Guidance

European Social Fund 2014 to 2020 programme: case study booklet 2022

Updated 28 November 2023

Introduction

The European Social Fund (ESF) programme in England contributes to local growth by increasing labour market participation, promoting social inclusion and developing the skills of the potential and existing workforce. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the Managing Authority for the programme.

Since March 2015 the current ESF programme has been supporting projects across the country. At 1 December 2022, £2.9 billion of EU funding had been allocated, this represents over 97% of our total allocation.

To 1 December 2022 the 2014-2020 programme has helped around 1.9 million people. Of these over 244,000 who upon starting ESF declared they were either inactive or job searching, had gained employment at the time they left ESF support; and over 172,000 people were in education or training upon leaving. ESF projects can run up to late 2023.

As part of the Government’s overall growth activity, ESF is delivered with a range of partners, including other Government Departments and bodies across public, private and third sectors. EU funds require national co-financing (known as ‘match’ funding’) from either public or private sources. ESF in England works with four national Co-Financing Organisations (CFOs) which help commit, spend and manage some of the funds available and these are:

• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

• Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)

• His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)

• The National Lottery Community Fund, through their Building Better Opportunities programme

As well as the CFO funding arrangements above, there are some local CFOs and organisations that have bid directly for funding, sourcing their own match funding for a project.

Take a look below at some local ESF projects across England that are helping people improve their employability, gain new skills, move towards and into work, or provide other positive outcomes, such as returning to training or education.

Project delivery changed significantly in response to COVID-19 restrictions, and this is reflected within some of the project case studies. Since social distancing measures have been removed, projects are transitioning into new business as usual arrangements, in many cases integrating measures introduced during COVID-19 that have added value.

You can also find out more by accessing the full list of projects funded through the England ESF programme and information on ESF Co-financing Organisations.

East and South East Region

Buckinghamshire

Skills up Bucks

Skill Up Bucks is an employability programme creating opportunities for people aged 17 or over. The project aligns schools, colleges and local employers to provide work experience opportunities for anyone living in the county, developing both the available skills pool for local employers and opportunities for young people. Activities include employer visits, recruitment events, mentoring and work experience.

Skill Up Bucks is delivered by careers charity Adviza and delivery partners.

Read more about Skill Up Bucks

Coast to Capital

Routes

The Routes project supports people across Brighton and Hove and West Sussex who are not engaging with mainstream provision by engaging them at the community level. This includes people who have difficulty accessing employment and training provision, who lack literacy, numeracy, and other basic skills, those without transport to access mainstream provision, and people who prefer community provision for personal or cultural reasons.

Co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the project offers practical support to help unlock each person’s potential to learn new skills and build confidence and ambition to realise their goals.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 364 participants. On leaving 194 have gone into employment, training, or education.

ESF Community Grants

London Learning Consortium act as a managing agent and to make ESF Community Grants available in the form of small grants (up to £20,000) to third sector and other small organisations, for the purpose of mobilising disadvantaged or excluded unemployed and inactive people to enable their progress towards employment.

Working with the voluntary and community sector, the programme supports people with multiple and complex barriers to participation to address these underlying issues and to move them closer to or into the labour market.

The project is delivered in the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership area by London Learning Consortium Partnership and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 297 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about London Learning Consortium Community Grants

Making a Difference

The Making a Difference project supports unemployed and economically inactive people aged over 18 into employment. Qualified Employment Coaches provide one-to-one coaching on job search skills, CV guidance and creation and interview skills, including mock interviews, which help build confidence and self-esteem.

Employer Engagement Managers work closely with local businesses to offer employer-led opportunities such as careers information sessions, volunteering or work placement opportunities and job fairs.

The project is delivered by the Education Development Trust. To 30 September 2022 it had worked with 2438 participants; and on leaving, 799 people had started work and 47 had gained a qualification

Read more about Making a Difference (in the South East, Leeds City Region, and the North East)

Enterprise M3

Inspiring Enterprise

Inspiring Enterprise helps unemployed people develop the skills and confidence to build social enterprises. To ensure the organisations are effective and sustainable, the project offers taster sessions, individual advice, small group workshop sessions, training days, meet-up clubs, helpful guides and much more.

Participants get mentoring to develop their ideas and business plans, as well as insight and inspiration from ‘meet the boss’ sessions.

The project is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 364 participants. On leaving 194 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Inspiring Enterprise

Skills, Training and Engagement Programme (STEP)

The Skills, Training and Engagement Programme (STEP) project delivers intensive and targeted support for 15–24-year-old young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) or at risk of becoming NEET.

The project has been delivered through a Local Authority partnership since 2016 and will run until March 2023. STEP has supported disadvantaged young people to reach positive destinations, including apprenticeships with IBM. The project encourages those with low levels of basic skills to upskill and can support them to achieve accredited qualifications via their partnerships with providers of adult education.

The project is delivered in the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership area by Hampshire County Council and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 439 participants. On completion 115 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

View a film about the ESF STEP Programme - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4hfp7d8Gpw

Links to Work

Links to Work helped unemployed people to overcome the individual barriers they faced and feel confident about looking for work and getting back into employment.

Delivered by Fedcap in the Enterprise M3 area, this project assisted participants to navigate the job market and work out which skills were transferable. Dedicated Advisers supported with CV building, job applications and signposting to workshops which built confidence to find a new career.

Fedcap delivered Work and Health Programme (WHP) and Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) in the South East. WHP was designed to improve employment outcomes for people with health conditions or disabilities, the long-term unemployed and specified disadvantaged groups. JETS offered support for up to six months for people who had been out of work and in receipt of benefits for at least 13 weeks. These projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions

To 30 September 2022, these projects worked with 266 participants. On leaving, 14 gained a basic skills qualification and 52 started work.

Read more about Links to Work – Fedcap - EM3

Read more about Fedcap - Work and Health Programme

Read more about Fedcap - Job Entry Targeted Support

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Community Connections (South)

The Community Connections South project offers flexible support, tailored specifically to meet individual needs.

Delivered by Papworth Trust and a number of local partners the project is focussed on changing lives and communities for the better in the whole of south Cambridgeshire, Cambridge, Cambourne, Huntingdon, St Neots and Ely, along with Newmarket, Haverhill, and Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk.

