European Social Fund (ESF) contracts - May 2011

We wrote to you on 10 November about the exit strategy for current ESF contracts. At that time we said we expected that contracts would end on their due date. To that end, our performance managers have agreed with you the last referrals and final dates for customers starting current ESF provision.

Contract closure

I can now confirm that all contracts will close on their original end date. This means most contracts will finish in June/July 2011.

Exit arrangements

It is important that you and your sub-contactors complete the necessary ESF paperwork and submit it to Jobcentre Plus in the usual way. The last date for making a job outcome claim from the contract closure date is the tracking period plus 30 days. Please ensure that all claims for payment are submitted through your usual channels no later than this. Performance managers will be in touch (some already have) with your local contract/operations teams to confirm these arrangements.

As you know, ESF funded programmes have to adhere to strict audit conditions, and we will write to you shortly detailing requirements for retaining documents.;

Next ESF procurement exercise for England

We will publish the Invitation to Tender in late Spring, with contracts expected to start towards the end of 2011. Provision will be targeted at the hardest to help workless families. The DWP website will contain further updates on the timetable when it has been finalised with Ministers and other stakeholders.

Queries and further information

If you have any queries about the content of this note or any issues arising from it, please email my team at esf.contractclosureproviderqueries@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

We will aim to respond within 10 working days via a dedicated Question and Answer log being set up on the DWP website ESF Contract Closure Q&A

Please indicate if your question needs to be treated as 'commercial in confidence'. We will respond to such queries direct rather than publishing more widely.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to deliver improved performance, and thank you in advance for your co-operation in effectively managing contract closure.

Yours sincerely

Derek French