How we are funded
The Agile Nation project is delivered using European Structural Funds, with targeted match funding from the Welsh Government
The project is funded because it advances ‘gender equality in employment’, which is Priority Three Theme Three of the European SocialFund
In total the Agile Nation project will deliver services worth £12.5 million using ESF and Welsh Government funds
What are European Structural Funds?
European Structural Funds comprise money that is made available to member states in the EU. In order to assist those states to boost economic productivity, create sustainable jobs and encourage growth.
The amount of money available depends on the relative prosperity of the member state, and European Structural Funds are usually targeted at regions where economic growth and relative wealth are lower than the European average.
European Structural Funds are awarded in rounds lasting seven years. Agile Nation is part of the 2007 to 2013 programme.
How do the Structural Funds work in Wales?
In Wales all European Structural Funds are managed by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO). WEFO is part of the Welsh Government, and has responsibility for making funding awards, and overseeing and evaluating projects worth a total of £3.8billion.
The focus of the 2007 to 2013 programme is on creating sustainable jobs and growth, in order to benefit the people, businesses, communities and environment of Wales.
For the programming period 2007–2013, Wales qualifies for European Structural Funds support for three types of programmes:
- Convergence covering West Wales and the Valleys
- Regional Competitiveness and Employment covering East Wales
- Territorial Co-operation, including the Ireland-Wales Cross-border programme
Agile Nation is funded as part of the Convergence programme.
The European Social Fund
The European Social Fund provides money to projects that aim to raise skill levels in the Welsh workforce. Some projects work with people who are currently out of work, or who have been made redundant.
Some projects work with people who already have a job but would benefit from new skills to help them secure better paid, more sustainable employment.
Agile Nation works with both women and employers to help increase the knowledge, skills and sustainability of Welsh businesses and the people who work for them.