The project is aimed at those who are socially isolated, who are actively encouraged to engage in community events, community learning and take on volunteering roles to help them develop their confidence, self-esteem, skills, feel more connected to where they live and gain experience.

The project is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and to 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1168 participants. On leaving 581 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Community Connections (South)

Digital Skills Course

The digital skills course in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough run by Ixion Holdings provides skills support to unemployed individuals on benefits who are looking for work but face a skills barrier to entering the labour market.

Eligible learners aged 19 or over, must be unemployed, in receipt of state benefits, looking for work, and require skills training to help them enter work. This provision targets the unemployed to focus on creating pathways to employment with specific target groups being identified as needing additional support: lone parents, 50+ (Fuller Working Lives), women returners, care leavers, autism and learning disability – supported employment, informal carers, and those with mental health needs.

The project is delivered in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 2209 participants. On leaving 500 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about the ESF digital skills course in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Work Routes

Work Routes provided the unemployed and disadvantaged in the labour market with the skills and support to move into sustainable work and to remain in employment. The project, delivered by Reed in Partnership and co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions offered individuals targeted help and support to address any barriers to work they faced.

A range of specialist advice was available including skills training, health and wellbeing advice and help finding and applying for suitable vacancies. Work Routes provided basic qualifications such as Customer Service, Food Hygiene, and Health and Safety. It worked in conjunction with employers, to devise pathways to employment, upskilling and support during employment.

To 30 September 2022, the project worked with 6,264 participants. On leaving 103 gained basic skills qualification and 1,592 started work.

Read more about Work Routes

Hertfordshire

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Hertfordshire to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy.

The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. It has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Hertfordshire by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 3468 participants. On leaving 856 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Hertfordshire

Work Routes

Work Routes was delivered in areas of Hertfordshire by Reed in Partnership, helping people who were unemployed and disadvantaged in the labour market to find and enter sustainable employment. Through its Work Coaches the project provided personalised support, which included CV writing, job applications, interview practice or training in skills, such as IT or Customer Services. It also worked closely with employers and offered ongoing support for up to six months once people were in work, which included help with some work-related costs.

Seetec Pluss also delivered the ESF match funded Work and Health Programme (WHP) in Hertfordshire. WHP was designed to improve employment outcomes for people with health conditions or disabilities, the long-term unemployed and specified disadvantaged groups.

The projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, the projects worked with 3,299 participants. On leaving 34 have gained a basic skills qualification and 817 started work.

Read more about Work Routes

Read more about Seetec Pluss Work and Health Programme

New Anglia

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme supports businesses in upskilling their employees, and individuals at risk of redundancy or up to 3 months from them being made redundant. Steadfast Training is the prime contractor and works with up to 11 other supply chain partners.

Training includes bespoke non-accredited provision, full level 2 diplomas and up to 15 credits in Levels 3, 4 and 5 in sectors such as Construction, Logistics and Transport, IT, Finance, Visitor Economy, Agriculture, Food and Drink, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Culture, Creative Industries.

Outcomes focus on career progressions within the workplace, advancements into further education or Apprenticeships and into work for individuals who have gone through redundancy.

The project is delivered in areas of New Anglia by Steadfast Training Limited and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1842 participants. On completion 570 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in New Anglia

Oxfordshire

Young Kings

Young Kings, is a one-to-one specialist intervention for young men in the prison estate in the South East serving sentences for violent and or gang-related offences. The programme incorporates a range of personal development and life skills sessions that translate into practical actions, supporting the navigation of social situations and life events.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

Solent

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Solent to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy.

The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership area by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 514 participants. On completion 152 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Solent

South East

The CFO Activity Hub

The CFO Activity Hub is delivered in Hastings by Seetec. Since opening in June 2021, and up to September 2022 the CFO Activity Hub has worked with 110 people, of which 77% (85 people) were unemployed for at least a year before enrolling.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

London

CFO3

Across London, up to 30 September 2022 the CFO3 programme has worked with 5872 people, of which 77% (4504) people were homeless or in temporary accommodation.

CFO3 work with participants to address several barriers including disclosure support, goal setting, training in building crafts and tiling, job searching and interview skills, debt relief and support with opening a bank account. The CFO3 provider, Shaw Trust work on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that individuals are fully prepared for the labour market, including meeting with potential employers so that participants have a chance to ask any questions pre-interview.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

London Employment Support for Troubled Families

Co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, London Employment Support for Troubled Families was delivered through a network of Providers across London. Inspiring Families in North and East by Serco, Welfare to Work in Central and West by G4S, and Work Routes in South by Reed in Partnership.

The programme offered bespoke support to participants who were unemployed or inactive and from troubled families who experienced problems including poor school attainment, crime and domestic violence, to assist them in overcoming multiple barriers that prevented them from entering sustained employment.

Through a whole family approach and working closely with services who may already have been working with the family, such as local authorities; a flexible and personalised package of support for the individual participant(s) enhanced engagement and work readiness activity, to support them into sustainable employment.

To 30 September 2022, the Providers worked with 25,041 participants. On leaving 1,004 went into education or training and 7,556 started work.

Read more about Inspiring Families - Serco

London Employment Support for Older Workers

Co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, London Employment Support for Older Workers was delivered through a network of Providers across London. Pinnacle People in South, Welfare to Work in Central by G4S, and Work Routes by Reed in North and East, and also West.

The programme provided bespoke support to participants who were unemployed or inactive and aged 40+ to assist them in overcoming barriers that were preventing them from entering and sustaining employment. Through flexible and personalised packages of support, it enhanced engagement and work readiness activity for disadvantaged older people who faced multiple barriers to work.

To 30 September 2022, the Providers worked with 16,512 participants. On leaving 202 gained a basic skills qualification and 3,809 started work.

Read more about South London Adult Employment Programme - Pinnacle People

Head 2Work

The Head 2Work project, led by Rinova, has helped young people aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment, or training into jobs across a range of sectors. The project support available includes practical training and job search skills.

Young people also explore issues they feel passionate about, whilst learning new skills and recognising and building on their strengths through a social action project element, which is supported by Business Mentors.

The project is funded through the Greater London Authority-CFO ESF Programme. Up to 30 September 2022, Head 2Work has helped 159 young people. The project ends in June 2023.

