| European Social Fund Research Activities 2006 |
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The Lincolnshire Research Observatory was successful in drawing down European Social Funds to commission activities into the evolving skills needs in the county, the findings from which are used to inform policy development and monitoring.
About the European Social Fund
The European Social Fund (ESF) is one
of four Structural Funds designed to strengthen economic and social cohesion
in the European Union.
The current programmes run from 2000 to 2006. ESF will provide about £4.5
billion in Great Britain (£3.5 billion in England) in this period.
The European Social Fund aims to:
· help unemployed and inactive people enter work
· provide opportunities for people at a disadvantage in the labour market
· promote lifelong learning
· develop the skills of employed people
· improve women's participation in the labour market
For more information about the European Social Fund visit www.esf.gov.uk
Projects undertaken during 2005
The 2005 Lincolnshire Employer Survey
The aim of the survey was to re-evaluate Lincolnshire's economy and business climate including recruitment issues, skills requirements, training practices and business growth. Consultants BMG carried out the survey which included telephone interviews with approximately 1,000 employers in Lincolnshire. Headline findings from the survey are available.
A survey of Lincolnshire's employers has taken place for a number of years. A report highlighting the major trends from 2001 to 2005 was also undertaken.
This project was conducted in two phases by consultants Experian. The first stage analysed the 2001 Census data to provide information on the knowledge economy, specifically workplace versus resident based skills and the commuting activities of skilled residents. The second phase identified and quantified skills and barriers to employment to ascertain the potential for retaining the skills of residents within the county. This included the impact on the local area of people moving to the county but not working here. Reports can be accessed separately by clicking on the following links:
Clusters of Development in Lincolnshire
This project, undertaken by the University of Lincoln, built upon the initial findings of the "Developing the Ties that Bind" study by developing practical actions leading to clusters development. Recommended actions involve working in partnership with the organisations leading service development and delivery, as well as strategic development and monitoring.
Lincolnshire's Future Entrepreneurial Economy
This project,
undertaken by the University of Lincoln researched the business start-up
activity in Lincolnshire, identifying the barriers to developing a business
and the gaps in support for new ventures. The final report makes recommendations on the key intervention points that support organisations
can make to target resources effectively in raising the start-up rate and
survivability.
To find out more
information about these projects please contact us