East of England Structural Funds Strategy Group
To oversee the development, management and implementation of Structural Funds across the region, a Structural Funds Strategy Group (SFSG) was set up in January 2000. The SFSG has the following responsibilities:
- to develop, monitor and oversee the strategy for using European Structural Funds in the East of England
- to undertake the role of Programme Monitoring Committee for the East of England Objective 2 Programme
- to undertake the role of Regional Programme Monitoring Committee for the Objective 3 Programme in the East of England
- to undertake the role of Regional Programme Monitoring Committee for the URBANII Programme in the East of England
- to undertake the role of Regional Programme Monitoring Committee for the LEADER+ Programme in the East of England
a full copy of the SFSG Terms of reference can be accessed using the link provided below
Specific Role in Relation to the Objective 2 Programme
The SFSG has the following specific responsibilities in relation to the East of England Objective 2 Programme:
- to undertake the role of Objective 2 Programme Monitoring Committee
- to review and endorse plans submitted by the Objective 2 Local Area Groups (known as Local Area Frameworks)
- to set up procedures for the selection of individual projects including the selection methodology and operational selection criteria
- make arrangements to review progress towards Programme objectives
- satisfy itself as to the effectiveness and quality of the implementation of the Single Programming Document (SPD)
- confirm adjustment of the Programme Complement including the physical and financial indicators
- examine the results of Programme implementation including the Mid-Term Evaluation
- consider and approve and proposals to amend the Programme strategy by amending the SPD
- propose to the managing authority any adjustments or review of the Programme or to improve the financial management of the Programme
Specific Role in Relation to the Objective 3 Programme
- to act as the Regional Programme Monitoring Committee for the Objective 3 Programme in the East of England
- to undertake strategic functions pertaining to the development, monitoring and implementation of the Objective 3 Programme
- to oversee the strategy for implementing the Objective 3 Regional Development Plan (RDP)
- to develop and review systems for monitoring and evaluating the East of England Objective 3 programme in line with the broad framework agreed by the National Monitoring Committee
Specific Role in Relation to URBANII and LEADER+
- to act as the Regional Programme Monitoring Committee for the LEADER+ Programme (Note: The SFSG has delegated powers to the LEADER+ East of England Operating Group)
- to receive reports on URBAN II and LEADER+ Programme development, monitoring and implementation
- to advise on issues of Programme complementarity
Programme Complementarity
- The SFSG will consider and influence the contribution which the England Rural Development Programme and all Community Initiative Programmes (INTERREG, URBANII, LEADER+ and EQUAL) are making to the overall strategy for the use of Structural Funds in the East of England Region.
SFSG Sub-Groups
- The SFSG may set up sub-groups to consider specific issues. Some groups will report directly to the SFSG and some will report to Operating Groups. A list of Sub-Groups is recorded below. Links to further information and minutes are under development.
| Sub-Group Name |
Description of Sub-Group Role |
| SFSG Review Group |
The SFSG Review Group is a high level group tasked with taking an overview of Structural Funds Implementation and the effectiveness of the partnership structure. |
| SFSG Communications and Publicity Group |
The SFSG Communications and Publicity Group is concerned with the development and implementation of an overall communications and publicity strategy for Structural Funds in the East of England. |
| SFSG Equality Advisory Group |
The SFSG Equality Advisory Group is responsible for advising on and monitoring the development and implementation of equality of opportunity through Structural Funds Programmes in the East of England Region with a particular emphasis on gender mainstreaming. |
| SFSG Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group |
The Environmental Sustainability Advisory Group is responsible for advising on and monitoring the development and implementation of Environmental Sustainability through Structural Fund Programmes in the East of England Region. Further information regarding ESAG, including its terms of reference and meeting minutes, can be viewed by using the link below. |
Membership of the Structural Funds Strategy Group
The Regional Director of the Government Office for the East of England and the Chair of the East of England Regional Assembly jointly chair meetings of the SFSG.
The following organisations are represented on the SFSG:
- GO-East (Managing Authority)
- European Commission DG Regio
- European Commission DG Employment
Local Authority Representatives
- Learning and Skills Councils
- Jobcentre Plus
- Business Link/Small Business Service
- Confederation of British Industry
- Committee of the Regions
- Objective 3 Local Management Group Representative
- Department for Communities and Local Government
- Department of Work and Pensions
|
- East of England Development Agency
- East of England Local Government Conference
- Higher Education Sector
- Further Education Sector
- Connexions
- Competent Environmental Authorities
- Trades Union Congress
- Objective 2 Local Area Group Representative
- Voluntary Sector
- Department of Trade and Industry
- East of England Cultural Consortium
- Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs
|
Minutes of the Structural Funds Strategy Group
The SFSG normally meets on a quarterly basis. Minutes are published only after ratification by SFSG. Minutes of the meetings are available and can be accessed using the links below.
Minutes from meetings held in 2002 are available on request from the Government Office East of England European Unit.
