European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
Future - Sustainable development in the new ESF programme
What is sustainable development?
Sustainable development can be defined as:
"Development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," (Brundtland Commission Report, 'Our Common Future', 1987).
Sustainable development can only be achieved by designing policies and delivery arrangements which create a balance between economic, social and environmental concerns.
Why is it important?
In the next 50 years, the earth's population is likely to increase by about 50 per cent and cumulative growth in human economic activity will place between four and six times the current level of strain on the earth's environmental capital in the form of pollution and waste use.
Increasingly, people all around the world are beginning to understand that 'business as usual' is not a sustainable option. This is reflected in the EU's strategy 'Sustainable Europe for a Better World', which was proposed at the Gothenburg European Council in 2001, was reviewed in 2005, and is now a third dimension of the Lisbon Strategy. Sustainable development is a regulatory cross-cutting theme across all of the EU Structural Funds.
UK Government response
In 2005, the current Government launched the UK's third sustainable development strategy 'Securing the future' which focuses on four objectives:
- social progress which recognise the needs of everyone;
- effective protection of the environment;
- prudent use of natural resources;
- maintenance of economic growth and employment.
All Government departments and agencies, such as the Learning and Skills Council, have strategies which are linked to and support the Securing the Future strategy.
What will the approach be in the new ESF programme?
The new ESF programme for England will add value to the sustainable development strategies developed by Co-financing Organisations by:
- integrating sustainable development, including environmental sustainability, across all project delivery arrangements; and
- using ESF to support a range of specialist environmentally-focused providers that have a focus on supporting jobs and skills.
The programme will be aiming for a developmental approach in taking this work forward and will provide guidance and training support for regional partners.
What will this mean for staff delivering projects?
Clearly, the strategic priorities of jobs and skills will be the main drivers for ESF activity. However, the new programme will also have a strong emphasis on making sure that the environmental aspects of sustainable development are better integrated into delivery arrangements. Providers will be expected to prepare simple plans covering a range of environmental issues. The focus will be on 'easy-wins' – small things providers can do to help the environment whilst also helping to reduce their own costs.
Want to know more? Visit www.esf.gov.uk
Environment sector support
Project Kingfisher, in the South West, aims to support disadvantaged unemployed people living in rural areas who are looking to work in the environmental sector. It has a particular focus on women.
Part-funded by ESF, the project supports participants in attaining environmental vocational skills in the workplace and accessing 'employability' training such as computer skills, networking and CV development. Participants can study for the new National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for IT users which demonstrates staff competence in the use of IT in the workplace. Support is also provided to those already employed in the industry in attaining NVQ assessor awards.
Full-time trainees organise a series of 'open day' events to promote the project and their role within it. The events allow other trainees and their supervisors to meet partners from the wider conservation industry.
Project partners include Dartington Hall Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Marine Biological Association, Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, and Exmoor National Park Authority. Placements and other aspects of the project have a strong emphasis on sustainable development.
Contact email: Simonroper@ambios.netWant to know more? Visit www.esf.gov.uk