European Social Fund (ESF)

The European Social Fund (ESF) was set up to improve employment opportunities in the EU, and it aims to help people fulfill their potential by giving them better skills and better jobs prospects.

London has been awarded an allocation of £420 million as part of the England and Gibraltar ESF 2007–2013 Programme. The ESF programme will contribute to sustainable economic growth and social inclusion by extending employment opportunities and by developing a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Regional Framework

A Regional Framework has been produced for London which sets out how the region will address the national priorities and puts the London programme in its regional context.

London governance arrangements

Following the review of Greater London Authority (GLA) powers in July 2006, the management of European Structural Funds was transferred to the Mayor of London, who has devolved the administration of the programmes to the London Development Agency (LDA).

While the Mayor provides strategic direction, the LDA is responsible for monitoring the programme (separately from its function as a co-financing organisation) and has established a European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU) to carry out this function.

For ESF, the EPMU works in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The DWP has the overall responsibility for ensuring the Regional Frameworks meet the priorities and targets as set within the National Operational Programme (OP). The development and management of London's ESF Regional Framework is carried out by the LDA.

All Co-financing Organisations (CFOs) activity is monitored and approved regionally through the Regional Committee, chaired by the Mayor, to ensure it meets the needs of the region as set out in the ESF Regional Framework.

 The LDA has two distinct roles in relation to ESF:

• LDA European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU) - responsible for administering ESF funds in London
• LDA Co-financing Organisation (CFO) - responsible for the distribution of ESF funds at a regional level (co-financed with their own domestic funding) and arrange contracts with organisations that deliver ESF projects on the ground. 

You can email us if you would like more information on the programme and/or to receive the ESF/ERDF quarterly newsletter and updates.