NOTICE - EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND

The implementation of co-financing of the European Social Fund in Objective One has meant some changes for applicants in the way they apply for funding. ESF can now be accessed in one of the following ways

1. Co-financed by the Learning and Skills Council
2. Co-financed by Jobcentre Plus
3. Direct bid to Government Office for the South West

Co-financing is an important development because applicants can apply for 100% of the funding needed for their projects. However the way to access this funding is different to that used for ESF in the past.

Co-financing organisations will invite applications, or ‘tenders’, to deliver specific aspects of the Objective One Programme. These invitations are issued at specific times for specific activities – it is not a rolling programme.

Learning and Skills Council

The LSC has already carried out the first 2 phases of its co-financing programme and will announce the implementation of Phase 3 – The Valued Learning Programme, in the autumn.

Details on the LSC co-financed programme will be made available on their website www.lscdevonandcornwall.org

Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus has just made an announcement on its first co-financing plan and will be holding a briefing event at the Alverton Manor Hotel, Truro on 15 November. Contact 01726 294017 to book a place.

Further details are also available by clicking here.

Direct bidding

In addition to applications to co-financing organisations it will still be possible to submit applications in the normal way direct to GOSW. In this case the applicant will have to provide the funding to match ESF money.

Although the application forms for direct bids will remain the same as in the past it has been decide to move to a system of inviting applications for specific activities at specific times similar to that used by the co-financing organisations.

These invitations will be designed to complement the work of the co-financing organisations and avoid duplication. It will provide greater clarity to potential bidders identifying activities, funding, outputs and intervention rates.

In addition applicants will be required to submit a summary of their proposed project to GOSW before they complete the ESF interactive application form. This is to make sure that applicants receive the best advice and guidance on their application.

This system will be introduced in the New Year. To support this a bidding timetable will be issued by before the end of the year along with further guidance.

In the meantime anyone considering an application should contact either:

Janet Woolley - GOSW Priority 3 Manager
Tel: 01752 635022
E-mail: jwoolley.gosw@go-regions.gsi.gov.uk

Andrew Green – Objective One Learning and Skills Task Force Co-ordinator
Tel: 01872 260206
E-mail: aspgreen@cornwall-county.com