OBJECTIVE 3

Objective 3 is a European Social Fund (ESF). It is a revenue fund which funds 45% of total scheme costs. It provides financial support for training, workforce development and vocational activities for unemployed and employed people. Objective 3 has five key themes which are called Policy Fields:

• Active Labour Market Policies - getting long term unemployed people back into work and preventing long term unemployment
• Equal Opportunities for all and Promoting Social Inclusion - this focuses on excluded groups
• Lifelong learning - training and support for employed people to boost skills and employability
• Adaptability and Entrepreneurship - building and maintaining both skilled and adaptable workforce and businesses
• Improving the participation of women in the labour market

Please see the Objective 3 Policy Fields in detail.

ESF is an excellent source of funding for voluntary sector projects. However, delays, complex forms, demanding monitoring, bureaucracy and fierce competition come with the territory. To meet this challenge you will need to:

• be a legally formed organisation; limited liability is advisable
• have robust equal opportunities, financial systems, publicity strategies and evaluation in place
• demonstrate how your proposed activity is appropriate for your target group and addresses labour market needs

You can apply for ESF through a co-financing organisation (CFO) who will then provide the 55% match-funding. Current CFOs are the 5 London Learning & Skills Councils (LSCs), the Association of London Government (ALG), Business Link, Jobcentre Plus, South London Connexions and the London Development Agency.

Please see the Co-financing page for further details.