1.1 General
At the Salt Range Social Welfare Foundation (SWF), we believe that Research
and Development (R&D) is a cornerstone of innovation and sustainable
development. As we transition from a local NGO to an International Non
Governmental Organization (INGO), our commitment to R&D remains
unwavering. Our R&D initiatives are designed to address global challenges in
education, healthcare, vocational training, and social welfare, aligning with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through research, we aim
to empower communities, foster innovation, and create lasting impact.
Purpose of the Policy Handbook
This handbook serves as a comprehensive guide to standardize the operations of
the R&D department. It ensures that all R&D activities align with SWF’s
organizational objectives, ethical standards, and global best practices. By adhering
to the policies and procedures outlined in this document, the R&D department will
contribute to SWF’s mission of fostering education, innovation, and empowerment
on an international scale.
1.3 Vision and Mission Alignment
The R&D department is dedicated to fostering innovation and developing tailored
solutions to address educational, healthcare, and community welfare challenges.
Our work aligns closely with SWF’s vision to enlighten the world through quality
education, innovation, research, and development for a sustainable future.
Our mission is to empower individuals and societies through research-driven
solutions, building strong collaborations with sponsors, funding agencies, and
stakeholders.
2.
Structure and Roles
2.1 R&D Department Structure
The R&D department is organized to ensure efficiency, clarity of responsibilities,
and global reach:
1.
2.
3.
4.

ED R&D: Oversees departmental functions and ensures alignment with
SWF’s global strategy.
DD R&D: Conduct research, prepare reports, and analyze data to inform
decision-making.
Mgr R&D: Drives the development of new project ideas and fosters creative
solutions to global challenges.
Mgr M&E: Tracks the impact and effectiveness of R&D initiatives,
ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
3.
Policy Framework
3.1 General Policies
All R&D initiatives must align with SWF’s mission, vision, and ethical standards.
Collaborative research and partnerships with international organizations, academic
institutions, and local communities are strongly encouraged to foster impactful
innovation and knowledge sharing.
3.2 Specific R&D Policies
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
4.
Innovation Policy: Encourages creative and sustainable solutions to
global challenges, with a focus on scalability and long-term impact.
Collaborative Research Policy: Promotes joint projects with
international partners, ensuring that research is inclusive and culturally
sensitive.
Publication Policy: Establishes guidelines for documenting and sharing
research findings, ensuring transparency and accessibility to a global
audience.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – R&D Department
The R&D department follows standardized procedures to ensure consistency and quality
in all research activities. These SOPs cover:
4.1 Project Initiation and Approval: Clear guidelines for proposing, reviewing, and
approving R&D projects.
4.2 Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting: Standardized methods for
collecting and analyzing data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
4.3 Methodology Updates: Regular reviews and updates to research methodologies to
incorporate global best practices and emerging trends.
5.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
The R&D department is committed to measuring the success and impact of its initiatives.
Clear metrics and evaluation frameworks are developed to assess the effectiveness of
projects. Regular reviews and feedback sessions are conducted to refine approaches and
ensure continuous improvement.
6.
7.
8.
Ethics and Compliance
All research initiatives must adhere to the highest ethical standards, safeguarding the rights
and dignity of participants. SWF is committed to maintaining transparency, integrity, and
accountability in all research collaborations, both locally and internationally.
Data Protection and Privacy
SWF is committed to ensuring compliance with local and international data protection
laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant
frameworks. Sensitive research data will be securely stored, with restricted access to
authorized personnel only. Data privacy and confidentiality are paramount in all R&D
activities.
Funding and Budget Management
8.1
8.2
Grant Hunting and Research Proposals
SWF actively seeks funding through grant hunting and the submission
of research proposals to various national and international funding agencies. The
R&D department plays a key role in identifying potential funding opportunities,
preparing grant applications, and developing research proposals that align with
SWF’s mission and long-term goals.
Key Steps in Grant Hunting and Proposal Development:
8.2.1
Identification of Funding Opportunities: The R&D department will
regularly monitor and identify grants and funding opportunities from
government agencies, international organizations, and private foundations.
8.2.1
Proposal Development: Research Associates, in collaboration with the
Innovation Manager, will develop detailed research proposals that outline
the
objectives,
requirements.
9.
methodology, expected outcomes, and budget
Approval Process: All grant applications and research proposals must be reviewed
and approved by the Head of R&D and the Executive Director of Finance & Compliance
before submission.
10.
11.
Compliance and Reporting: Once a grant is secured, the R&D department will
ensure compliance with the funding agency’s requirements, including regular progress
reports and financial audits.
Funds allocated for R&D projects will be managed through a transparent and accountable
process. Regular audits will be conducted to maintain financial integrity and ensure that
resources are used effectively to achieve the desired outcomes.
Review and Amendments
This policy handbook will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.
Feedback from stakeholders, including international partners and local communities, will be
incorporated to continuously improve the R&D department’s policies and procedures.
12.
Final Remarks
As SWF transitions to an INGO, the R&D department will play a pivotal role in driving innovation
and creating sustainable solutions to global challenges. This handbook provides the foundation for
our R&D activities, ensuring that they are aligned with our mission, ethical standards, and global
best practices. Together, we will work towards empowering individuals and societies worldwide
through impactful research and development.