Workshop 1: Introduction to EU Structural and Investment Funds programme 2014-20 – Post event page

This workshop on Monday 27 October in South Wigston, provided delegates with an introduction and overview of the role of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) and the structure of the next EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programme.

The LEPs have a new strategic role in the delivery of the next round of EU funds, including European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and ESF, from 2014 to 2020. LEPs will be responsible for ensuring local growth outcomes are delivered by working with a range of local partners, including the VCS.

In maximising the VCS role in enabling economic inclusion, it has become even more important for the VCS to demonstrate their social and economic contribution and the key role they can play under the EU structural funds programme.

The workshop provided a basic level of understanding for small VCS organisations that haven’t accessed this funding before and would be interested in potentially applying for funding when the programme opens or influencing how investments are made locally.

The workshop was suitable for trustees, management committee members, CEOs, managers, funding advisers and development managers who had very limited or no knowledge of EU Structural and Investment Funding.

By attending the workshop delegates were able to:

  • Understand the basics of ESIF, focusing on ERDF;
  • Understand the future role of LEPs in ESIF;
  • Understand what the 2014-20 ESIF programme will look at;
  • Understand and plan for opportunities that exist for VCS organisations in the next programme; and
  • Understand LEP priorities and how the VCS could have a role in meeting some of those priorities.

Presentations and resources

Presentations from the workshop can be downloaded below:

Other useful resources relating to the workshop can be downloaded below.

LEP geographical area coverage for East Midlands:

  • LLEP – Leicester City and Leicestershire
  • GLEP – Lincolnshire county and North Lincolnshire district
  • D2N2 – Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire
  • NEP – Northamptonshire, including Corby, Daventry, East Northamptonshire, Kettering, Northampton, South Northamptonshire and Wellingborough
  • SEMLEP – Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and the districts of Northampton, Kettering, Corby, South Northamptonshire and Daventry
  • GCGP – Oakham and Rutland
  • SCR – Sheffield and the districts of Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire and Chesterfield, Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire.

LEP EU Structural & Investment Fund Strategies:

To find information on the priority areas for each LEP, including a list of individuals within the VCS who are interested in working in partnership to deliver collaborative projects within the priority area, visit:

For further information on LEPs visit www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/leps.

Downloads: 
PDF icon Presentation: Introduction to the ESIF 2014-20 programme (One East Midlands, 271014)
PDF icon Presentation: Investing in regions – The reformed EU Cohesion Policy 2014-20 (271014)