18.06.2026
On-the-spot verifications support the implementation of the project
In May, the Payment Officers of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region familiarised themselves in cooperation in cooperation with various projects during on-the-spot verifications. On the left is Miehonsuo research environment and researcher Maarit Liimatainen (LUKE). On the right, Leo Aho, Project Manager at the Brahe School of Technology and Services, and Mari Väänänen, Payment Officer at the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region.
The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region has launched on-site verifications for 2026. This year, Payment Officers will visit around 20 different ERDF or JTF project sites in the region. Control extends to 15% of all ERDF and JTF projects co-financed by the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region for the 2021-2027 programming period. In addition, verifications may be carried out for projects that have received national funding. The verification is carried out under the guidance of a Payment Officer, and a regional development expert supervising the project is also present.
The projects to be audited are selected on the basis of different criteria. A selection of different projects will be sought for verification: the main or partial implementers of group projects, single operator projects, projects of different sizes and types. In addition, as a rule, large projects in cooperation in cooperation with public support exceeding EUR 800 000 are always audited.
The main objective of the visit is to ensure that the project has been implemented in accordance in cooperation in cooperation with the project plan and decision. The verification covers, among other things, the correctness of procurements and the costs incurred. For example, in the case of projects using unit costs for salaries, the basis for calculating the hourly rate is checked.
– The on-the-spot visits supplement the checks carried out in connection in cooperation in cooperation with the payment application. At the same time, it is worth treating it as a guidance visit, where you can also ask questions to us, says the Payment Officer. Mari Väänänen.
The visit will also often discuss the results of the project and communication-related issues. In terms of communication, the most important are, for example, the EU symbols found in materials, materials and premises, as well as the logo of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region. They give visibility to the activities carried out in the projects. In addition, the verification reviews the performance indicators defined in the project plan and their implementation during the project. Traceability is essential from the point of view of the indicators in order to ensure that the result is actually produced. In addition to the indicators, often to the surprise of the project operator, the horizontal principles defined in the project plan are also reviewed. Continuity of development activities after the project is also discussed.
It would be a good idea to prepare for the visit by compiling the project documents together and by considering, for example, the project's indicator data and horizontal principles in advance. In addition, for smooth verification, it would be most useful to have people who are genuinely implementing the project and who are able to answer the questions raised.
– A helpful and open mind is also important. Verification is a joint effort and we aim to ensure that project beneficiaries also receive support for the implementation of the project, Väänänen concludes.
After the verification visit, the Payment Officer prepares a memo summarising the findings of the visit.
A list of tips for preparing for an inspection
- Bring together the project data (accounting, tendering data, communication, salary calculations, etc.) and make sure that the right people are present at the meeting.
- Make sure that the personal data forms, especially the titles, are up to date.
- Check that the EU logos and the logo of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region are displayed as required.
- The traceability of indicator data is the responsibility of the project promoter – make sure that the audit trail is in place.
- Remind yourself of the horizontal principles set out in the project application – how have these been implemented in practice? Anything to replenish?
- Be prepared to explain how the project will continue to develop after its completion – what remains of the project?
- Ask yourself if you have any questions – it's also a good time to ask questions about project management, for example.
- There is no need to be nervous about the visit!
Keywords:
county development and financing
