It is about the "economic regeneration" of people - human resource development
Strategic Aims / Objectives:
- facilitate the effective access of unemployed people into the labour market
- provide a learning environment which supports employers to develop a highly competent workforce
- enhance the adaptability of workers to the process of change
There are five main Policy Fields:
- Active Labour Market Policies
- Equal Opportunities for All and Promoting Social Inclusion
- Lifelong Learning
- Adaptability and Entrepreneurship
- Improving the Participation of Women in the Labour Market
In Cumbria this is coordinated via the RST. We will keep you informed of bidding rounds. Keep an eye on this website, or contact us to be included on the e-mail alert list for Objective 3 news.
In the North West, the majority (> 80%) of Objective 3 funding now comes through Co-Financing. There are two Co-Financing Organisations so far:
- the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), and
- Job Centre Plus (JCP)
Co-financing - how it works
The strategic organisations which have been identified to act as Co-financing Organisations (CFOs) - the LSC and JCP - have submitted plans to GONW to use ESF funds, matched by their own funds / activities. They then 'contract out' the activities detailed in their plans by means of open and competitive bidding rounds
The role of the RST in the ESF Co-Financing process is to assist organisations to maximise the opportunities that this funding can offer, keeping the quality of applications high and generally promoting ESF in Cumbria.
We offer:
- advice and guidance to applicants on project development and strategic fit
- give advice on how the LSC's Funding Gateway or JCP's Co-financing plans work
- take a look at applications before they are submitted and give objective, constructive feedback
Details of Co-financing bidding rounds can be found on the websites of the LSC www.lsc.gov.uk and JCP www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.
We will carry information about bidding rounds on this website, or you can register to be put on our ESF contacts list esf@rstcumbria.org.uk
The remainder of the NW allocation of Objective 3 funds is accessed via:
Direct bidding
- 20% (approx) of the funds are held back for direct bids to the regional pot
-
Projects will be for:
- higher level skills (NVQ4 and above)
- research
Details of direct bidding rounds will be posted on the website of Government Office North West (GONW) www.eurofundingnw.gov.uk. We will also carry information about opportunities for bidding on this website and via our ESF bulletins.
Global Grants
- Small grants, mostly matched at source, distributed via selected intermediary bodies, for regionally identified needs that would not normally be the subject of an full ESF application
- The intermediary body in Cumbria is Cumbria Community Foundation