Issue - decisions

Advance SCR

28/06/2021 - European Social Fund, Advance SCR

10.1

The purpose of this report is to seek approval to accept £637,885.02 of project funding from The European Social Fund (via the Department for Work and Pensions and Doncaster Borough Council) and the payment of £463,493.83 match funding to operate the Advance SCR programme on behalf of Sheffield as outlined in the report.

 

The Secretary of State is the managing authority for the Operational Programme pursuant to Article 123(1) of Regulation 1303 and wishes to offer the Grant under the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement administered by the Department of Work and Pensions following a successful Local Authority bid under ESF Priority 2.1.

 

ESF =                 £637,885.02

Match (SCC) =  £463,493.83

 

 

The Council intends to enter into a partnership agreement with Doncaster Borough Council, enabling the parties to cooperate and achieve the aims and objectives of the project, ADVANCE SCR.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED: That Co-operative Executive approves:-

 

1.    Sheffield City Council accepting the European Social Fund grant offer (administered via the Department for Work and Pensions and Doncaster Borough Council) of up to £637,885.02 and to the payment of match funding up to £463,494;

 

2.    Sheffield City Council acting as a delivery partner to Doncaster Borough Council (lead Local Authority for Advance SCR);

 

3.    Sheffield City Council entering into the Delivery Partner Agreement as outlined in the report; and

 

4.    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 portfolio 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 SCR fund and procure the services required to deliver its related outcomes and award the associated contracts. 

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

By accepting this funding the Council will be able to:

 

1)       increase the skill levels for Sheffield in-work residents by streamlining access to skills required to support post-Pandemic growth ambitions.

 

2)       improve the skills indicators within the City, moving long term unemployed residents to the “in demand” labour market and 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.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

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 sectors to replicate the Advance Doncaster model of support to business/workforce, 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

 

 

 

Executive Director, People Services

 

 

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

 

 

Overview and Scrutiny Management