2007-2013 Programmes : ESF Programme
The European Social Fund (ESF) aims to address social inequalities within and across regions by improving the general performance of the labour market, in particular in relation to marginalized groups.
Please note that at present there are no plans for any further open calls for new funding applications for the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland 2007-2013 ERDF and ESF Programmes with the exception of Priority 3 ERDF.
The Programme Monitoring Committee will consider options to maximise the use of remaining funds and any under-spends at a future meeting. When utilised, it is envisaged that funds will be further targeted to add value to Scottish Government policy priorities, and the Managing Authority will liaise with key stakeholder organisations to commission eligible projects.
Priority 5 - Strategic Skills Pipeline
The remainder of unallocated funds from ESF Priorities 1, 2 and 3 has been transferred into a new Priority 5, the main focus of which is to link needs and opportunities at a local level through local strategic skills pipelines. Further information can be found on ESF Priority 5 page of this website.
Programme Commitment
The ESF Programme operates through three sets of Objectives to address market failures in the following areas. Below is a list of the Priorities with the total funding allocations and committed funds to date for each (updated June 2011):
| Priority | |
Total Allocation | Committed Funds | % of Grant Committed |
| ESF Priority 1 - Progressing Into Employment |
|
£114,932,871 | £108,369,760 |
94.29% |
| ESF Priority 2 - Progressing Through Employment |
£53,918,826 |
£49,709,495 |
92.19% | |
| ESF Priority 3 - Improving Access to Lifelong Learning |
£12,135,928 | £10,842,633 | 89.34% | |
|
ESF Priority5 - Strategic Skills Pipeline
|
£56,110,930
|
£63,410,131 |
113.00% |
Please note that funding allocation values are based on recent exchange rates against the Euro (currently £0.90 = €1) and as a result are subject to change throughout the lifetime of the Programme. In addition, please note that the remainder of ESF grant in Priorities 1, 2 and 3 has been transferred into Priority 5 – Strategic Skills Pipeline
The following sections detail the specific policy objectives under each of the Priorities.
