Terms of Reference of the Panel for the Allocation of Telescope Time (PATT)

1. The PATT Panel will:-
   
   • on the advice of Time Allocation Groups (TAGs) established for the purpose, make allocations of telescope time and award grants for travel and subsistence expenses consistent with those allocations, in accordance with the policy laid down by the STFC and within the financial limits delegated to the Panel by the STFC Executive;
     
   • through the TAGs, consider applications and award research grants for travel and subsistence expenses in support of the use of observing time not allocated by STFC, in accordance with such criteria as may be laid down by the STFC Executive and within the financial limits delegated to the Panel by the STFC Executive;
     
   • advise the STFC and the TAGs as appropriate on those matters of policy which relate to the PATT system;
     
   • consider applications and advise STFC on the award of special renewable rolling grants for travel and subsistence expenses consistent with the telescope time allocated by PATT and within the financial limits delegated to the Panel by the STFC Executive;
     
   • consider and report/advise on such other matters as may be referred to it by STFC or the telescope management bodies;
     
   • report annually to the STFC Executive, and direct to the telescope management bodies, on matters they have referred to the Committee.
   
   
2. The Panel should consult those responsible for the operation of facilities on which STFC has a share of observing time about the feasibility of programmes and inform them of the allocations of time made by the Panel, so that they can arrange detailed observing schedules.
   
   
3. If a member of either PATT or any of its TAGs is unable to attend a meeting he/she should inform the Chairman of PATT who may, in consultation with the Head, Science Group, nominate an alternative member for that meeting only. Alternatives will be expected to perform the same duties as ordinary members of PATT in assessing applications, liaising with referees and providing feedback to applicants. They will also receive fees and travelling expenses as for ordinary members of PATT.
   
   
4. The Time Allocation Groups of PATT will:-
   
   • consider applications for the use of telescopes available to STFC and advise PATT on the allocation of telescope time to users, in accordance with policy laid down by the STFC Executive;
     
   • award grants for travel and subsistence expenses consistent with the time allocated in accordance with 4.1) and within the financial limits delegated to the Panel by the STFC Executive;
     
   • advise STFC, through PATT, of any problems arising out of the use of the telescopes available to PPARC and notify the STFC Executive of any future development of the facilities considered desirable by the TAG.