Building Employment through Skills Training in West London

The Building Employment through Skills Training in West London (BEST West London) programme delivers an integrated, holistic, and person-centred package of engagement, vocational training, and job search support to unemployed and economically inactive residents.

The project improves the employment prospects of participants through skills training, the provision of comprehensive information, advice and guidance and relevant vocational, employability and basic skills support. This is complemented by work experience, volunteering and work taster opportunities, plus appropriate support to rapidly enter employment.

Support is also available to address issues such as personal debt, budgeting, in-work benefits and demonstrating that work “pays” better than benefits. The project is delivered by MARTINEX LTD, trading as Burleigh College. Up to 30 September 2022 it has helped 181 people, 29 of which have gained employment.

Read more about the BEST West London project.

The Skills Centre’s Pre-Employment Programme

The Skills Centre’s Pre-employment Programme ‘Greening London Construction’ helps individuals from across London access construction training and sustainable job opportunities in their local area.

Through close collaboration with employers, courses are built to provide essential practical and classroom-based skills needed on local sites, giving candidates the best chance of securing sustainable employment following the programme.

Additionally, all learners receive sustainability and environmental awareness training, building a construction workforce ready to help solve current and future environmental challenges.

Up to 30 September 2022 the project has supported over 800 learners, 114 of which have gained employment.

Read more about the Greening London Construction Pre-employment Programme

Employment Plus

The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus programme provides a package of personalised support to individuals affected by homelessness in London, to help them overcome the barriers to accessing London’s labour market.  A dedicated Employment Development Coordinator (EDC) works holistically to create a bespoke training plan; supporting individuals to reach their goals towards training, education and work. This support continues once work is gained.

The project is delivered across all London boroughs, where the EDC meets with participants at a variety of locations: Salvation Army Churches and Life-Houses, Jobcentre Plus sites, libraries, community centres, other homeless support organisation sites and cafes.

The project is funded through the Mayor’s European Social Fund (ESF) 2019-2023 Programme.

To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 273 participants and 53 of those have gone into work.

Read more about the Employment Plus programme

West London Boroughs’ Employment Support Services

The West London Boroughs’ Employment Support Services project is designed to support West London residents gain well paid, sustainable employment. Launched in January 2022, the programme provides specialist support for the long term unemployed, inactive, and short term unemployed who face additional barriers to employment.

The project’s delivery partners are the London Boroughs of: Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, and Hounslow.

To 30 September 2022 there have been 795 starts on the programme, 107 job starts, and particular success with participants who have disabilities, have no basic skills, or who are lone parents.

Read more about the West London Boroughs’ Employment Support Services project.

Midlands

East Midlands wide

CFO3

The HMPPS CFO3 programme in the East Midlands delivers a fundamental ‘through the gate’ service to offenders in custody, leading them to the community and moving them closer to the labour market. The focus is on those offenders who have difficulty accessing the mainstream services currently available.

Up to September 2022, the CFO3 programme in the East Midlands has worked with 3705 people, of which, 62% (2288) identified as homeless or in temporary accommodation and 55% (2037) were considered long-term unemployed.

The CFO3 activity in the East Midlands is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

Black Country

Small change, big difference

The Small change, big difference project offers support to individuals who are struggling to find a career path in either the latter stages of school, or who have left school but not progressed into further education, employment or training. It does this by working with the individual to find out what they really like to do.

The project supports young people to identify their strengths and weaknesses, build their confidence and help them formulate a career plan that sets them on a track to progress to the world of employment. It teaches employability skills, how to complete job applications and provides practical experience via traineeships or work experience.

The project is delivered in areas of the Black Country by Workpays Limited and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 827 participants. On completion 389 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about Workpays - Small change, big difference!

Coventry and Warwickshire

Accelerate

Accelerate delivers holistic support for people who are unemployed or economically inactive within Coventry and Warwickshire to gain or move towards employment and or education and training. The project is delivered by a wide-ranging partnership and activities offered include skills enhancement, enterprise support, work experience, confidence building and mental wellbeing.

The 14 strong partnership is coordinated via Opportunity Connector and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund; and includes partners offering specialist support to people with disabilities, those from ethnic minorities and the over 50’s. Participants are supported through their journey by Journey guides that ensure individuals receive support tailored to their needs and circumstances.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 2047 participants. On leaving 574 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Accelerate

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Unlocking Potential

Unlocking Potential (Hub) is a 3 year project, led by Futures in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, East Midlands Chamber, The Prince’s Trust and Workpays, with Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership as key stakeholders.

Unlocking Potential (Hub) is engaging employers to connect with young people, their parents and schools to increase their knowledge of the local labour market. The project aims to support employers to understand the benefits of engaging young people before they enter the labour market about careers in their industries. It also gives teachers knowledge of industry to contextualise their subject teaching with the world of work and seeks to widen the horizons of young people, connecting them to local business and the opportunities available to them.

The Unlocking Potential (Hub) is part of a wider project of collaboration between Futures and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, providing one place for people across the area to access information and resources around careers exploration and opportunities. To 30 November 2022 the project has supported 84 Small and Medium Enterprises to engage 4,338 participants.

Read more about Futures and the Unlocking Potential (Hub) project.

Greater Birmingham and Solihull

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Greater Birmingham and Solihull to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy.

The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered across the area by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 3019 participants. On completion 920 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Greater Birmingham and Solihull

STEM-UP

STEM-UP delivers a balanced programme of free training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects to local employed, unemployed, underemployed, and current students, resident in the More Developed region of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

This training helps grow knowledge and develop skills required to secure careers in key business sectors, as well as progress in current careers.

The project offers classes, courses, workshops, and webinars from Level 2 to Level 6 in Digital, Creative Media, Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction, Sustainability, STEAM Thinking, Sciences, Business and Management, and Interpersonal Skills subjects. Outcomes include significantly enhancing the local talent pool by delivering a minimum of 1,647 tailored skills interventions, with results supporting improved level qualifications and improved labour market status.

