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SEMLEP Consultation

European Social Fund programme 2017-2020  priorities

Why are we consulting on ESF priorities?

The European Social Fund to date has invested over £30 million across the South East Midlands.

These projects:
1. Support people back to work
2. Develop workforce skills
3. Help combat social exclusion

We are now planning for the remainder of the ESF programme. As we prepare for Brexit, we have approximately £22million of ESF investment notionally allocated to the South East Midlands for the second phase of the ESF programme. ESF funding for new projects will only be guaranteed if an agreement is in place before the UK leaves the EU.  Funding calls for new projects are likely to commence in Autumn 2017.  

This consultation seeks your views on what the priority investment areas should be to ensure that any future activity is directed to where it is most needed. We want to ensure that ESF addresses gaps in provision and supports local projects that can deliver demonstrable benefits to disadvantaged people and communities in the South East Midlands.

You can read the full consultation document.  

We have refreshed key ESF Data Sets and compiled a directory of current ESF-funded projects which are available on the SEMLEP website. These documents provide background information that may help inform your consultation response. 

Responses to this consultation are anonymous. 

If you have any queries, please email esif@semlep.com
1.In your opinion what are the current gaps in provision, either geographic or thematic, which have not been addressed by ESF to date?
2.In your view where can ESF add most value and why?
3.How can we ensure duplication between ESF Projects and other statutory provision is minimised?
4.
Do you think the allocations by Investment Priorities detailed in the table below reflect current need? If not, what should the balance be and why? Please note these figures are approximate and may be subject to change due to Funding Agreements yet to be signed off.

Access to employment  £6.7 million
Young people not in education, employment or training  £2.4 million
Social inclusion £3.7 million
Skills for growth £6.9 million
Education and training systems £2.8 million
TOTAL £22.5 million
5.Should future projects be large and covering the whole of the South East Midlands area? Or is it best to allow for small, localised interventions?
6.Drawing from your knowledge of current ESF Provision in the South East Midlands area, what has worked well? What has not and how could it be improved?
7.The labour market has changed considerably since the ESF Operational Programme was written – in what way could a future programme be different to the current one? What are the current needs in the South East Midlands area which are not being addressed and could be reflected in a future programme?
8.How do you want to receive information about forthcoming ESF calls and funded projects?