The European Social Fund (ESF) programme in England contributes to local growth by increasing labour market participation, promoting social inclusion and developing the skills of the potential and existing workforce. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the Managing Authority for the programme.
Since March 2015 the current ESF programme has been supporting projects across the country. At the end of August 2020, £2.3 billion of EU funding had been allocated, which has helped around 1.5 million people. ESF projects can run up to 2023.
Now, ESF has published its annual case study booklet for 2020 where you can see examples of just some of the local projects that are helping people improve their employability, gain new skills, move towards and into work, or provide other positive outcomes.
It also explores how delivery has changed since March 2020 when COVID-19 restrictions were introduced.
See the full case study booklet here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european-social-fund-case-studies/european-social-fund-2014-2020-case-studies–2
Supporting the Third Sector through COVID-19
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19 can be accessed here.
As ever, our dedicated CSI Representatives are here to understand and unpack the issues that the third sector is facing within the current ESIF programme which are affecting their ability to use European funds effectively.
So that we can raise these issues at government level on your behalf and pro-actively work for solutions, we’re asking Third Sector organisations to tell us their experiences using these funds, in light of the outbreak of COVID-19. Please contact us via info@civilsocietyinvolvement.com
