ESFVON
European Structrial Funds Voluntary Organisations Northern
ESF OBJECTIVE 3
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CURRENT CO-FINANCING OPPORTUNITY IN
COUNTY DURHAM
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An invitation to tender to deliver activity in line with 3 project
specifications has been published by County Durham Learning and Skills
Council. The deadline for submission of applications is 12.00 midday 21st
March 2006.
Period of delivery: between 13th Feb 2006 and March 31st 2008.
Specification 1 (Measure 2.3)
To research into discrimination across unemployed sub-targeted excluded
groups (people with disabilities, homeless, ethnic minorities, etc - for
complete list see Prospectus. Young people with special educational needs
prioritised). Aim is to identify barriers to work and education along with
remedial actions, particularly regarding young people with special
educational needs. 'Advocacy coaching' in respect of employers is indicated.
Target outcomes:
Researched findings indicating discrimination and barriers experienced by
young people with special educational needs; dissemination and provision of
exemplary practice and follow on actions; engagement of employers.
Area of delivery: across whole sub-region.
Resource: £31,601
Specification 2 (Measure 4.1)
To update and upgrade Employees' vocational skills (including basic skills)
Target activity: as many of the following as possible, particularly in
respect of micro firms - AIG support to employers (qualifications, methods
of delivery); support for company training plans, IIP, employee development
programmes, APL; in house short course basic and vocational skills
provision; alternative training where there is a threat of redundancy;
delivery of in house ICT; supported for related regional initiatives.
Outcomes (to include all of following): 500 beneficiaries, 50% female, all
working to nationally recognised Skills for Life Test (250 achieving), 273
achieving nationally recognised qualification (250 gaining level 1 or
equivalent); 100 companies; 23 trainers trained.
Eligibility: employed people across County Durham SMEs, especially those
affected by industrial change or threatened with redundancy. Objective 2
sector areas excluded: chemicals, digital multi-media, food and drink,
offshore/high value added engineering, tourism/culture, bioscience,
nanotechnology. Employers expected to make 'in-kind' contribution towards
eligible costs.
Resource: £240,000
Additional information: network/partnership or consortia may be best placed
to bid. Durham LSC cites relevant pilot activity and current initiatives and
materials in the Bidding Prospectus that the project would be expected to
complement or 'roll out'.
Specification 3 (Measure 4.3)
Training provided to support owners/managers of businesses.
Target activity: support for SMEs to innovate and expand (especially in
rural communities); actions promoting enterprise among young people, FE/HE
students; actions to support self-employment; actions to support management
development, innovation or growth; support for regional initiatives on
skills and productivity; research into new forms of work organisation;
actions to support closer active links with education and training
institutions; capacity building for social partners in respect of work
organisation and training.
Outcomes: 177 beneficiaries, 88 female; 100 working towards qualification,
12 NVQ level 2, 24 NVQ level 3; 177 positive outcomes (such as self
employment, further training).
Eligibility: across County Durham SMEs,. Objective 2 sector areas excluded:
chemicals, digital multi-media, food and drink, offshore/high value added
engineering, tourism/culture, bioscience, nanotechnology. Employers expected
to make 'in-kind' contribution towards eligible costs
Resource: £519,156
Additional information: network/partnership or consortia may be best placed
to bid; cross sectoral delivery is anticipated. Durham LSC cites relevant
current strategy, together with current and potential partnership, that the
project would be expected to complement or develop.
Relevant documentation, including full tender specification, Bidding
Guidance, and Application Form is available from County Durham LSC and may be
downloaded from the following:
http://www.lsc.gov.uk/countydurham/Documents/SubjectListing/FundingLearning/esf200406.htm
-then click under Bidding Rounds for 'Prospectus' and 'Guidance'
An application pack is also available directly from County Durham LSC, by
ringing the numbers indicated below.
Strategic note: Durham LSC is seeking to fund a County wide projects,
therefore prospective 'part' delivers of the above should anticipate
aligning with a significant partnership of consortia. For further
information about networking into a partnership or consortia contact
ESFVON's Brokerage Service on 0191 2749886
For further information contact County Durham LSC by telephoning: Iain Wishart
on 0191 3762381 (e-mail Iain.wishart@lsc.gov.uk) or Susan Wilkinson on 0191
on 0191 3762385 (e mail Susan.Wilkinson@lsc.gov.uk), or alternatively ring
ESFVON.