1 Expressions of Interest Workshop Michelle Targett ERDF Priority Axis 2 Manager ERDF TEAM

2 Objectives To provide applicants with an understanding of the Expression of Interest process To provide applicants with an understanding of the ERDF Expression of Interest Form To provide applicants with an understanding of the Assessment Framework Highlight key areas of best practice

3 Question 1 What will your project deliver and how? Higher weighted question (Maximum of 30 marks) A clear description of the project activities A clear description of the projects outputs and outcomes Explanation of how the project activities deliver added value Confirmation that the proposed activity won’t duplicate existing activity An explanation of why your organisation is best placed to deliver this project

4 Question 2 Strategic fit Higher weighted question (Maximum of 6 marks) Demonstrate how your proposed activity will link with relevant national, regional and sub-regional strategies (including the District Local Investment Plan) Strategies must not be more than 3 years old.

5 QUESTION 3 Track Record Provide details of the type of projects you’ve delivered in the last 3 years Shows comparisons between contracted and actual Outputs Finance Has your organisation managed an ERDF funded project previously? Where no previous experience have you provided a clear description of the research, scoping and / or piloting that you’ve undertaken

6 QUESTION 4 Delivery Capability To what extent will the partners enhance the delivery of the project? –Describe main role and responsibilities of each partner –Describe how each partner will add value Where there are no partners, describe how the project has the ability to deliver without partners.

7 QUESTION 5 Performance Indicators Higher weighted question (Maximum of 6 marks) Are you using the correct programme outputs? Be realistic with your forecasts Does your project provide value for money? Have you explained how the outputs have been calculated?

8 QUESTION 6 Project Costs Do the costs add up? Are the costs relevant to the activity? Does your project provide value for money? Have you kept within the ERDF allowable cost heading restrictions? Are all the costs (including your match funding) eligible for ERDF support? All expenditure, outputs and a final evaluation will need to be completed by 30 June 2015 Does the ERDF requested and percentage agree?

9 QUESTION 7 Match Funding All match funding must be ‘clean’ Written confirmation will be required at full application Contributions in kind are ineligible for ERDF, except for the donation of a building or land, where a clear valuation can be made Does the match funding add up?

10 Scoring Criteria Important to read the Assessment Framework in conjunction of completing the EOI Four different scores available 3 – Full Description 2 – Partial Description 1 – Some Description 0 – No Description Projects must score a minimum of 30 points (50%) to pass the threshold to invited to Full Application

11 First Stage Basic Eligibility Checks Is the EOI fully complete and signed? Is the applicant organisation eligible to apply? Is the location of activity within the eligible area ? Do the proposed start and end timescales align with the bidding guidance Do the activities clearly align with Local Investment Plan eligible activity? Do the activities fall into the ineligible or restricted categories listed in the ERDF PA2 guidance? Are the activities proposed more suitable for ESF funding? Does the activity fall within one of the PA2 Lisbon codes?

12 Expression of Interest Process 1.District Launch – Friday 27 th May and Information Event – Wednesday 8 th June 2.EOI’s to be submitted to District by set timetable – 4pm Friday 24 th June 3.EOI to undergo initial eligibility check – early July 4.EOI’s to be assessed by the ERDF Team/Districts – mid July 5.Board meetings to prioritise and endorse EOIs – late July 6.CBC to invite full applications from successful applicants and notify unsuccessful application – end July 7.Projects to return applications to Districts by set timetable – early Sept (tbc) 8.Applications sent to ERDF Team for assessment and appraisal – mid Oct 9.Project approved and contracted – earliest start date 1 January 2012

13 Further Information Links ERDF (Applying for funding) State Aid ERDF TEAM – Priority Axis 2 Michelle Targett ERDF Contract Manager   Kevin Hall ERDF Contract Officer   Martin Holland ERDF Contract Officer   Adrian Matthews ERDF Contract Officer  

14 Questions?