1. ESF Networking in the UK and at the Community level James Ritchie Information Officer – England and Gibraltar ESF programme

2. ESF Networking at UK and Community level Outline  Networking in England and across the UK  Networking at the Community level  Networking in 2007- 2013 EU programmes

3. Networking in England and across the UK Delivery of ESF in the UK  Separate programmes  England  Scotland  Wales  Northern Ireland  England  strong regional dimension

4. Networking in England and across the UK Challenges  Engaging a multitude of people at different levels  identifying the key players (Managing Authorities, regional partners and beneficiaries)  overcoming geographical barriers  working within limited resources  Establishing a shared purpose and objectives  addressing differing roles  setting realistic goals  agreeing effective ongoing communication channels  creating shared resources to increase impact

5. Networking in England and across the UK Activities  National level (planning, taking actions, sharing good practice)  annual 2 day publicity workshops for main publicity contacts  publicity strategy group meetings (three per year)  ongoing communications  collaborative measures – newsletters, annual reporting…  planning tools and shared resources  Regional level  delivery of communication strategies  newsletters, booklets, celebratory events involving providers…

6. Networking in England and across the UK Lessons  ESF partners are keen to participate  encourage open discussions  allow time for informal networking  ensure regular ongoing communications  actively manage membership  pursue good opportunities for collaborative action  share strong media relevant stories across the network  regularly review priorities and progress

7. Networking in England and across the UK Benefits  more consistent messages at national and regional levels  facilitates opportunities for collaborative action  regional input to national level measures  national input to regional level measures  maximises benefits from ESF focused campaigns  challenges and improves publicity practices  assists innovation  increases impact from publicity measures (multiplier effect)

8. Networking at the Community level Challenges  Engaging ESF Information Officers  identifying and meeting a range of needs  working within limited resources  overcoming any barriers to participation  Establishing a shared purpose and objectives  addressing differing roles and agreeing priorities  avoiding duplication with Member State led activities  agreeing effective ongoing communication channels  creating shared resources that add value

9. Networking at the Community level Activities  Informal Network of Information Officers (INIO) meetings  organised and chaired by the European Commission  held in Brussels (one to three times per year)  involve ESF Information Officers from all Member States  facilitate networking and the exchange of best practices  help clarify existing or emerging publicity requirements  provide a view on EU wide communications activity  Ongoing support  regular emails about new publicity materials, evaluations...  INIO secretariat provide advice as necessary

10. Networking at the Community level Benefits  INIO meetings  provide formal and informal opportunities to network and exchange best practices with people facing similar challenges  help ensure a common understanding of regulatory requirements  raise awareness of the Commission’s communications priorities  provide useful information on ESF events, evaluations at EU level  allow members to gain a wider perspective on publicising ESF  INIO Secretariat  provides valuable ongoing support and advice on a range of publicity issues

11. Networking in 2007-2013 EU programmes Opportunities  engage with a wider range of stakeholders  focus on where there is most added value  use new e-communication tools effectively  identify and address knowledge gaps  encourage and foster ongoing contact between members  provide opportunities for informal face to face networking  encourage innovation and look for the multiplier effect  review and evaluate the impact of networking activities

12. Thank you for listening…….. James.Ritchie1@dwp.gsi.gov.uk www.esf.gov.uk