Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance (TA) funds finance the preparatory, management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control activities of the Operational Programme, together with activities to reinforce the administrative capacity for implementing the funds, at national and regional levels. These funds are predominantly used to support Co-Financing Organisations (CFOs) in delivering ESF as they are responsible for 95% of programme activity.
Technical Assistance is used to support the programme's publicity and communication strategy, cross-cutting themes of gender equality and equal opportunities and sustainable development, the development and implementation of programme monitoring and evaluation systems, and where appropriate support for the delivery of transnational and inter-regional activity.
Earlier in the programme calls were made for proposals for TA projects in some regions. However, the Managing Authority no longer runs calls for proposals. Prospective applicants are invited to bid at any time. ESF will normally fund up to 50% of the costs of technical assistance activity (except in Cornwall where ESF will fund up to 75% of the costs of Technical assistance activity).
Lists of Technical Assistance projects can be found on the ESF projects page.
Further information about Technical Assistance
Please note that from 21 June 2012 the Managing Authority is suspending applications for ESF Technical Assistance until further notice, except in phasing-in areas (Merseyside and South Yorkshire).
The Managing Authority is taking this action now to ensure there is no risk of overspending the TA budget. This decision applies to all areas apart from phasing-in where sufficient funds remain available for new TA projects. The position will be kept under continual review and in the event of a change in circumstances the Managing Authority will inform providers and projects.
Requests for extensions to existing TA projects are subject to the suspension decision unless they are located in phasing-in areas or are for time only. TA project applications (new or extended) already under consideration are not affected by this suspension announcement.
For further information please contact the Managing Authority.
Organisations wishing to find out more about Technical Assistance should contact DWP's ESF Division.