ESF Regional Framework 2007 to 2010

Each English region is responsible for writing its own Regional European Social Fund (ESF) framework.

In London the drafting of the Regional Framework has been led by the London Development Agency (LDA) with strategic direction from the Mayor.

The London European Social Fund (ESF) Regional Framework covers the period 2007-2010 and has been approved by the Mayor and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), the managing authority for the England and Gilbralter ESF programme.

Priorities

London's Regional Framework will focus on the following priorities and measures:

• Priority 1- Extending Employment Opportunities
• 1.1 improving the employability and skills of the unemployed and economically inactive people
• 1.2 Employment and skills activities targeted at young people who are not in Education, employment or Training (NEET) or at risk of becoming NEET
• 1.3 Community Grants programme for those groups further from the labour market
• Priority 2 - Creating a skills and adaptable workforce
• 2.1 Increasing the number of employess with improved basic skills levels, Including English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) needs
• 2.2 Increasing the number of employees within improved level 2 skills
• 2.3 increasing the number of employees within improved level 3 to 4 skills

Framework aims

The Framework outlines the broad indicative activities that will address the priorities set nationally in the ESF National Operational Programme and puts the London programme in its regional context.

The Framework sets out the strategic direction of the ESF programme, the budget splits and the overall level of outputs that should be achieved by the London programme.

It identifies four London co-financing organisations. These are: Learning and Skills Councils, London Councils, Department for Work and Pensions / Jobcentre Plus and London Development Agency.

Consultation

The development of the London ESF Framework has been carried out through dialogue and consultation with stakeholders and has also drawn from existing or soon to be published strategies, such as the Mayor's London Skills and Employment Strategy (this can be found on the London Skills and Employment Board website).

The LDA, on behalf of the Mayor, held a stakeholder consultation on the London Regional Framework during summer 2007. A consultation report has been produced taking into account the important feedback that was received through the ESF Regional Framework consultation and can be viewed below.