The European Social Fund is the strand of European funding that supports people into jobs and provides better employment prospects for those already in work through training and support.

The European Socal Fund (ESF) is allocated to areas every 7 years.  The current 7-year period is drawing to a close and when projects end ESF is likely to be replaced by a new fund called the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  The total amount of ESF allocated to the Greater Lincolnshire LEP area to cover the 2014-2020 period was £47.5m.  

The majority of the Greater Lincolnshire ESF programme was allocated to national opt in partners DWP,  Big Lottery Fund and ESFA  to procure and manage on the LEP's behalf and provide match funding.  Locally we were able to design and shape the projects and delivery.    Live projects are listed below.  

Active European Social Fund (ESF) programmes are:

Skills Support to People in the Workforce and At Risk of Redundancy: for people aged 16 and above who are employed, furloughed, or at risk of redundancy.  If you run a business you can contact this scheme to get free training for your staff.  To find out if you are eligible for the free training call 0300 330 1520 or email sswadmin@hcuktraining.co.uk 

Skills Support to People who are Unemployed:  supports people who are seeking jobs to gain skills and qualifications. To find out if you are eligible for this free training call Andrew Sale - 07425629929 or Email - Lincolnshire.skills@peopleplus.co.uk 

CareerNet: Support for Individuals who are NEET or at risk of NEET: supports young people aged 15-24 to overcome barriers in finding work. Delivered by Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) https://cliplearning.com/career-net/

Greater Lincolnshire LEP ESF Employment and Skills Grant Programme (Community Grants): provides small grants to local organisations and charities to help them support the people they work with to overcome barriers to work

Building Better Opportunities Programme (Moving on, Volunteering MOVE, and Steps Forward):  Providing individuals with support to overcome hurdles and move into education, training, or employment. Delivered by a network of over 25 local organisations including Bishop Grosseteste University, Children's Links, CLIP Learning, Grantham College, Lincolnshire CVS, Ongo Communities and Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire (VANEL).  Further details

Bids received as a result of a local direct call for projects to support people furthest away from the labour maket are currently being appraised.  Further details will appear on this page.  

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