European Social Fund in England

2007 - 2013

Publications

Here you will find all the evaluation and research published by the ESF Evaluation Team. If you require a printed version of a report please contact Paul Noakes at DWP.

E-mail: paul.noakes@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Publications - 2006

ESF Objective 3 The 2005 Beneficiary Survey for England - Published 17-Aug-2006

Research Report 376

New research published by the Department for Work and Pensions presents the findings of a survey of individuals who have benefited from training funded by European Social Fund Objective 3 in England. 4,682 beneficiaries were interviewed in 2004/2005 during their course and follow up interviews were conducted in 2005, with 2,063 of these respondents.

The 2005 ESF Beneficiary Survey for England was commissioned to examine the characteristics of beneficiaries, their skills and employment status prior to enrolment, their expectations of the course, any skills and qualifications gained and to assess beneficiary employment outcomes over time.

A Quantitative Survey of Companies Supported by ESF Objecive 3 (2006) - Published 04-Jul-2006

Research Report 361

This report presents the findings from a quantitative survey of companies supported by European Social Fund Objective 3, under Policy Fields 3, 4 and 5 in the period April 2003 to March 2005. The survey involved 1,174 structured telephone interviews with such companies. The aims of the survey were to enhance understanding of:

the range of ESF funded provision to companies and the range of companies that benefit from it;
how many employees benefit and what occupations they are employed in;
the extent to which target groups of individuals are reached; and,
the impacts of ESF-funded training and its value added.

Third Evaluation of ESF Co-Financing in England - Published 04-Jul-2006

Research Report 359

New research by the DWP examines the impact of the ESF Objective 3 co-financing (CFO) regime in England in terms of delivery standards, beneficiary participation, quality of outputs and strategic approach.

Update to the Mid-term Evaluation of the Objective 3 Operational Programme for England and Gibraltar - Published 13-Apr-2006

Research Report 322

The purpose of the "Update to the Mid-term Evaluation of the Objective 3 Operational Programme for England and Gibraltar" is to assess the programme in meeting its objectives - since the mid-term evaluation (end 2003). An evaluation of all Structural Fund programmes is a requirement of the European Union (EU) Regulation laying down general provisions of the Structural Fund for 2000 - 2006, (Article 42). This specifies that an update to the mid-term evaluation is required by end 2005.

The overall aim of the England Objective 3 update to the mid-term evaluation is to assess the impact of the Objective 3 Programme and its effectiveness in meeting its objectives since the mid-term. A second aim of the update evaluation is to provide recommendations which would help prepare for any further interventions post 2006, subject to the outcomes of the negotiations on the EU Financial Perspective for 2007-13.

Publications - 2005

Evaluation of the European Social Fund Objective 3 Global Grants Programme
Research summaryThe aim of the evaluation was to investigate the effectiveness of Global Grants as a mechanism for enabling ESF funds to reach small groups that assist individuals from disadvantage communities move closer to the labour market. The research found that the Global Grants programme had succeeded in the key aim of enabling small groups to access ESF funding, and of moving the target group of people furthest away from employment, towards the labour market. There was evidence of success in the shape of positive outcomes achieved by beneficiaries.
Follow-up Survey of ESF leavers
Research summaryThis report presents the findings of a survey of beneficiaries who had attended ESF funded training courses. The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the longer-term experience of beneficiaries, once they had left a course.
European Social Fund: A profile of 'inactive' beneficiaries
Research summaryThis report presents the finding of a qualitative study of recipients of ESF Objective 3 training. The study focused on the experience of 'inactive beneficiaries' of ESF training, who were economically inactive and not in education or training when they started the ESF programme.
Research into multiple disadvantaged groups in ESF Objective 3 in England
Research summaryThe purpose of this research is to identify good practice in ESF funded projects working with beneficiaries facing multiple disadvantages.

Publications - 2004

Publications - 2003

Evaluation of the Initial Implementation of ESF Co-Financing in England