North East Music Hub: Commissioning Policy
1. Introduction
The North East Music Education Hub aims to enhance musical learning and participation through the commissioning of individuals, organisations and partners to deliver high quality educational projects and programmes which meet the needs of the consortium’s key strategic aims.
This policy outlines the principles and procedures for commissioning music for children and young people throughout the North East Music Hub area. This policy will ensure transparency, equity, and high-quality educational outcomes.
All consortium members and the hub Lead Organisation will be commissioned through this policy for any delivery planned through the hub programme of activity.
2. Objectives
The objectives of the policy are to:
• Enhance access ensuring all young people have access to a high-quality music education, both in and out of schools, regardless of background.
• Promote excellence by supporting initiatives that foster musical excellence and innovative teaching methods.
• Encourage participation through increased active participation in music-making among children and young people.
• Support professional development by providing opportunities for educators to enhance their skills and knowledge.
3. Scope
This policy covers the commissioning of a wide range of music education initiatives, including but not limited to:
• Curriculum development
• Workshops and masterclasses
• Training programs for educators
• Collaborative projects between schools and community organizations
• Music technology integration in education
• Performances and events with educational components
4. Eligibility
Eligible applicants include:
• Schools and educational institutions
• Individual educators and music specialists
• Community organisations and non-profits
• Partnerships between multiple entities
• Music education companies
5. Commissioning Categories
The North East Music Hub partners will be commissioned in line with the hub needs analysis to support the key strategic functions as outlined in the Local Plan for Music Education. These categories include
Curriculum Development: Creation of new music education curriculum or enhancement of existing programmes.
Professional Development: Training and development programmes for music educators in all phases of learning.
Student Workshops: Interactive workshops and projects for children and young people.
Community Projects: Initiatives that connect schools, young people, families with local music communities.
Technology Integration: Projects that incorporate music technology into education and make music accessible to all.
Performances, events and projects: Local, regional and national opportunities to perform and work with a diverse range of music industry professionals and organisations.
6. Application Process
The Hub Lead Organisation will commission work and partners via following process.
Call for Proposals: Periodic calls for proposals focusing on specific need as identified in the needs analysis and meeting the aims of the LPME.
Submission Requirements.
Proposals must include:
A detailed project description
Educational objectives and expected outcomes clearly outlined
Budget and funding requirements for delivering the work
Timeline of the work
Biographies of key personnel
Samples of previous relevant work
6. Selection Criteria
Appointments will be overseen by the Hub Board who will ensure that recruitment meets the key strategic aims and functions of the North East Music Hub.
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Educational value and innovation
Alignment with the North East Music Education Hub’s objectives
Feasibility and sustainability of the project
Potential for student engagement and impact
Consideration of diversity and inclusivity
7. Selection Process
The selection process will be completed by a member of the consortium and a member of the Governing Board.
Initial Screening: Proposals reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
Evaluation Panel: Evaluation of the proposals against the selection criteria.
Interviews: Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview or presentation.
Final Decision: The Music Education Hub’s board makes the final decision based on the panel’s recommendations.
8. Commissioning Partnership Agreement
Successful applicants will enter into a commissioning agreement detailing:
Scope of the work
Payment terms
Deadlines and deliverables
Rights and responsibilities of both parties
Reporting and evaluation requirements
9. Funding and Payment
Budgeting: A detailed budget must be submitted and approved as part of the proposal.
Payment Schedule: Payments will be made in instalments based on project milestones.
Financial Accountability: Recipients must maintain accurate financial records and submit reports as required.
10. Reporting and Evaluation
Progress Reports: Regular updates will be requested throughout the project and progress / issues reported using appropriate mechanisms as defined by the Music Hub.
Final Report: A comprehensive report upon project completion, including an evaluation of outcomes against objectives.
Feedback: Feedback from students, educators, and participants may be gathered to assess the project’s impact.
11. Rights and Ownership
Intellectual Property: The ownership of the commissioned work will be agreed upon in the commissioning agreement. The Music Education Hub may retain certain rights to use the work for promotional and archival purposes.
Moral Rights: The artist’s and educator’s moral rights will be respected and acknowledged in all uses of the work.
12. Amendments
The Music Education Hub Biard will review this policy annually and reserves the right to amend the policy as necessary. Changes will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
13. Contact Information
For more information or enquiries about the commissioning process, please contact North East Music Hub at:
This policy ensures a structured and transparent approach to commissioning music education projects, supporting the growth and diversity of musical learning experiences.
This policy will be reviewed and approved bi-annually by the Governing Board.