European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes in Scotland: 2020 case studies booklet

2. Introduction from Hilary Pearce

As we approach the end of the 2014-2020 programmes, and indeed the UK’s exit from the European Union, it is worth reflecting on what the programmes were set up to achieve.

The overarching purpose of European Structural and Investment Funds has been to support economic development in line with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The programmes in Scotland have done exactly that – by supporting a huge range of activities and projects aimed at achieving the priorities for each fund.

The European Social Fund (ESF) has helped people to improve skills and get better jobs, while the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has increased economic cohesion between regions. Our projects, many of which will run until 2023, have stimulated economic innovation, provided support for protecting the natural environment and have assisted many people to gain skills and training to improve their employment prospects.

I will not easily forget a visit that I made to a third sector organisation in Glasgow in 2019. Here I met a group of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds practising role-play to demonstrate their understanding of the correct way to care for older vulnerable people. Although many lacked self- confidence, they rose to the challenge. A few months later I learned that all had passed the course and been placed into probationary employment. This shows the real value that the funding can bring to those participants and to wider society. During this past year of global pandemic, the skills demonstrated on that day are in demand more than ever.

Our operations, which number over 120 over the length of the programme, are varied in terms of their focus, scale and the method of delivery. Our partners in managing and delivering the funds include local authorities, enterprise agencies, third sector and voluntary organisations, businesses and parts of government. That range, and the associated match funding arrangements, have enabled a diverse and flexible approach to how projects are run and what they achieve. My team have kept in close contact with our partners over the whole course of the programme and have frequently been impressed by the scope, creativity and energy of the projects as they have developed.

I hope this booklet gives a flavour of the diverse activities which the funding has achieved in Scotland – from preserving our natural and cultural heritage to helping the most vulnerable individuals in our communities to manage their financial security. As the projects come to an end, there will be a lasting legacy for the people and places which have benefitted over the past seven years.

Hilary Pearce

Head of the Managing Authority

Deputy Director of European Structural Funds & State Aid Division

Scottish Government