The Science and Community Environmental Knowledge (SCEK) Fund was established in 2002 to support and facilitate research projects designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the environmental effects related to oil and gas exploration and development in British Columbia. In 2005, Cortex was hired to establish structures and processes to achieve and communicate the new governance model and implement activities associated with managing SCEK Fund projects.
 

         
 

Services: Cortex developed and implemented:

• electronic databases and a password-protected internal project management website to organize and improve access to SCEK Fund project information
   
• processes and guidelines to support governance and administration of the Fund (e.g., terms of reference, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, conflict of interest protocols, project payment and implementation processes, contract management guidelines)
   
• a draft strategic plan and a two-stage Call for Proposals process
   
• a communications strategy, corporate identity (logo and templates), and website.
   

Outcomes: Cortex established a robust, transparent, and integrated strategic and business planning framework with supporting structures and processes for managing the SCEK Fund. It developed a clear identity for the SCEK Fund, organized project information for efficient access and tracking, and improved systems supporting governance. These developments made it possible for Fund activities to increase or decrease in response to available funds, and enabled administration to be carried out by Oil and Gas Commission staff with consultant expertise, as needed, to support specific functions such as strategic planning, communications, and extension services.