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London, through its London Councils European Service, has established itself in the most effective way by bringing local level expertise to the attention of European policy makers 
Rudolf Niessler, former Head of Unit for Urban Actions, DG Regional Policy, European Commission
Funding: the European Social Fund
The European Social Fund (ESF) is the main financial instrument of the European Union (EU) for the development of human resources and to improve the efficiency of the labour market. It is the means by which the European Employment Strategy priorities can be put into practice at the Member State level.
Since 2000, in accordance with EU recommendations and UK national policy, the primary means by which the ESF programme is administered in London is via Co-Financing Organisations (CFOs).
These organisations deliver the programme through competitive tendering and must meet the legally-binding priorities and target groups identified in the London Regional ESF Framework. Under this arrangement, ESF and required match funding are channelled through to end users in defined streams which are set by each CFO.
Priority themes
In the 2007-13 programming period, management of the Structural Funds programmes in London is under the strategic guidance of the Mayor. The ESF programme in London is overseen by the European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU), located within the London Development Agency (LDA).
A total budget of £420m ESF has been allocated to the programme over the seven year period. Projects will be funded through one of a series of measures that are contained within two priorities:
- Priority 1- Extending Employment Opportunities
- Priority 2 - Creating a Skilled and Adaptable Workforce
As of April 2010, the Learning and Skills Council co-financing programme changed to a joint programme from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA). It is coordinated by the Skills Funding Agency.
Responsibility for delivery of the measures is spread across the CFOs according to their capacity and core priorities.
London’s CFOs in 2007-13 include:
- Learning and Skills Council (LSC). [As of April 2010, this will change to a joint programme from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA). This will be coordinated by the SFA.]
- Department for Work & Pensions (DWP)
- London Development Agency (LDA)
- London Councils
- National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
Who can apply
Any organisation, public, private or third sector that is legally formed, except sole traders, that is able to deliver ESF provision can apply for funding. Applicants should check eligibility criteria for each funding programme.
Budget
The budget available will vary according to co-financer. Applicants should check the budget requirements of each funding call.
Useful links
For policy information and other potential sources of funding:
- London Development Agency: www.lda.gov.uk/esf
- Skills Funding Agency: http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/programmes/esf/
- London Councils: www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/grants/esf
- DWP: www.dwp.gov.uk/supplying-dwp/what-we-buy/welfare-to-work-services/european-social-fund/
- NOMS: http://procurement.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/about/procurementinitiatives/esfprogramme200713/
- European Social Fund: www.esf.gov.uk.
Newsletters and information briefings
LDA Funding Opportunities Briefing
ESF support for London local authorities
