Created: 10th April, 2026
Robert joined Barker in 2002 and is a Partner based in our Braintree office. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, he has over 20 years’ experience of all core building surveying services and provides strategic estates advice to key accounts in the education, commercial, ecclesiastical and public sectors.
An education specialist, he provides the following services: estates and energy strategy, asset management planning, project management and capital funding applications.
Robert works closely with clients to plan and implement energy efficiency and sustainability strategies to save money, reduce carbon emissions and meet ESG objectives.
As a RICS Certified Historic Buildings Professional he provides conservation consultancy for clients with listed and historic buildings.
Robert is an experienced APC Assessor and Chairman and is also an external examiner for Anglia Ruskin University
As a Partner Robert leads the Business Development and Marketing function at Barker, builds relationships with key sector bodies and helps steer the strategic growth of the company.
Email: rgould@barker-associates.co.uk
Tel: 01279 648057
Each year, the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is heavily oversubscribed. Many strong bids miss out not because the need isn’t real, but because the competition is intense and funding is limited.
So, if your CIF bid was unsuccessful this time, you’re not alone. And importantly, this doesn’t mean your project won’t ever get funded.
A rejection is an opportunity to strengthen your approach and return next year with a more competitive, evidence-based bid.
Here’s what to do next.
The DfE provides concise feedback explaining why your bid was not selected. While brief, this commentary is valuable; it usually highlights one or more of the following gaps:
Take time to review this feedback with your surveyor or consultant. Understanding the “why” is your roadmap to strengthening your next submission.
If you believe your project wasn’t assessed fairly, there may still be an option to challenge the outcome. Speak to our team to see if it’s worth taking action.
Most unsuccessful outcomes stem from insufficient technical evidence. Consider whether your bid demonstrated:
If your evidence was light, old, or generic, this is likely an area to prioritise.
CIF assessors want assurance that costs are accurate, the scope is complete, risks are understood, and value for money is clear.
Ask yourself whether your bid included professional cost estimates, whether contractor tenders were competitive and compliant, and whether the project was fully designed and scoped.
Better cost clarity significantly increases the chance of success.
If the feedback referenced issues around delivery or compliance, focus on improving your procurement strategy, CDM arrangements, delivery programme, risk management plan, and governing body approvals.
The DfE must trust that your school can deliver safely, professionally, and on time.
Sometimes a bid is unsuccessful because the scope was too large for CIF, the project tried to solve multiple issues at once, or the prioritisation didn’t align with CIF’s core aims.
Consider whether a tighter, more focused project with a clearer urgent need might perform better.
While preparing for next year’s CIF round, you may be able to access local authority contributions for VA or foundation schools, fundraising or parental contributions, capital reserves if available, or grants for energy efficiency measures.
A blended approach can sometimes address immediate risk while waiting for the next CIF opportunity.
An unsuccessful bid gives you time to gather:
The stronger the evidence, the stronger the bid.
The most successful bids are not rushed. They begin months in advance with:
Starting early moves your bid from reactive to strategic.
For practical tips on structuring your narrative and strengthening your supporting evidence, see our blog on Writing Successful CIF Bid Applications.
An unsuccessful CIF bid is disappointing, but it’s not the end of the journey. With better evidence, clearer value for money, and stronger project planning, many academies secure funding on their second or third attempt.
Use the feedback as a tool, not a setback.
With the right support, your academy can return next year with a compelling, competitive bid that stands out.
If you’d like help reviewing or preparing a stronger submission, contact our team.
