LEPs: Up close and personal Rachel Quinn, One East Midlands

What we are doing? Building the capacity and knowledge of funding advisers and VCS organisations to be able to access ERDF funding. Running events and sessions to increase awareness and inform VCS across East Midlands of EU SIF Supporting funding advisers and VCS to start to look at the need for economic development in their area and building up knowledge of Economic Outcomes /Measurement Networking events and opportunities to discuss collaborative projects Working with LEPs, funders to identify match funding Developing resources and briefing papers

The 39 LEPs

What have they been doing? Stimulating Private-Sector led growth Job creation How? Growing Places Fund – delivering local infrastructure priorities Regional Growth Fund – drawing private sector leverage for job creation Enterprise Zones – growth stimulation via simplified planning and business tax breaks City Deals – Removing barriers to growth

Lord Heseltine’s Review ‘ No Stone Unturned’ published October 2012 Government response March 2013 – 81 out of 89 recommendations accepted, 5 rejected, 3 in SR Increasing Whitehall asks of / offers to LEPs - and increasing focus on their performance Single Local Growth Fund from 2015 LEPs to develop multi year strategic plans Funding to be allocated though Local Growth Deals LEPs to take greater role in EU funding distribution Support LEP capacity

European Structural and Investment Funds – LEP roles Lead role for LEPs – notional 7 year allocations Develop strategy, working with wide range of partners Select projects (commissioning, bidding and co-financing) Identify match funding Spend allocation (on time and in line with EU regulations) Ensure outcomes delivered Monitor delivery against strategy and programme priorities Not responsible for administering the funds (remains with Managing Authorities) THIS IS NOT THE ONLY THING THEY ARE DOING…….!

LEP allocations for ERDF and ESF 2014 to 2020 (Y&H)

LEP allocations for ERDF and ESF 2014 to 2020 (EM)

European SIF Funds –timetable and next steps EU rules require involvement of wide range of partners to develop and deliver strategies (including civil society) 2 waves of guidance published, notional allocations confirmed and timescale set LEPs consulting stakeholders/convening events Draft strategy by 7 th October, Final strategy end of January

What have we got to offer?? Structural: Employs 2.7% workforce Spends £1.5bn in Y&H economy Holds £2.8bn in assets Access to volunteers High level and diverse skill base Geographical reach – for delivery, intelligence and to test effectiveness of interventions Geographical flexibility - from national to local Established networks and communication systems Strategic: Access to match funding – cash, assets, volunteers Existing Co-financer working relationships (e.g. SFA, NOMS, DWP) Existing relationships with Managing Authorities Reach, data and intelligence Assessment of social inclusion, poverty and disadvantage Delivering cross-cutting themes: Planning for Equality & Diversity and Sustainable Development outcomes

What else have we got to offer?? Operational: Delivery specialisms e.g. digital inclusion, skills & employability, micro & social enterprise growth, young people, health & wellbeing and environmental sustainability Focus on disadvantage Rural and urban coverage Scalability Use of and access to social investment products and models Proven technical expertise of: – community led local development, – community grants, – social inclusion Experiential: ESF, ERDF and EAFRD experience (planning, management and delivery) Scrutiny of EU programmes Co-production Complex funding packages Successful anti- poverty and inclusion work Stimulating Community Led Local Development (e.g. LEADER) Experience of the development of new ideas, products and services to meet social need (social innovation) Working in partnerships and consortia

Challenges and Opportunities for Civil Society Making the case for engagement BLF co-financing offer Social Inclusion Community Led Local Development (CLLD) Equality & Diversity Social Innovation Social Investment / Social Enterprise Community grants ‘Freedoms and Flexibilities’ Match funding (volunteer time??)

Challenges for LIOs Local leadership and capacity building Consortia building Engaging small groups Intelligence and Data Funding advice Demonstrating Economic Impact Representation and accountability

Quality of the relationship Governance – Board – Sub groups or advisory groups Engagement – Involvement in consultation – active input – Sector communication mechanism in place Strategy – Role of CS clearly identified – Strategy for Social Inclusion – Take up of available ‘social’ options

More Information and resources are on the Reach & Impact web page: or Regional Voices at or at