Before any award is formally accepted by the University, Research Support Services requires the Head of Department (HOD) or nominee to sign and return a HOD's Acceptance Form.  In signing this form, the Head of Department is confirming that all aspects of the research project are acceptable to the department.  In the case of contracts, the percentage overhead applicable to the contract is stated, together with the department's share of that overhead.

It is important for a Head of Department to nominate a deputy who can also sign HOD Acceptance Forms.  This helps to minimise delays if the HOD is away for any length of time.