The project is delivered by Birmingham City University, in partnership with Aston University and Solihull College and University Centre. To 30 November 2022, the project has worked with 1,513 participants, with preliminary reporting indicating that 183 have gained a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification upon leaving

Read more about STEM-UP

Higher Level Skills Match Extension

The Higher-Level Skills Match Extension (HLSME) project, which is part-funded by the European Social Fund, is a continuation of the award winning HLSM project working in partnership with Birmingham City University, Aston University, Newman University, Tamworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council.

HLSM was introduced to support business growth for small and medium businesses (SMEs) in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area. Following a successful first phase, delivered from 2017 to 2019, the project was awarded extension funding for a second phase which has been delivering since January 2020.

Businesses are assigned an Account Manager from one of the three partner Universities to identify their skills gap and provide access to higher level skills via local student and graduate talent. Currently (December 2022), the project is supporting 277 SMEs with the aim to support a total of 404 SMEs by the end of the project.

Read more about the Higher Level Skills Match project.

Greater Lincolnshire

Employment and Skills ESF Grant Programme

The Greater Lincolnshire Employment and Skills ESF Grant Programme is available to third sector and other small organisations who meet the eligibility criteria. The project supports people who are long-term unemployed (although any length of unemployment is permitted) or who are distant from the labour market and face multiple disadvantages and profound barriers to work. The project helps participants to move towards or into employment or into learning. Grants are available up to a maximum of £20,000 per project.

The project is delivered in the Greater Lincolnshire area by Bishops Grossetestes University and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 431 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about the Greater Lincolnshire Employment and Skills ESF Grant Programme

Leicester and Leicestershire

Youth Employability Support (YES)

The YES Project supports young adults, aged 15 – 24, who live in Leicester or Leicestershire and are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

The project works with young people who are the furthest removed from the labour market and who face barriers to finding work; including issues with their mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, previous offences, or who may have cultural and language barriers.

Support available to these individuals, includes one-to-one support with their employability skills, such as CV writing or job searching, workplace tours, group employability, skills workshops, and work placements.

The project is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 821 participants. On leaving 347 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about the YES PROJECT

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy.

The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. It works with a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Leicester and Leicestershire by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1321 participants. On completion 466 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Leicester and Leicestershire

Links to Work

Fedcap delivered Links to Work in Leicester and Leicestershire, a voluntary employability programme which helped people aged 25+ back into work. They worked with a wide range of participants to support them with their recruitment needs such as updating their CV, applying and searching for jobs, interview techniques and improving their confidence and motivation.

Participants had access to a dedicated personal consultant who worked with them to identify their strengths, skills and abilities, and identify any barriers they may have had to employment. They received a tailored support package to meet their needs and help improve their job prospects.

This programme was co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, the project worked with 6,044 participants. On leaving 99 gained a basic skills qualification and 2,008 started work.

Read more about Links to Work - Leicestershire

South East Midlands

Enterprising People

Enterprising People makes self-employment and social entrepreneurship achievable options for people who are unemployed or economically inactive. Those taking part are supported in developing, launching, and sustaining effective organisations.

Co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund the project supports residents in and around Kettering, Daventry, South Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, Luton, and Banbury.

To 30 September 2022 the project has worked with 604 participants. On leaving 349 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Enterprising People

ESF Community Grants

The ESF Community Grants programme offers funding between £10,000 - £20,000 to projects that help people increase their self-confidence and esteem, supporting inspiring projects that teach individuals key employability and work experience skills needed to shape their career.

Projects funded through Community Grants use tailored strategies and exist to empower individuals from the hardest to reach communities. For example, in Luton, the Society for the Advancement for Black Arts’ (SABA’s) project created an inspiring and exciting gaming initiative to support participants unleash their hidden creative talents and eliminate barriers to employment. Projects such as these help to increase employment rates amongst groups that can be disadvantaged in the labour market.

The project is delivered in areas of the South East Midlands by South East Midland Local Enterprise Limited and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 1196 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about ESF Community Grants in the South East Midlands

In to Work

In to Work was delivered by Maximus and their partners in the South East Midlands area through a network of delivery and outreach sites designed to secure employment and succeed at work. It was a voluntary programme for age 16+ who had long term difficulties finding work due to personal circumstances, situations, or a lack of required employability skills. The dedicated Work Advisors offered personalised, tailored support to tackle multiple barriers which prevented the unemployed from entering sustainable employment.

Pinnacle People delivered match-funded New Enterprise Allowance Phase 2 in this area. They offered mentoring support aimed at benefit claimants to start their own business or Universal Credit (full service) claimants who were already self-employed to develop and grow their business.

These projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, they worked with 2,068 participants. On leaving 21 gained a basic skills qualification and 595 started work.

Read more about Pinnacle People

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire

CFO3

The HMPPS CFO3 programme in the Stoke and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership area supports participants with soft skills, for example ID related issues, bank accounts, goal setting, motivational work, disclosure, CV writing, interview techniques, mock interviews, benefit and or debt advice, including referrals to specialist agencies.

The project funds training courses to improve participants employability. Up to September 2022, CFO3 have worked with 1936 people in this area, of which 61% (1183) did not complete schooling to the age of 16, and 59% (1147) identified as homeless or in temporary accommodation.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

CFO Activity Hub

The CFO Activity Hub is delivered in Stoke on-Trent. Since opening in June 2021, and up to 30 September 2022 the CFO Activity Hub has worked with 319 participants, of which 80% (255) were unemployed for at least a year before enrolling and 85% (270) live in a jobless household.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

The Marches

BBO Herefordshire

Building Better Opportunities Shropshire (BBO) supports people in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. Delivered by Landau, with a partnership of 16 local organisations and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the project aims to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity.

BBO support people through a diverse range of accredited and non-accredited training courses, one to one job coaching, work experience placements, employer brokerage, plus CV and applications writing to help people move into sustainable and competitive work.

To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 1409 participants. On leaving 424 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about BBO Herefordshire

ESF Community Grants

The ESF Community Grants project operates in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire. It is delivering a programme offering funding of between £5,000 to £20,000 to small and voluntary organisations to help unemployed people advance towards employment, education, and training.

