CROSS CUTTING
CROSS CUTTING THEMES IN THE LONDON OBJECTIVE 2 PROGRAMME
Four 'Cross Cutting Themes' are mainstreamed throughout the London Objective 2 Programme 2000-2006:
Applicants for funding under all Objective 2 measures must demonstrate how they have considered and integrated each of the four Cross Cutting Themes in the design, development and delivery of their project.
At the initial assessment stage (Expression of Interest), applicants have to reach a quality threshold of at least 50% of the available marks for each of the four Cross Cutting Themes to proceed to full bid stage. At the next stage, full bids submitted to the Government Office for London will initially be scored against the Cross Cutting Themes. These constitute key criteria that a project must pass. They will also help the project achieve a higher total score.
For more detailed information on each of the Cross Cutting Themes, please refer to the Programme Complement (pages 61 to 74). This lists specific Programme outputs, percentage targets and issues to which projects should aim to contribute. Further information and useful tips are also provided in the supporting bidding guidance published at the launch of each bidding round.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development forms an overarching principle of the Objective 2 Programme 2000-2006. It is defined as a process that seeks to ensure a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.
Applicants must illustrate how three key elements of Sustainable Development have informed the design, development and delivery of their project. These three elements are:
- social – how will the project contribute to improving the quality of life of local people? (see Ensuring Local Benefit and Equal Opportunities);
- environmental – w ill the project encourage service users to support the local environment? (see Environmental Sustainability);
- economic – to what extent will the project contribute to local economic sustainability?
For more information:
Securing the Future – the UK Government's Strategy for Sustainable Development;
The Mayor's strategies for sustainable development in London;
The Sustainable Development Framework for London;
LDA Economic Development Strategy.
Environmental Sustainability
This theme has 6 objectives:
- to protect and improve land, air and water quality;
- to reduce the area’s contribution to climate change;
- to protect, enhance and restore natural habitats for the benefit of both people and wildlife;
- to promote efficient and sustainable use of natural resources;
- to take advantage of the economic opportunities represented by the growing ‘Green’ economy;
- to raise awareness in the business sector of the financial benefits and competitive advantage related to good environmental management and performance.
Projects should identify what their potential positive and negative impacts may be in each of these areas and then state how they are going to prevent or minimise the negative ones and realise the positive ones. They must also indicate how they will monitor project performance against the performance indicators/targets they will use.
How can your project address these objectives?
- minimise energy consumption e.g. turn off lights and electrical equipment when not in use; improve the level of insulation in your building;
- reduce water usage e.g. install a 'hippo' or 'save-a-flush' device in your toilet cistern, fix dripping taps;
- minimise waste by reducing, reusing and recycling the materials that you use;
- introduce a more environmentally friendly procurement process;
- ensure your delivery locations are either easily accessible by public transport and have cycling facilities, or are located within the communities you are targeting.
For more information:
- The Government Office for London website;
- Envirowise offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact;
- The Enviroment Agency, for information on saving water, minimising waste, oil care and pollution prevention;
- London Remade, for information on recycling issues, waste minimisation and green procurement;
- the London Environment Centre help their clients implement practical solutions to their environmental challenges.
Equal Opportunities
The Mainstreaming Action Plan for Equal Opportunities, agreed by the London European Programmes Committee, identifies three target groups:
- women;
- disabled people;
- black and ethnic minorities.
The Programme aims to tackle discrimination against these groups, and work to remove barriers that prevent them from participating or being successful in the Objective 2 Programme.
How can your project address this theme?
- show how you have used an equal opportunities approach in designing your project, including doing appropriate market research and accessible consultation with potential project users;
- if you are proposing to work solely with one target group, you will need to show why you are doing this. Refer to research, consultation results and experience you have. Ensure that you will comply with relevant equal opportunities legislation;
- if you are proposing to work with all groups in your area, you will need to show how your work is likely to impact on each group. What specific barriers to participation exist for individual groups e.g. women and how you will address them?
- what are the specific equal opportunities targets your project aims to achieve?
- how you will monitor the impact of your equal opportunities approach, and how you will address any shortcomings highlighted by this monitoring?
- demonstrate how you will encourage participation in decision-making by your target groups.
For more information
Supporting Innovation
Innovation can be defined as "the successful exploitation of new ideas". It is not limited to new technology or ICT, but can be applied much more widely. The ideas may be ‘new’ in a local context or new to the project provider, rather than being entirely novel. The innovation must fit into the Measure for which project funding is being requested and also with the aims and objectives of the individual project.
How can your project address this theme?
- use new ways of networking your organisation hasn't used before, or novel ways of community participation and engagement.
- secure access to new markets or sources of supply;
- find ways to encourage the use of ICT and other new technologies by beneficiaries;
- use innovative engineering or construction techniques e.g. to increase energy efficiency;
- use innovative methods of evaluation;
- find new ways to ensure that the benefits of your project are long lasting.
For more information:
Ensuring Local Benefit For Residents Of The Objective 2 Area
All activity funded by Objective 2 must directly benefit residents living in the Objective 2 area. In addition, under Priority 1 all activity must directly benefit residents of the Community Economic Development areas.
Applicants for all Measures will need to evidence how they have considered and included the needs of the local community in their project to maximise its contribution to local quality of life.
How can your project address this theme?
- build on existing economic, social and environmental infrastructure within Objective 2 communities. This includes working with local business, associations and community groups;
- conduct initial research or consultation of local businesses, community associations and networks in order to identify gaps in provision and local needs. Develop your project accordingly;
- build upon existing local networks in the initial development of your project. How will these local networks be utilised for its enhanced delivery?
- publicise and raise awareness about the Objective 2 programme to residents;
- identify disadvantaged groups specific to the Objective 2 area and ensure they are built into your delivery targets e.g. refugees and asylum seekers, lone parents;
- use appropriate local finance as match funding e.g. local community chest funds, local charitable trusts;
- ensure flexible opening hours e.g. training provision during evenings and at weekends;
- how will skills of local individuals, networks or organisations be strengthened as a result of the project?
- how will the project enhance the opportunities of local people to access funding or support from other Measures?
|
