European Social Fund in England

ESF Evaluation

Evaluations are carried out to assess whether the ESF programme is achieving its objectives. Evaluations also provide evidence to improve the way ESF works.

ESF Evaluation Team

The ESF Evaluation Team is based in the Department for Work and Pensions and is located in Sheffield and Leeds. It is independent from, but works very closely with, ESF Division. Team contacts are listed below.

• Simon Marlow – simon.marlow@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
• Ellenor Brooks – ellenor.brooks@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
• Paul Ainsworth – paul.ainsworth@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

The evaluation team:

• Develop and deliver the evaluation strategy for the 2007-2013 ESF Operational Programme in England
• Analyse monitoring and survey data, draft reports and manage externally commissioned evaluation; and
• Feed emerging results from evaluation and monitoring into the work of the England Monitoring Committee to inform decision making.

The work is overseen by the evaluation sub-committee of the England Monitoring Committee.

ESF Evaluation Strategy 2007-2013

The ESF Evaluation Team has developed the evaluation strategy for the 2007-2013 England and Gibraltar ESF programme. The evaluation strategy will examine the effectiveness of the programme and its contribution to policies to extend employment opportunities and develop a skilled workforce. Information about specific surveys and research projects will be placed on this page during the course of the programme.

ESF Evaluation Surveys

Recent Evaluation Reports

In March 2007, the ESF Evaluation team published an ex-ante evaluation to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the new 2007-2013 ESF programme.

In February 2008, a second report into the effectiveness of Global Grants was published. Global Grants provide small grants to small voluntary and community organisations to help disadvantaged people move towards employment. The report features a survey of individuals who have benefited from Global Grants.

In August 2009, the ESF Evaluation team published a Regional ESF Frameworks Evaluation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the extent to which regional ESF frameworks for 2007-2010 address regional employment and skills needs and inform the plans of Co-financing Organisations (CFOs).

In March 2010, the ESF Evaluation team published a Publicity and Information study that evaluates progress towards achieving the England ESF Communication Plan's objectives, including the visibility and awareness of the Operational Programme.

In July 2010, The ESF Evaluation team published the following three reports;

ESF Support for In-Work Training. The aim of the study was to examine the nature and effectiveness of Priority 2 and Priority 5 provision for improving the skills of employees, especially those who need support to sustain their employment and help them advance at work. Initial interviews took place in October and November 2009. Case study interviews were held in January and February 2010. The study was undertaken by GHK Research and Consulting. More information on the ESF Support for In-Work Training study.

ESF Evaluation of Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of equal opportunities policy and practice within ESF, in the context of helping to tackle the barriers experienced by each of the main equality groups. Interviews with national stakeholders took place in September to December 2009. Regional case studies were undertaken in December 2009 and January 2010. Analysis of Management Information and Cohort Study data was undertaken in January 2010. The study was undertaken by National Centre for Social Research. More information on the Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Study.

ESF Cohort Study Wave 1. The main aim was to provide more detailed evidence of the characteristics, experiences and longer term outcomes of ESF participants.

Current Evaluations

• Second wave 2 of the cohort study of ESF participants
• Currently the ESF Evaluation Team is performing an impact analysis study using DWP CFO data, DWP benefit data and HMRC data, in house.

Future Evaluations

The ESF Evaluation Team is developing three new projects which are expected to start in summer or autumn 2010:

• Evaluation of Sustainable development and green jobs in ESF
• Qualitative study of Priority 1 and 4 provision
• Third wave of the cohort study.