Activities include:

• engagement activities such as visits to colleges to raise awareness and increase participant familiarity with more formal settings

• activities to improve confidence, motivation and social integration

• development of local groups and networks to support people to get a job or access learning, such as Job Clubs

• ‘soft’ skills development, such as assertiveness or motivation

• innovative approaches to attract under-represented groups into learning

The project is delivered in The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership area by Landau Limited and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 813 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about ESF-Community-Grants in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire

Work Routes

Work Routes helped people who were unemployed and disadvantaged in the labour market to find and enter sustainable employment. Through its Work Coaches the project provided personalised support, which included CV writing, job applications, interview practice or training in skills, such as IT or Customer Services. It also worked closely with employers and offered ongoing support for up to six months once people were in work, which also included help with some work-related costs.

The project was delivered in The Marches area (Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin) by Reed in Partnership and co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, it worked with 2,299 participants. On leaving 7 gained a basic skills qualification and 496 started work.

Read more about Work Routes – The Marches

Worcestershire

Into Work Worcester

Co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, BBO Worcester supports long term unemployed and economically inactive Worcestershire residents with complex needs.

These complex needs include homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues or a history of involvement within the criminal justice system. The project aims to help participants address and overcome these needs and enter the world of education, training, or employment.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1680 participants. On leaving 799 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about BBO Worcestershire

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Worcestershire to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy. The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs.

The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Worcestershire by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 2086 participants. On completion 662 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about the Skills Support for the Workforce programme in Worcestershire

North East

CFO3

The HMPPS CFO3 programme in the North East region delivers a fundamental ‘through the gate’ service to offenders in custody, leading them to community and moving them closer to the labour market.

Up to 30 September 2022 CFO3 worked with 4106 participants, of which 60% (2481) did not complete schooling to aged 16, and 57% (2336) participants are considered long-term unemployed.

This activity is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

Northern Rights A19

Northern Rights A19 project supports unemployed or inactive people across East Durham, the City of Sunderland, and South Tyneside to gain the skills and confidence they need to get into work, education, or training.

Participants are offered one-to-one impartial Information, Advice and Guidance by experienced Advisors who will identify any barriers and needs, find out about their job aspirations, and create an action plan to support them on their journey.

The project has designed and delivers a range of bespoke training, including confidence building, employability, basic IT skills as well as delivering qualifications in Maths and English. Participants can also access job search, job broking and supported referral services; and receive help with money matters, including benefits advice, in work benefit calculations and financial assistance.

To 30 September 2022, has worked with 2534 participants. 83 gained a qualification on leaving, and 736 people started work.

Read more information Northern Rights

Making a Difference

The Making a Difference project supports unemployed and economically inactive people aged over 18 into employment. Qualified Employment Coaches provide one-to-one coaching on job search skills, CV guidance and creation and interview skills, including mock interviews, which help build confidence and self-esteem.

Employer Engagement Managers work closely with local businesses to offer employer-led opportunities such as careers information sessions, volunteering or work placement opportunities and job fairs.

The project is delivered by the Education Development Trust. To 30 September 2022 it had worked with 837 participants; and on leaving, 228 people had started work and 19 had gained a qualification.

Read more about Making a Difference (in the North East, South East and Leeds City Region)

Durham

DurhamEnable

DurhamEnable is a Supported Employment service which is working with 900 County Durham residents with disabilities to move into or closer to work and provide ongoing support in work. Participants are either unemployed or inactive, aged 18 and over and have learning disabilities or difficulties, mental health issues or physical difficulties.

The project provides personalised support to help people develop the skills and confidence needed to apply for jobs and get into work. To 30 September 2022 the project has worked with 336 participants; and 40 people started work, in a range of occupations including customer services, IT (Information Technology) support services, administrative, education and engineering.

Read more about DurhamEnable

DurhamDirections

The DurhamDirections Programme supports young people aged 15-24 and is delivered under the brand name ‘DurhamWorks’. It consists of preventative and re-engagement elements. The preventative element is delivered in schools, colleges and sixth forms to young people identified as at risk of not making a successful transition into post-16 learning. The participants receive a combination of careers guidance, one-to-one mentoring support and the opportunity to participate in work related learning activities.

Young people supported through the re-engagement element are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and or unemployed. The participants receive transition support, the opportunity to obtain English and maths qualifications, and access to a range of provision to support their progression into education, employment, and training.

DurhamDirections is delivered by Durham County Council in conjunction with delivery partners and subcontractors. To 30 September 2022 the project has worked with 2730 participants; and on leaving 932 progressed into education, employment or training, of which 230 people started work.

Read more about DurhamDirections

Hull and East Yorkshire

Exploring Opportunities

Exploring Opportunities is an employment and social inclusion programme led by Humber Learning Consortium and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. It is delivered through a partnership of 14 Humber organisations including the 4 local authorities. The partnership works together to engage and support socially excluded people and help them progress into employment, enterprise or further learning.

The project aims to improve the lives of unemployed and economically inactive people aged 25 and over by increasing participants’ employability skills, self-confidence, local knowledge, community engagement, and personal resilience; and through specialist support to help to overcome psychological, physical and financial barriers.

To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 1944 participants. On leaving 696 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about [Exploring Opportunities](https://www.hlc-vol.org/our-programmes/bbo/]

ESF Community Grants

The ESF Community Grants project is distributing small grants in the Humber (and York and North Yorkshire regions) to help unemployed or economically inactive people progress towards employment through access to learning and training opportunities.

Funded activities support individuals from the hardest to reach communities. Priority groups include people with disabilities and health conditions, females, people from ethnic minorities, lone parents, those aged 50 and over, and any community that can evidence deprivation, for example homeless people and ex-offenders.

The project is delivered in areas of Hull, North Yorkshire, and York by Humber Learning Consortium and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 1351 vulnerable participants within local communities

Read more about ESF Community Grants in Hull and East Yorkshire

Leeds City Region

Making a Difference

The Making a Difference project supports unemployed and economically inactive people aged over 18 into employment. Qualified Employment Coaches provide one-to-one coaching on job search skills, CV guidance and creation and interview skills, including mock interviews, which help build confidence and self-esteem.

Employer Engagement Managers work closely with local businesses to offer employer-led opportunities such as careers information sessions, volunteering or work placement opportunities and job fairs.

The project is delivered by the Education Development Trust.

Read more about Making a Difference (in the Leeds City Region, South East and the North East).

Positive Progressions

The Positive Progressions project supports vulnerable parents or guardians to help them move closer and, in many cases, into employment, education or training.

