ESF-Works is the showcase and forum for policy and practice lessons from the 2007-2013 European Social Fund (ESF) programme in England. It is aimed at all professionals working in the areas of employment and skills, regardless of their European funding experience.
ESF-Works is part-funded through ESF Technical Assistance. For more information about the ESF programme in England, see the national ESF web site.
ESF-Works is aimed at all professionals working in the areas of employment and skills, regardless of their European funding experience.
This section features a number of themes that will highlight significant lessons and make connections with policy and practice beyond the confines of European funding.
From January to March 2010, ESF-Works is focusing on green jobs: skills, training and labour markets in the fight against climate change.
The innovation, transnational and mainstreaming strand of the European Social Fund (ESF) supports a small number of strategic, regional projects looking to develop and deliver new ways of extending employment opportunities and raising workforce skills.
Projects from all regions of England are represented in our project database, which highlights the value and lessons of ESF activities.
Following the TAEN Conference on 24 November 2009, John Bell, the ESF-Works Policy Editor, interviewed Christine Ashdown from the Extending Working Life Division at the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). The interview includes an overview of the Government’s response to recession and its plan to return to full employment, as outlined in the White Paper, Building Britain's Recovery: Achieving Full Employment. Christine discusses the enhanced package of measures that she and her team are developing to support older workers, and is keen to hear from providers to explore ways of working together and to share experiences on delivery.
Learning Library - a database of resources where you will find reports, learning materials for tutors and learners, examples of publicity materials, and project documents from Equal-Works.
Interviews - current ESF interviews with practitioners and policy-makers.
ESF-Works will feature ongoing evaluations run by the ESF evaluation team based in the Department for Work and Pensions. The aim is to examine the effectiveness of the programme and its contribution to policies to extend employment opportunities and develop a skilled workforce. Information about specific surveys will be placed on the site during the course of the programme. At present the following evaluations are taking place:
We are interested in hearing from current ESF projects and networks who want to share their innovative methodologies in demonstrating soft outcomes. Please e-mail us at feedback@esf-works.com.
Hot off the press! Read the report from the first round of the European Social Fund's, Innovation, Transnationality and Mainstreaming (ESF ITM) Thematic Network Meetings.
Extending Working Life - An interview with Christine Ashdown
"The DWP White Paper, Building Britain's Recovery: Achieving Full Employment, was published on 15th December 2009. It restates the Government's response to the recession and signals the start of the programme to return to full employment. The White Paper sets out how the Government intends to combat the effects of the recession and continue towards its ambition of 80% employment."
Dr Andrew Dean
Editor – South West Skills Newsletter
Read a detailed analysis by SLIM.
John Bell, ESF-Works Policy Editor, interviewed academics, policy makers, and practitioners at the TAEN Conference in Birmingham, to get their views on issues affecting older workers. Visit the Themes homepage to watch these interesting insights.
Visit of Gwendolyne Orchard to BEST/QED project
Gwendolyne Orchard, the EU ESF desk officer within whose remit Yorkshire and the Humber falls, visited an ESF-funded project in Leeds on 11 November.
ESF-Works is about sharing the details of best practice, showcasing effective intervention, stimulating debate, and giving voice to participants at all levels.
Do you have something to say about the issues covered on the web site? Are there lessons you would like to share with the wider community? Do you want your ESF project featured on this site?
Contact us at comments@esf-works.com.
