Decision details

11.1

The purpose of the report is to seek approval to accept £729,858.73 of grant funding, to provide match funding or £549,125.57 and for Sheffield City Council’s involvement in the ‘Advance Digital’ project as outlined in this report.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council are the accountable body for this £3.2m project with Sheffield City Council acting as a delivery partner.

The Council intends to enter into a delivery partner agreement with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, enabling the parties to cooperate and achieve the aims and objectives of the project.

The Total project spend for Sheffield City Council is £1,278,984.30 which is made up of:

Grant  =                   £729,858.73 (57%)

SCC Match =          £549,125.57  (43%)

11.2

RESOLVED: That Co-Operative Executive approve:

a)    Sheffield City Council accepting the European Social Fund grant offer of up to £729,858.73;

b)    Sheffield City Council providing match funding of £549,125.57;

c)    Sheffield City Council entering into the Delivery Partner Agreement as outlined in the report;

d)    Sheffield City Council acting as a delivery partner for this project to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council; and

e)    To the extent not already delegated to them in accordance with the Leaders Scheme of Delegation, grants delegated authority to the Executive Director of People Services in consultation with the relevant Executive Members, the Executive Director of Resources and the Director of Legal and Governance, to

i)               develop and utilise an appropriate procurement strategy as and when required; and

ii)              administer the Advance Digital fund and procure the services required to deliver its related outcomes and award the associated contracts.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

By accepting this funding the Council will be able to:

1)       increase the skill levels for Sheffield and Barnsley out of work residents by streamlining access to entry level roles within sectors that require labour.

2)       improve the unemployed indicators within the City, moving long term unemployed residents to the “in demand” labour market and/or enhancing skill levels.

3)       create increased revenue for the Council.

4)       attract inward investment through co-ordinated pipeline offer of workforce skills within key sectors.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

The Council could decide not to accept the funding. Alternative funding could be potentially sourced to support our businesses workforce needs as part of the Government Covid-19 response offer to regions. There is demand from other sectors to replicate the “building block” model, so rejection of funding could carry reputational risk within our regions employer base.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Executive Director, People Services

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Management