Issue - decisions

Sector Routeways - Acceptance of European Social Funding

24/09/2020 - European Social Fund, Sector Routeways

10.1

The Executive Director, People Services, submitted a report seeking approval for acceptance of £1,957,860.75 of funding from The European Social Fund (ESF) and approval for the Sector Routeways project of £3.2m comprising of ESF, City Council and Barnsley Council contributions. The Secretary of State is the managing authority for the ESF Operational Programme and wishes to offer the Grant under the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement administered by the Department of Work and Pensions, following Sheffield City Council’s successful bid under ESF Priority 1.4.

 

 

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

 

 

 

(a)

approves Sheffield City Council accepting the European Social Fund grant offer of up to £1,957,860.75;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

approves the £3.2m Sector Routeways project as described in the report;

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

grants delegated authority to the Executive Director, People Services, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Members, the Executive Director, Resources and the Director of Legal and Governance, to:-

 

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

 

(ii)          (ii) accept and administer the Sector Routeways fund and procure the services required to deliver its related outcomes and award the associated contracts; and

 

 

 

 

 

(d)

approves that Sheffield City Council will act as the Accountable Body and also make grant payments for the Sector Routeways project to its Partner Barnsley MBC

 

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

 

 

 

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; and

 

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

 

 

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

 

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

 

 

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

 

 

 

 

 

John Macilwraith, Executive Director People Services

 

 

 

 

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

 

 

 

 

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee.