This paper describes an approach to the management of the development of independent distance learning programmes (IDL) adopted by the University of Sunderland. The University through its Faculty of Education and Society has had significant success over many years of delivering a small number of programmes through IDL and this paper shares some of the areas that need to be addressed as more pressure is brought on programme deliverers to adopt the IDL approach. The paper goes on to explore the financial considerations, including the ‘at risk’ costs and the possible rewards. It is intended to act as a step-by step briefing for non-academic managers of the considerations necessary from idea to implementation, stopping short of delivery. It takes the perspective of, and its intended audience is, the managers of the process – there are many other papers and guides that deal with the distinctive pedagogy of IDL in depth and similarly many written by and for academic staff.