The South East Regional Framework includes measures focused on both the short term (responding to the downturn) and longer term (recovery and strengthening the future). The framework recognises particularly acute issues for vulnerable groups in the current economy, including NEETs, lone parents and people from groups with high levels of disadvantage - in particular those with mental health issues, disabled people, people from ethnic minority groups, and ex-offenders. A notable issue for the South East, unlike other parts of the country, is the rapidly increasing unemployment (and economic inactivity) of highly skilled individuals, and the plan foresees work with this group to avert long-term unemployment. Graduates with limited work experience are also a high priority group in the South East. In looking to the recovery, the South East plan significantly increases support for higher level (including Level 4+) skills, and expects growth to be strong in low-carbon technologies. Spinoffs from the Olympics are also expected.
South East
ESF 2011-2013
Main priorities and issues
In light of the effects of the economic downturn, the South East plan seeks to balance short-term priorities with longer-term developmental needs. Support for disadvantaged groups is expected to be strengthened because of the disproportionate impact on them of a reducing labour market, with a focus on NEET groups, lone parents, those suffering from mental health issues, disabled people, ethnic minority groups and ex-offenders. NOMS, as a new CFO in the South East, is actively seeking more opportunities for work in and with prisons and probation trusts in the region, including jointly with other regional CFOs.
The long-term unemployed are also an important target, with the need to prevent further distancing from the labour market.
Long-term unemployment is seen as a risk for higher skilled individuals, who as a group have quickly increased in numbers and have often been found to disappear from view. Measures targeted on this group to facilitate rapid return to work and continuing economic activity are expected to be commissioned.
Graduates with limited work experience are included in the South East plan, in recognition of their increasing numbers and the severe shortage of first-time jobs, particularly in the most competitive sectors.
These Priority 1 measures are balanced in Priority 2 by measures to seek development of the skills required for future growth and recovery in the South East. These include a focus on increasing progression to and achievement of qualifications at Level 3 and above - overall the plan expects a significant increase in higher-level skills provision, with a focus on SMEs, and new support for Level 4 in small enterprises with fewer than 50 employees.
Development of the low-carbon sector is expected, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency and building technologies, renewable energy and waste.
The 2012 Olympic Games are given greater focus in the revised plan, in particular the construction, leisure and sports sectors.
The South East framework, particularly with regard to measures focused on the long term and recovery, has been coordinated with the London Development Agency (LDA) and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), with the aim of increasing alignment of ESF programmes across the greater South East.
Funding allocations for 2011-2013
| Total | Priority 1 | Priority 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007-2010 | £98m | £64m | £34m |
| 2011-2013 | £90m | £58m | £32m |
- Underspent technical assistance funds have been reallocated to Priority 1 to increase frontline delivery
- In Priority 2, up to 40% is available for Level 3 and above, compared to 28% during 2007-2010, with the 5% ceiling on level 4 skills removed
- Funding for both basic and Level 2 have accordingly both been reduced from a minimum 35% to minimum 30% for 2011-2013
CFOs
- Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- Skills Funding Agency
- National Offender Management Service (NOMS)
Projects featured on ESF-Works relevant to the above priorities
- OptIN
- Shaw Trust Whistable
- Prevista-Simplifying Opportunities for Start-ups (SOS)
- Personal Best (Surrey and Thames Valley)
Links
European Social Fund: Revised South East Framework 2011-13
Regional news
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Recently added
The following projects have recently been added for this region. Click on one to find out more.
Learning as a stepping stone to employment
This provision is to support the low skilled, and those who have been out of education and learning for a considerable time, to re-enter education and learning as a stepping-stone to employment.
Eco-Advantage
Raising awareness of climate change, practical responses to it, and developing related skills which will be increasingly needed in the future, is at the heart of the Eco-Advantage project. The project is a partnership between Medway, Reading and Basingstoke Councils and Cementaprise Training, supported by the ESF Innovation, Transnationality and Mainstreaming programme (ITM).
Personal Best (Surrey and Thames Valley)
Personal Best is a Level 1 pre-employment programme in preparation for event volunteering designed to help people furthest from the labour market to progress to employment, further training and volunteering.
View all projects in this region
