National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)
The UK had reached agreement with the European Commission on its National Strategic
Reference Framework (NSRF) for Structural Fund programmes in
2007-2013, on 30 July 2007. The NSRF sets out how the UK will invest
€9.9 billion of Structural Funds money over the next seven years in
line with the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs.
Operational Programme (OP)
One of the programmes within the Framework is the new ESF England and
Gibraltar 2007-2013 Programme. The European Commission adopted the
OP on 9 August 2007.
North East ESF Framework
The North East ESF Framework (PDF 718 KB) sets out
how £155 million of ESF funding will be invested to meet
distinctive regional and local priorities. The main focus of ESF
investment will be on reducing worklessness and improving skills for
employability.
The Framework has aligned ESF investment with the needs identified in the
Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and the Regional Employability Framework (REF). The ESF
Framework was approved by European Social Fund Division (ESFD) on 6 August
2007.
North East ESF Regional Committee
The national Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) endorsed the guidance on
the set-up of regional committees on 2 October 2007. The Government
Office wrote out to regional partners inviting them to nominate a
representative from their organisation to become a member of the 2007-2013
ESF Regional
Committee.
North East Co-financing Organisations (CFOs)
All ESF funding in the region will be channelled through Co-financing
Organisations, who will procure and manage ESF contracts with providers.
CFO Plans were submitted in September and jointly appraised by ESFD and the
Government Office. Regional Committee members endorsed the CFO plans
submitted by Department of Work and Pensions (Jobcentre
Plus) and the Learning and Skills Council on 12 November 2007.
Technical Assistance (TA)
Technical Assistance funds will be available to finance the preparatory,
management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control activities of
the Operational Programme and in turn the North East ESF Framework. This
will include the Programme’s publicity and communication strategy,
support for cross-cutting themes of gender equality and equal opportunities
and sustainable development.
TA will also be available to third sector networks to support participation
by voluntary and community organisations in the Programme.
Organisations wishing to apply for TA should contact the Government Office
to discuss their proposal, prior to submitting an application.
Dan Pollard
Tel: 0191 202 3919
Email:
dan.pollard@gone.gsi.gov.uk
