Further Information : Horizontal Themes
All activity funded by the 2007-2013 Structural Funds Programmes has to address the three horizontal or cross-cutting themes.
The three horizontal themes are:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Equal Opportunities
- Social Inclusion
These three elements form the key elements of a Sustainable Development approach.
Mainstreaming the Horizontal Themes
ESEP's approach to mainstreaming the horizontal themes is to make these integral to the Programmes and to all supported projects. It does not treat these themes as discrete or separable strands of an economic development programme. Rather, the approach is designed so that all the key policy priorities of economic development, environmental sustainability, equal opportunities, and social inclusion are fully incorporated in project design and delivery where they act in a mutually reinforcing manner.
The concept of mainstreaming is one which we both advocate and practice in the Scottish Programmes. Mainstreaming, if it is to be properly understood and applied, requires that the policy objectives of the Horizontal Themes be embedded in design, appraisal and implementation through to the monitoring of activity and subsequent evaluation of the outcomes and delivery mechanisms. In effect, the process and means of achieving the desired outcomes is as important as the desired outcomes themselves. What we are seeking to achieve is positive change in attitude and approach to the Horizontal Themes, not only in respect of Structural Fund supported actions but across the spectrum of activities and services provided by applicant organisations.
The overarching approach employed by ESEP with key oversight and direction undertaken by the Key Policies Group has been instrumental in bringing about a significant measure of behavioural change in integrating sustainable development and equal opportunities across the spectrum of economic development and urban and rural regeneration. In the 2007-13 Programmes, practical measures to embed Sustainable Development will ensure that:-
- Horizontal themes continue to form part of project selection criteria and project monitoring;
- Programme Monitoring Committee/Advisory Group have members with expertise and experience of horizontal themes issues;
- Horizontal themes awareness raising takes place for Advisory Group and Programme Monitoring Committee members, and project sponsors;
- There is a continued focus on identifying and sharing good practice examples of activity and mainstreaming approaches in projects
Every project sponsor must describe and demonstrate how the project will positively address economic development and regeneration, environmental sustainability, equal opportunities and social inclusion. This is backed up by support, guidance, and ongoing monitoring and feedback.
