ESF Programme 2007-15
European Social Fund (ESF) 
The European Social Fund was set up to improve employment
opportunities in the European Union and to help raise standards of
living. It aims to help people to fulfil their potential by
giving them better skills and better job prospects.
The two key priorities for the scheme are:
Priority 1 - 'Extending employment opportunities'. This is
through supporting projects to tackle the barriers to work faced by
unemployed and disadvantaged people
Priority 2 - 'Developing a skilled and adaptable
workforce'. This is to support skills development and
qualifications needed in the workplace
European funding uses what is termed the “co-financing” model.
The aim of this is for all funds secured from the European
Union to be matched by other funds secured at a local level,
hence increasing the overall level available to invest. In each
area, the Co-Financing management process is handled by a
Co-Financing Organisation (CFO).
Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council jointly
manage a CFO for the Bedfordshire area as a shared service.
Between 2007 and 2015, approximately £4.4 million of ESF has
been earmarked for local delivery projects.
For more information, contact:
Mike Colsell – European Social Fund
Programme Manager
Tel: 0300 300 8000
Email Mike.colsell@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
or visit the
Central Bedfordshire website
