European Structural and Investment Funds

Round-up of 2021 Annual Event – Tuesday 14 December

January 25, 2022 by Patrick Douglas No Comments | Category Events

On Tuesday 14 December 2021, the Managing Authority hosted an online event for stakeholders to celebrate the year’s achievements of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programmes.

Over 90 attendees listened to presentations from those overseeing the programmes, as well as stakeholders who manage operations supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Presentations

Hilary Pearce, Head of Managing Authority, and Colin Cook, Director of the Economic Development directorate at the Scottish Government, kicked off the event by providing a brief overview of the state of play of the programmes and how they fit into the Scottish Government’s wider economic activity.

Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, then announced the publication of the 2021 case studies booklet. Two lead partners, whose projects featured in the booklet, followed the Minister with presentations about their ESF- and ERDF-supported operations:

• ‘New Scots in Stirling’ – Stirling Council
• ‘Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire’ – Aberdeenshire Council

The first presentation provided moving examples of refugees and other displaced people who had benefitted from language lessons, financial advice and other support, while the second gave an account of local businesses who had succeeded during the trying time of the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to assistance from Business Gateway. Both presentations were engaging and inspiring reminders of the difference to people’s lives that the ESF and ERDF can make when used effectively.

Next, a speaker from consultancy firm EKOS presented some draft findings from an evaluation that they are running of the delivery model of the 2014-2020 ESIF programmes – the final report is due to be published in February 2022. Finally, the Programme Performance Team from the MA provided an update on the closure process, including key deadlines.

If you would like to view the slides, please request a copy by emailing EuropeanStructuralFunds AT gov DOT scot

Feedback results

33 people participated in the feedback survey. A summary of key findings:

• The agenda design, speakers and duration of the event as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ by 90% of respondents
• The presentations about the case studies and EKOS evaluation were liked the most
• More time for break-out and/or questions and answer sessions would have been improved the event
• Suggested future topics include future funding, closure requirements and examples of best practice of compliance
• 45% rated the event as ‘Very Good’, 48% rated it as good and 6% rated it as ‘Fair’ (no respondents rated it as ‘Poor’)

The Managing Authority would like to thank all attendees for taking time out of busy schedules to take part in the event, especially the guest speakers. We look forward to holding more stakeholder events in 2022.

Tags: Annual Event

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