Project Leaders
A Project Leader is the designated representative of the organisation contracted to undertake research for the HDC.
The Project Leader is responsible for the timely and efficient execution of the research according to the Contract and Schedule of work (including experiments on other sites). The Project Leader is answerable to the HDC for the satisfactory conduct of the project from inception to delivery of an acceptable Final Report. They have a central role in the appropriate dissemination of information relating to the HDC funded work subject to consultation with the HDC Communications Manager.
The Project Leader (in consultation with the Project Co-ordinator and the HDC Technical and Communications Managers) is responsible for submission of the project proposal to the relevant sector Panel and subsequently acts as the contractor's Project Manager.
1. Concept note/proposal stage
Once a concept note has been approved by the relevant HDC sector Panel, a Project Co ordinator (often a grower from the Panel) will be designated to liaise with the Project Leader. Contact details will be supplied by the relevant HDC Technical Manager. The Project Leader must establish contact with the Project Co-ordinator who will help with the preparation of the proposal as follows:
a) Define targets, particularly in a commercial context.
b) Discuss existing knowledge, in the context of current industry practice including suggesting other growers in the relevant sector who may be able to provide supporting information and practical advice if necessary.
c) Agree horticultural aspects of experimental protocol, particularly where choice of plant subjects, growing media, cultural equipment etc. need to be related to recognised commercial practice.
d) Help to identify likely aspects for publication in HDC News, grower events and ways to monitor and evaluate eventual uptake of the project results by growers.
The Project Leader is responsible for preparation of the full proposal in the HDC recommended format in consultation with the relevant HDC Technical Manager.
2. During the project
The Project Leader is responsible for the quality and timeliness of the work in progress and for ensuring that the best possible scientific and management resources are made available to the project.
During the project, the Project Leader should maintain contact with the Project Co-ordinator and the designated HDC Technical Manager. Any issues regarding commercial practice should be discussed with the Project Co-ordinator. Scientific, technical and information dissemination issues should be discussed with HDC staff. (See HDC Guidelines 'HDC Contacts').
3. Reports
Draft copies of all reports should be passed to the Project Co-ordinator(s) for comments at least four weeks prior to the deadline for submission to the HDC. An identical copy should be sent to the relevant Technical Manager at the same time, for reference. The advice and expertise of the Project Co-ordinator(s) should be sought, in particular when finalising the 'Grower Summary'. Following comment from the Project Co-ordinator(s), and the Technical Manager where appropriate, the finalised report should be submitted by the contract due date.
Project Leaders are required to complete self-assessment forms at the time of submission of the annual and final reports.
4. Reviews
Most projects will be subject to review at least once during the life of the project. (See HDC Guidelines - 'Project Reviews').
(See also HDC Guidelines - 'Commissioning and Managing Research and Development')
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