The project helps families at risk of social isolation to increase their resilience, reduce reliance on support services and become job ready. It focuses on deprived neighbourhoods and rurally isolated villages across Selby, Craven, Harrogate and York.

The project is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 293 participants. On leaving 211 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Positive Progressions

Accelerate

Accelerate is a programme for young people aged 15 to 24 years who are not in education, employment, or training or at risk of disengaging from education. It creates career pathways for young people through regulated and non-regulated learning, employability skills training and work experience.

Activities take place in schools and community settings in York, Craven, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield, and Calderdale and across the Humber. Each participant is allocated a key support worker who makes sure that the programme is tailored to their individual requirements.  Activities undertaken closely relate to the participant’s aspirations and interests. The programme is geared towards forming a pathway leading to a traineeship, apprenticeship, work or education.

The project is delivered in areas of Leeds City Region by Aspire-Igen Group and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 580 participants. On completion 270 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about Accelerate - Career Pathways for Young People in the Leeds City Region

Sheffield City Region

Good Work

Led by South Yorkshire Housing Association and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Good Work supports those living with mental and or physical health conditions, to find and sustain employment.

Good Work is based on Individual Placement Support, using a ‘place then train’ approach. The initial focus is learning about each person’s strengths, skills and interests, and about how they work best. Then, the project moves quickly to find the role that’s right for them.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1169 participants. On leaving 489 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Good Work

CFO Activity Hub

The CFO Activity Hub is delivered in Sheffield by The Growth Company. Since its inception in 2021, and up to 30 September 2022 the CFO Activity Hub has worked with 425 participants, of which 77% (326) were considered long-term unemployed, and 24% (101) considered themselves to have a disability.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

Tees Valley

Step Forward Tees Valley

Step Forward Tees Valley provides bespoke support to participants with multiple and complex needs to build on their strengths and aspirations, using the skills and expertise of partners and local employers to achieve employment or training focused goals.

Based in the Tees Valley region and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the project comprises 18 cross-sector organisations and aims to support people to take advantage of voluntary or employment possibilities, as well as working with local employers to create new opportunities.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 4282 participants. On leaving 1270 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about Step Forward Tees Valley

ESF NEET Programme

The ESF NEET Programme is designed for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and pre-NEET learners who are at risk, or currently disengaged from learning. The flexible programme aims to support learners with social and community inclusion, health and well-being and building resilience.

Through inclusive learning and bespoke delivery models, the project develops the learner’s transferable skills and supports them to re-engage back into education and or prepare them for their next steps into Further Education, employment or training. The project encourages a bespoke approach for each partner organisation depending on need.

The project is delivered in areas of the Tees Valley by Learning Curve Group and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1145 participants. On completion 300 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about the ESF NEET Programme in Tees Valley

York, North Yorkshire, and East Riding

Your Choice Your Voice

The Your Choice Your Voice project offers a personalised programme for young people living in Hambleton and Richmond, Ryedale and Scarborough who are aged 15-24 years, who are either not in education, employment, or training (NEET) or are at risk of becoming NEET.

Support is offered on a 1-2-1 basis or in a small group to help improve employability skills, confidence and assist participants to find employment, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or college course. Activities are focused on the needs and interests of each person.

The project is delivered in areas of York, North Yorkshire and East Riding by North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 240 participants. On completion 92 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about Your Choice Your Voice

Yorkshire

Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs

Safe Spaces, Friendly Faces and Practical Support - the Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs aim to help people overcome some of the barriers that make it difficult for them to access support in areas such as education, skills development, and employability.

Since opening in June 2021, and up to 30 September 2022 the Yorkshire CFO Activity Hubs have worked with 166 participants, of which 88% (146) come from a jobless household, and 26% (43) have no or just entry level qualifications.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

Yorkshire and the Humber

CFO3

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, up to 30 September 2022 the CFO3 programme has worked with 4312 participants. Of this number, 71% (3079) were considered long-term unemployed, and 79% (3402) were homeless or in temporary accommodation. To 30 September 2022, 316 have exited the programme into employment or education.

This activity is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

North West

North West Wide

CFO3

The HMPPS CFO3 programme in the North West delivers a fundamental ‘through the gate’ service to offenders in custody, leading them to community and moving them closer to the labour market.

To September 2022, the CFO3 programme in the North West has worked with 9502 participants of which 58% (5511) identified as having alcohol and drug issues, and 65% (6132) did not complete schooling to aged 16.

This activity is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

Cheshire and Warrington

New Leaf

New Leaf is an employment mentoring project for people with significant barriers to employment in Cheshire and Warrington. In addition to mentors, the programme provides money advice, training, mental health support, volunteering and work placements and self-employment support.

The project, co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund supports people to move closer to employment, including job search; or start education or training courses. Other outcomes include improvements in self-confidence; support networks; lifestyle; aspirations; financial inclusion and in health and wellbeing.

To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 5791 participants. On leaving 1790 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about New Leaf

CFO Activity Hub

The CFO Activity Hub is delivered in Warrington by Seetec and has been running since June 2021. Up to 30 September 2022 the CFO Activity Hub has worked with 135 people, of which 81% (109) were unemployed for at least a year before enrolling.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

Cumbria

Getting Cumbria to Work

My Future (formerly ‘Getting Cumbria to Work’) supports people who face multiple and complex barriers to work by providing help to tackle the issues that make economic activity difficult. This includes addressing social isolation through connecting with others, work experience placement opportunities, addressing the need for financial support to help reduce stress and approach welfare in a positive way, and learning new skills for personal resilience.

The project is led by Cumbria CVS in partnership with three local organisations across Barrow-in-Furness and South Lakeland; and is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 517 participants. On leaving 220 have gone into employment, training, or education.

Read more about My Future

Welfare to Work

Welfare to Work was delivered in Cumbria by G4S. This programme helped unemployed and economically inactive people enter, progress in, and sustain employment. A dedicated key worker was involved in all elements of flexible, bespoke support to eligible individuals. They dealt with the underlying causes of unemployment with the aim of supporting people into sustained work and provided follow up support once a participant secured employment.

Ingeus delivered match-funded Work and Health Programme (WHP) in this area. WHP was designed to improve employment outcomes for people with health conditions or disabilities, the long-term unemployed and specified disadvantaged groups.

These projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, the projects worked with 5,256 participants. On leaving 258 gained a basic skills qualification and 1,429 started work.

Read more about Ingeus

Greater Manchester

ESF Community Grants

The ESF Community Grants project funds voluntary and community organisations wishing to help people in Greater Manchester who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment.

The funding can help all people who are out of work or economically inactive but especially those who:

• have no or low qualifications, or lack literacy and numeracy skills

• are lone parents, from ethnic minorities or aged over 50

• are homeless or at risk of being homeless

• have disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions

• are young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET)

The project is delivered in areas of Greater Manchester by the Workers’ Educational Association and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 5968 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about ESF Community Grants in Greater Manchester

Working Well

The European Social Fund has played a significant role in Greater Manchester’s Working Well Programmes which started in 2014.

Grounded in the principle that ‘good work is good for your health’, Working Well is a family of services that embody Greater Manchester’s mainstream devolved and/or test and learn employment and health offer. The services provide support to people experiencing or at risk of long-term unemployment.

As part of the ‘Working Well’ programme package, local services work with expert agencies to deliver individual support, focusing on resolving specific barriers to employment at the right time and in the right order. This required the systemwide coordination of public services.

To December 2022, ESF funding has directly supported over 33,000 typically vulnerable residents with currently over 9,000 sustained employment starts/outcomes achieved.

Read more about: Working Well - Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Lancashire

CFO3

Across Lancashire the CFO3 programme has enrolled 2223 participants in community settings up until 30 September 2022.

Recycling Lives support CFO3 participants in Preston, Lancashire. It is open to men, women, and young people in contact with the criminal justice system, whether pre- or post-release or under a probation order.

Recycling Lives offers participants paid work placements and access to structured support. Participants receive pre-employment support, to get the ‘basics’ in place necessary to start seeking work, such as securing ID and writing a CV. Over at least eight weeks participants develop the work experience and life skills to progress into further training or employment on completion.

This activity is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO3 programme to help reduce reoffending. CFO3 offers a ‘through the gate’ service with a focus on preparing those considered furthest from the labour market for release in custody, followed by training and employment. CFO3 are based in 89 prisons across England.

ESF Community Grant Programme

The ESF Community Grant Programme helps people in areas of Lancashire who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment. The funding can help all people who are out of work or economically inactive but especially those who:

• have disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions

• are from ethnic minorities

• are aged over 50

• are women

The project is delivered in areas of Lancashire by the Workers’ Educational Association and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 1201 vulnerable participants within local communities.

Read more about Lancashire ESF Community Grants

Welfare to Work

Welfare to Work was delivered in Lancashire by G4S. This programme helped unemployed and economically inactive people enter, progress in and sustain employment. A dedicated Key Worker was involved in all elements of flexible, bespoke support to eligible individuals. They dealt with the underlying causes of unemployment with the aim of supporting participants into sustained work, and provided follow up support once they secured employment.

Ingeus and Seetec Pluss delivered match-funded Work and Health Programme (WHP) in this area. WHP was designed to improve employment outcomes for people with health conditions or disabilities, the long-term unemployed and specified disadvantaged groups.

These projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. To 30 September 2022, they worked with 6,826 participants. On leaving 341 gained a basic skills qualification and 1,891 started work.

Read more about Ingeus

Read more about Seetec Pluss Work and Health Programme

Liverpool City Region

IT Mersey

IT Mersey is a digital inclusion project to support digitally excluded, workless residents of Liverpool City Region to learn essential IT skills to help them get into or closer to work.

The project helps people to improve basic Information and Communications Technology and online skills, confidence, and access to digital technologies. The primary aim being to support people’s progression towards employment or further training, helping those furthest from the labour market to become more job ready.

The project is co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1916 participants. On leaving 366 have gone into employment, training, or education

Read more about IT Mersey

CFO Activity Hub

The CFO Activity Hub in Liverpool is delivered by Seetec. Since opening in June 2021, and up to September 2022 the CFO Activity Hub has worked with 148 people, of which 82% (122) were unemployed for at least a year before enrolling.

The project is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

ESF Community Grant Programme

The ESF Community Grant Programme helps people in areas of Liverpool who face additional barriers in the workplace to improve their employability and gain employment. The funding can help all people who are out of work or economically inactive but especially those who:

• are lone parents

• have disabilities, learning difficulties or health conditions

• are from ethnic minorities

• are aged over 50

The project is delivered in Liverpool City Region areas by the Workers’ Educational Association and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with and supported 325 vulnerable participants within local communities

Read more about Liverpool City Region ESF Community Grants

Skills Support for Employment

Skills Support for Employment was a programme of services aimed at supporting individuals aged 15-24 to enhance their skills and find work. It helped to improve skills and knowledge, boost confidence and ultimately put people in a better position to find work.

The personalised support available helped participants to improve their well-being, personal development, life skills and coping with issues such as anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol worries, homelessness, knife crime and young offending. There was also support which helped with creating a CV, conducting job searches, preparing presentations, and getting ready for interviews or gaining a qualification.

The project was delivered in the Liverpool City Region by The Growth Company and co-funded by the Department and Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, they worked with 5,537 participants. On leaving 41 gained a basic qualification and 1,149 started work.

Read more about Skills Support for Employment - Liverpool City Region

Liverpool John Moore University Graduate Futures

‘LJMU Graduate Futures’ matches small to medium-sized enterprises with student and graduate talent from Liverpool John Moores University. ESF funding helps enable businesses to retain talent within the Liverpool City Region by minimising financial risk and ensuring economic growth. With the addition of a wraparound package of workforce development support the project is able to foster a network of collaboration and shared opportunity.

To 30 September 2022 the project has actively engaged with 213 employers to initiate 118 new roles. 1088 participants have registered to participate in the project, and it has supported 52 into internships and graduate-level jobs.

Read more about LJMU Graduate Futures here

South West

CFO Activity Hubs

The CFO Activity Hubs project in the South West is aimed at unemployed individuals aged 18 or over, who have a community sentence or licence and who have the right to work and live in the UK.

