European Social Fund in England

ESF Plaques

All Co-financing Organisations, other ESF beneficiaries and projects (including those that are match funded) are required to display ESF plaques that show the EU flag and the support of the European Union. Co-financing Organisations and other beneficiaries are required to display the plaque at their main office, and their providers at the main location(s) at which each project is delivered to participants.

The plaques are constructed from sustainable materials. They must be positioned in a prominent location where they are clearly visible to staff, participants and others using the building.

‘A main location is the most commonly attended location by participants at each provider (and each of their sub-contractors) during the lifetime of the project. Providers and their sub-contractors are asked to determine this on the basis of the location that they expect to receive the highest number of participant days attendance.’ This definition is set out within ESF Action Note 018/09 ‘Distribution of project plaques’ to help ensure a common approach on the display of project plaques.

Larger providers and larger sub-contractors have discretion to request and display a limited number of additional plaques where there are a number of other well attended locations. These locations should be attended by at least 50 or more participants during the lifetime of the project. In addition, or as an alternative, they may wish to consider using ESF posters at these locations. These are not regulatory or contractual requirements, but can increase the visibility of ESF and EU support.

Distribution arrangements

The Managing Authority has produced plaques for Co-financing Organisations, and for other beneficiaries and providers.

These plaques have been distributed to ESF Co-financing Organisations and other ESF beneficiaries, who will forward the project plaques to providers free of charge.

ESF providers with any queries about plaques and/or distribution arrangements should contact their ESF Co-financing Organisation or funder. If necessary, ESF beneficiary organisations should contact us for further information about distribution arrangements.

Providers and sub-contractors can order a supply of ESF posters from their CFO or funder. CFOs and projects that contract directly with the Managing Authority can request ESF posters from the Managing Authority.