European Social Fund Programme, 2007-2013
The European Social Funf (ESF) is due to get underway shortly. The programme is worth £155 million in ESF grant to the region or £310 million when combined with domestic sources of match funding.
To prepare for the new funding programme a regional group has developed the North East of England ESf framework. The framework provides the stategic context for the range of challenges that the region faces in creating a more competitive labour market.
Priorities
The regional programme will be structured around two key priorities:
Priority 1 - Extending employment opportunities (£100 million ESF + £100 million match funding or £33 million per year)
Priority 2 - Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce (£55 million ESF +£55 million match funding or £18 million per year)
Priority 1 will aim to address the low employment rates and high levels of inactivity among disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities and health conditions, lone parents, young people not in education, employment or training, offenders , older workers, people from minority ethnic communities, and people who lack basic skills and who do not posses a level 2 qualifications.
Priority 2 will focus on the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce by increasing the number of people who gain basic skills, level 2 and level 3 qualifications.
For an initial discusiion about the ESF programme please contact James Garland via email on James.Garland@sunderland.gov.uk or Rachel Brown via email at: Rachel.Brown@sunderland.gov.uk or telephone the Strategic Programmes and Europe team on 0191 553 1191