Support is tailored to the circumstance and needs of the participant in a safe and supportive space where participants can engage on a voluntary basis. Since opening in June 2021, and up to 30 September 2022 the hub has worked with 240 participants, of which 81% (195) were unemployed for at least a year before enrolling.

The activity is delivered as part of an ESF co-funded HMPPS (His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) CFO Activity Hub programme to help reduce reoffending.

CFO Activity Hubs offer a safe space for people on probation or license, involving local organisations to offer a structured and individually tailored package of support. CFO Activity Hubs complement other existing and planned available provision. The hubs are based in 22 community locations across England.

Devon and Somerset

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Devon and Somerset to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy. The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. A wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to businesses subject to eligibility.

The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership area by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 2894 participants. On completion 1386 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Devon and Somerset

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

Game Changer

The Game Changer project helps to transform the lives of young people aged 15-24 not in education, employment or training in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project, co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, supports young people to overcome challenges they face.

Each young person receives bespoke support to help them understand their own aptitudes and interests and is encouraged to develop their own skills and experiences. The aim is to progress individuals into work or long-term learning.

Game Changer is managed by Real Ideas Organisation and its delivery partners.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1708 participants. On leaving 633 have gone into employment, training or education.

Read more about Game Changer

Work Routes

Work Routes helped people who were unemployed and disadvantaged in the labour market to find and enter sustainable employment. Through its Work Coaches the project provided personalised support, which included CV writing, job applications, interview practice or training in skills, such as IT or Customer Services. It also worked closely with employers and offered ongoing support for up to six months once people were in work, which could include help with some work-related costs.

The project was delivered in areas of Cornwall by Reed in Partnership and other Providers including Seetec Pluss. Seetec Pluss also delivered Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) a match-funded programme in some areas of Cornwall. JETS offered support for up to six months for people who had been out of work and in receipt of benefits for at least 13 weeks.

These projects were co-funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

To 30 September 2022, they worked with 5,363 participants. On leaving 69 gained a basic qualification and 1,712 started work.

Read more about Work Routes - Cornwall

Read more about Work Routes delivered by Seetec Pluss in Cornwall

Read more about Job Entry Targeted Support delivered by Seetec Pluss in Cornwall

Employer Led Skills

Employer Led Skills is led by Cornwall Marine Network.  The project addresses identified skills gaps across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by delivering practical and flexible business-led programmes designed to upskill and re-skill the workforce.

A range of accredited and non-accredited skills are delivered through a collaborative partnership of 9 delivery partners, addressing local economic priorities and skills needs in sectors including Agri-Food, Construction, Digital, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Marine and Retail.

The project’s cross-sector approach helps to facilitate re-training and re-skilling programmes to equip individuals with transferable skills to enable them to move into growing and newer knowledge intensive sectors.  The delivery of flexible and adaptable provision provides businesses and individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to ensure they are competitive and productive into the future.

To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 1452 people, 228 gained a qualification on leaving and 2 people started work.

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Business Clusters

The Business Clusters project will engage and support at least 580 small and medium enterprises and micro-businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to determine their workforce skills needs and co-design and pilot new training programmes, enhancing the industry-relevance of the local educational offer.

Led by Truro and Penwith College, the Business Clusters partnership includes Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Marine Network, Digital Peninsula Network, Kernow Health CIC, Software Cornwall and The Cornwall College Group.

Key activity strands include:

• working with employers to determine current and emerging skills needs that will inform innovative, collaborative and labour market relevant training for businesses;

• engaging businesses in the design, development and trialling of new skills programmes, including Apprenticeship Standards, Further Education and Higher Education programmes, to meet emerging gaps in provision; and

• supporting businesses to benefit from new talent, skills and approaches by creating collaborative projects, work placements, internships and apprenticeships.

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Health Works for Cornwall

Health Works for Cornwall is a programme supporting out of work residents of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, whose health is affecting their ability to find and sustain employment.

The programme offers participants a personalised support service, from health and wellbeing to training and employability support.  Cornwall Council leads a partnership of 10 delivery partners, which have significant experience in running programmes with the identified target group.  To 30 September 2022, the project has worked with 1325 participants. 95 gained a qualification on leaving, and 239 people started work.

Read more about Health Works for Cornwall

Dorset

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Dorset to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy.

The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. A wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to businesses subject to eligibility. The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills,Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social Care, Customer Service, Business Administration and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Dorset by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 525 participants. On completion 187 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Dorset

Gloucestershire

ESF NEET

The ESF NEET (not in education, employment, or training) project is designed to support 15–24-year-olds who face multiple barriers to their participation in the labour market. This programme is engaging with young people and meeting their needs by providing individually tailored solutions locally, leading to positive outcomes for the individual.

This bespoke training and support delivered in schools and satellite delivery hubs all over Gloucestershire are enabling young people to achieve positive outcomes and progress into further education, employment and training or re-engage at school or college.

The project is delivered in Gloucestershire by Prospect Training Services and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1216 participants. On completion 776 had moved into an educational setting or gained employment.

Read more about the ESF NEET project in Gloucestershire

Swindon and Wiltshire

Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy. The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. A wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to businesses subject to eligibility.

The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of Swindon and Wiltshire by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1877 participants. On completion 555 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in Swindon and Wiltshire

West of England

West of England Works

The West of England Works project comprises a range of voluntary and community organisations based in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North-East Somerset. The project works with participants of all ages who face multiple and complex barriers to securing sustainable employment and training, by offering an individualised programme which helps them to achieve their personal goals.

The project is led by Weston College and co-funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 2935 participants. On leaving 945 have gone into employment, training, or education.

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Skills Support for the Workforce

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme helps support small and medium businesses in the West of England to upskill their employees with training courses and qualifications to help their business grow and boost the local economy. The project works with businesses to develop a bespoke training programme relevant to business needs. A wide range of training can be accessed at no cost to businesses subject to eligibility.

The project has a network of expert training providers who can deliver 100s of fully funded and accredited training courses covering a range of subjects such as: IT and Digital Skills, Leadership and Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Social care, Customer Service, Business Administration, and many more.

The project is delivered in areas of the West of England, including North Somerset by SERCO and co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

To 30 September 2022, it has worked with 1451 participants. On completion 445 had moved into an educational setting or gained an in-work progression.

Read more about Skills Support for the Workforce in the West of England