Future of Structural Funds in EnglandThe story so far

Ingrid Gardiner

EU Manager

Ingrid.gardiner@ncvo-vol.org.uk

European Funding Network

European Structural and Investment Funds

Introduction to the European Structural and Investment Funds

•The Structural and Cohesion Funds are the European Union’s main funding programmes for reducing social and economic disparities across the EU. In England, these funds comprise the:•European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which supports research, innovation, business development and infrastructure investment •European Social Fund (ESF) which supports training, enhancing access to employment and social inclusion.•It will also include part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and will be aligned with the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). This funding should begin to come on stream in mid-2014.

Proposed Delivery Arrangements

Civil Society and LEPs

• Engagement with all stakeholders

• Building meaningful strategic relationships

• Help deliver social inclusion (20%!)

• That is not the only offer – civil society sector comes in many different forms – CICs, social enterprises, mutuals and trade unions

Local focus new opportunities?

• Opt in (e.g. Big Lottery Fund) to complement Growth Programme and social inclusion

• Community Led Local Development

• Community Grants• Volunteer time• Social innovation• Social investment• Technical assistance

Civil Society Active Phase 2

• Completion of Action Plan • Consultation with the European Funding Network

and civil society partners• Tendering for LEP engagement activity – project

awarded to Regional Voices (One East Midlands is the accountable body)

• LEP engagement events • Support tools• Blogs and updates on website• Contribution to LEP events

Role of Partners and EFN

• Following tight timescales – due 7 October

• Information sharing• Europeanfundingnetw

ork.eu• One to one surgeries

with LEPs • Wider information

events in winter