish that necessary systems for financial and progress management are in place and sufficiently implemented;
• Ensure that the project is progressing as stated in the application;
• Identify any possible problems as early on as possible and make suggestions for improvement measures;
• Identify successful elements of the project;
• Encourage greater understanding between the project applicants, PME and Scottish Executive on the nature of each others’ work.

The monitoring visits should help to ensure that serious problems are avoided through the early identification of any difficulties inhibiting the project’s successful implementation. A monitoring visit gives both the applicant(s) and the PME the opportunity to improve the quality of projects and the programme as a whole. This should in no way be seen as a financial monitoring visit which may also be carried out by the Scottish Executive as Managing Authority, the European Commission or the European Court of Auditors.