Resources

The Resources section is a rich source of constantly updated information about how ESF funding supports providers in delivering successful European Social Fund projects. ESF-Works’ Resources are an indispensable source of learning and advice, including multimedia interviews, key policy documents, practical project materials, and useful toolkits to help you discover the keys to successful project delivery.

Interviews

Stay up-to-date with new developments or explore older ESF News items and newsletters to find out what’s happening with the European Social Fund across England.

Annual Citizenship Survey results

The Government’s annual Citizenship Survey has shown that the amount of volunteers in the UK is at its lowest since 2001.

Only 39% of people volunteered last year, according to the survey of 15,000 adults published by the Department for Communities and Local Government. This is something of a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron's Big Society agenda, but the survey did show improvements in feelings of “community" in the areas studied. 86% of those surveyed thought people from different backgrounds got on well together in their area, compared with 80 per cent in 2003. 78% said they felt they belonged strongly to their neighbourhood.

Crime statistics were also an improvement on last year's figures, with two thirds of people saying that they were not worried about being a victim of crime in their area.

Nick Hurd, minister for civil society, praised the findings, saying: ‘We all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit, so it’s vital that we keep up the pace of reform and make it easier for more people to take part.’

This is welcome news in the wake of the expenses scandal, and 36% of people now think that Parliament can be trusted. This is up from 29% in 2009/10 following revelations over the MP’s expenses scandal.

Find out more about how ESF is supporting the Big Society.

The Government’s annual Citizenship Survey has shown that the amount of volunteers in the UK is at its lowest since 2001. [Insert read more]
Only 39% of people volunteered last year, according to the survey of 15,000 adults published by the Department for Communities and Local Government. This is something of a blow to Prime Minister David Cameron's Big Society agenda, but the survey did show improvements in feelings of “community" in the areas studied. 86% of those surveyed thought people from different backgrounds got on well together in their area, compared with 80 per cent in 2003. 78% said they felt they belonged strongly to their neighbourhood.
Crime statistics were also an improvement on last year's figures, with two thirds of people saying that they were not worried about being a victim of crime in their area.
Nick Hurd, minister for civil society, praised the findings, saying: ‘We all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit, so it’s vital that we keep up the pace of reform and make it easier for more people to take part.’
This is welcome news in the wake of the expenses scandal, and 36% of people now think that Parliament can be trusted. This is up from 29% in 2009/10 following revelations over the MP’s expenses scandal.
Find out more about how ESF is supporting the Big Society. http://www.esf-works.com/themes/big-society/big-society