EU Structural Funds 2014-2020

EU Structural Funds in Wales 2007-2013

£1.5bn

£97m

70m Euros

Rural Development Plan

£797m

EU funding to the third sector 2007-13

• WEFO has funded 286 projects in total (£1.9bn grant aid)

• Over £97m of EU funds have been committed to 45 projects led by the third sector

• In addition, third sector organisations have won over £140m worth of contracts

Third sector impact 2007-13Through their projects third sector lead sponsors are aiming to:

• Work with 104,802 participants• Support 10,585 participants to enter employment• Assist 32,311 participants to achieve qualifications• Support 19,818 participants into further learning and 57,170 to

achieve a positive outcome• Create 1,292 gross new jobs• Create 157 new social enterprises• Support 12,500 people to access services

2014-2020 Developments to date

• Strategic direction: Europe 2020 and the Welsh Programme for Government – adding value

• Welsh Programmes are part of a Partnership Agreement between the UK Government and European Commission

• Single portal for all European Structural & Investment Funds

• Welsh Government public consultation on Structural Funds draft Operational Programme and future direction for the RDP closed in April 2013

Funding allocations

• West Wales & the Valleys continues as a Convergence region (circa €1.8bn EU grant aid)

• East Wales remains a Regional Competitiveness & Employment Area – with a funding up-lift to circa €361m

WW&V draft ERDF PrioritiesPriority 1: SME Competitiveness• Theme 1:         Access to finance• Theme 2:         Entrepreneurship

Priority 2: Infrastructure• Theme 1:         Transport and Network Bottlenecks to Growth• Theme 2:         Infrastructure-led Growth

Priority 3: Research and Innovation:• Theme 1:         Innovation for All• Theme 2:         Research and Development

Priority 4: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency• Theme 1:         Energy Efficiency• Theme 2:         Marine energy (tidal, wave and wind)• Theme 3:          Low Carbon Transition•  

East Wales draft ERDF Priorities

Priority 1:      SME Competitiveness

• Theme 1:         Access to finance

• Theme 2:         Entrepreneurship

Priority 2:            Research and Innovation

• Theme :           Innovation for All

• Theme 2 :      Research and Development

Priority 3: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• Theme 1:         Energy Efficiency

• Theme 3:         Low Carbon Transition

WW&V draft ESF PrioritiesPriority 1: Tackling poverty through sustainable employment• Theme 1:         Helping people into work• Theme 2:         Inclusion and engagement in the labour market• Theme 3:         Helping people stay and progress in work

 Priority 2: Skills for growth• Theme 1:         Adaptability and progression• Theme 2:         Skills for research and innovation• Theme 3:         Leadership and management• Theme 4:         Gender equality

Priority 3: Youth employment and attainment• Theme 1:         Youth employment• Theme 2:         Youth attainment and engagement• Theme 3:         Early years

 

East Wales draft ESF Priorities

• Priority 1:       Skills for Growth

• Priority 2:       Youth Employment

** Following the confirmation of the budget uplift for East Wales, the Welsh Government proposes to add a Tackling poverty through sustainable employment (to mirror WW&V)

Rural Development Plan 2014-2020There are six proposed priorities for the EAFRD:

1. Fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas

2. Enhancing competitiveness of all types of agriculture and enhancing farm viability

3. Promoting food chain organisation and risk management in agriculture

4. Restoring, preserving and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry

5. Promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy in agriculture, food and forestry sectors

6. Promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas.

2014-2020 New Themes

• Tackling poverty and social exclusion: 20% ESF ring-fenced in WW&V and a new third cross-cutting theme

• New: Fund for the Most Deprived

• ERDF ring-fenced to tackle key priorities: SME competitiveness; research and innovation and energy efficiency and renewable energy

Project design

• Guilford Review informs approach to deployment of funds

• Operational Programmes• Economic Prioritisation Framework (EPF)• ‘Backbone’ areas of activity• Understanding Welsh Government initiatives is key e.g.

Department for Education & Skills proposals for adult employment and skills strategic framework for delivery

Applying for funding

• Single portal for applicants

• Delivery arrangements– Lead sponsor– Co-sponsor– Contract deliverer– Social innovation

Timetable

• EU regulations adopted

• UK Partnership Agreement signed (Welsh Chapter)

• Welsh Operational Programmes agreed

• Programmes open January 2014

How can WCVA help?

• The role of WCVA and 3-SET is key in working with WG

• Engagement with the sector through Ministerial meetings, the third sector European forum (3-SEF), Anti Poverty Programmes Task Force and regional events

• Support for third sector to lead on projects where best placed to do so

• Helping third sector organisations to identify and exploit opportunities for contract delivery on the ground

Should my organisation lead a project?

What skills does your organisation need to manage an EU funded project?

What approach is your organisation taking to accessing EU funding 2014-

2020?

What information, support and skills are needed to access European funding and

manage a project?