D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership: Update bulletin for the VCS - 6

Welcome to the sixth update bulletin from One East Midlands on the work of D2N2 LEP and opportunities for relationships with the VCS.

If you not fully aware of the role of LEPs then more information can be found in our policy page at www.oneeastmidlands.org.uk/leps including links to individual LEP websites; including D2N2.

Building Better Opportunities – Update information

We are pleased to be able to provide further information on the Building Better Opportunities programme.  However it is important to bear in mind that although the process is likely to remain the same, timescales are subject to in-principle agreement of the national ESF Operational Programme by the European Commission.  However, at present the following timescales are envisaged.:

• June 8^th 2015      launch of the Building Better Opportunities programme and call for round 1 expressions of interest.  Launch will include a full suite of background supporting information, guidance and templates to help potential applicants.
• EOI stage likely to last for 8 weeks and, subject to eligibility screening and assessment against local priorities, will be followed with call for full applications in September 2015.
• Contracting and project commencement is likely to begin from end March 2016.
• Big Lottery Fund are currently procuring a national audit and monitoring support service that will help lead organisations to successfully manage an ESF project.
• Programme Development Support has been extended until June 2015 in order to support transition into the process.

Progressing the D2N2 Social Inclusion Framework – Meeting for potential Lead Bodies

2^nd April 2015 10am to 12pm

Following our recent call for expressions of interest in leading projects under the Social Inclusion theme (Big Lottery Fund opt-in – ‘Building Better Opportunities’) we were delighted that 15 organisations are already considering the opportunity. 

When we asked for registrations of interest for lead bodies we also asked about the type of support they would value.  All respondents listed similar needs and especially:

• Support to understand better the application process and contract requirements;
• Support to meet with potential delivery providers and build partnerships and;
• Support to identify how delivery should / could work with other ESIF thematic objectives and existing programmes already being delivered by external stakeholders.

We would like to progress support quickly now and are arranging this session ONLY FOR POTENTIAL LEAD APPLICANTS to find out more about the programme.  The session will include:

• Overview of where we are now – process, timelines etc
• D2N2 Contracting – specifications, scale, deliverables
• Role and requirements of lead applicants
  • Partnership development and management
  • Compliance
  • Monitoring and reporting
  • Supply chain engagement
• Your future support needs from One EM
• Next steps

There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions during the meeting and networking space to form relationships with other potential project leads if this is useful.  Please note – this is not a meeting to facilitate partnership development, we will ensure that this process will happen quickly afterwards.

The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in being a lead applicant, not just those who have already expressed an interest.  If you would like to attend please ensure you register interest with us in advance by emailing sandracasey@one-em.org.uk

Next steps

We will continue to keep you regularly informed of progress so please keep an eye on our website and the D2N2 page for updates between bulletins.  If you are receiving this bulletin via a third party and would like to receive it direct please email sandracasey@one-em.org.uk and ask to be added.

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