Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2007 - 2013
Current
- The current programme runs from 2007 - 2013
- The 1st call has closed and 76 projects are approved
- The 2nd call is due in 2010 and will run for the final 3 years of the programme
For all the latest news and information please see our e-zine
Northern Ireland European Social Fund (ESF) Programme 2007-2013
The overall strategic aim of the Northern Ireland European Social Fund (ESF) Programme 2007–2013 is to reduce economic inactivity and increase workforce skills. The ESF Programme will contribute to employment policies to make progress towards increasing the overall employment rate and reducing inactivity in Northern Ireland (subject to economic conditions) by extending employment opportunities in particular for those groups at a disadvantage in the labour market. It will also contribute to skills policies to increase productivity, enterprise and competitiveness by raising the skills levels of the workforce through lifelong learning and ensure the right workforce skills for future employment opportunities.
Priorities
The Programme’s objectives will be realised by two inter-related Priorities: Priority 1: Helping people into sustainable employment; and Priority 2: Improving workforce skills.
Priority 1 will increase employment and reduce unemployment and inactivity by improving the employability of those groups experiencing significant employment gaps such as people with disabilities and health conditions, lone parents and other disadvantaged parents, older workers, young people not in education, employment or training, women and people with no or low qualifications, and other disadvantaged groups, including people experiencing multiple disadvantage. Priority 2 will develop a skilled and adaptable workforce by improving the qualifications and skills of workers without essential (basic) skills and low or no qualifications.
The Programme’s cross cutting themes are gender equality and equal opportunities and promoting sustainable development, including the creation of sustainable communities. Innovative and trans-national and inter-regional activities will be promoted under the programme. Technical Assistance funds will be available to finance the specific responsibilities associated with the management and implementation of the programme.
Funding
Northern Ireland has available an allocation of €166 million of ESF to fund the Programme.
Application Process and Guidance
Application and programme details including further information on European Social Fund eligibility, programme management requirements and guidance for applicants can be found here.
Northern Ireland EU Competitiveness and Employment Programmes (2007-2013) Consultation Document
The Secretary of State launched a public consultation on the EU Structural Funds Northern Ireland Draft Competitiveness & Employment Programmes 2007 to 2013. This consultation sought views on two inter-related draft programmes, particularly, the proposed strategy, priorities and expenditure areas to be funded. The consultation closed on 14th March 2007.