Building Better Opportunities January 2016 Sue Ormiston and Kate Sawdy OUR MISSION Making a real difference to communities and the lives of people most in need ESF TO9 Promoting social inclusion and combating poverty OUTCOME 1 To maximise the impact of this funding OUTCOME 2 To improve access to European Funds by VCSE organisations Why BBO? Overall Vision for BBO Key messages 38 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas are opting in with a total of around 130 projects Approx 320m investment over 3 years to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion 2 rounds of opportunities launched in 2015 Round 3 to be launched March 2016 The Big Lottery Opt In Offer A Summary 1.Supporting those furthest from the labour market 2.Actual costs 3.Grants, not contracts 4.Two stage application process 5.Development funding available BBO in Thames Valley Berkshire C 3m total value 3 projects launched in BBO rounds 1& 2: Supporting families with complex needs Addressing barriers to work in rural and urban areas Promoting enterprise 1 project now in assessment 2 projects to be redesigned and re-run in BBO Round 3 Building Better Opportunities Thames Valley Berkshire feedback from Panel Decision Panel didnt take any applications through for 2 project outlines because they felt none were strong enough: Unsuccessful applicants can seek feedback from BBO Round 3 next steps Consider why Addressing barriers to work in urban and rural areas and Supporting Enterprise projects did not get any successful applicants Redesign project outlines Re-launch competitions as part of BBO Round 3 Building Better Opportunities Round 3 key dates End-Jan 2016: Big Lottery Fund and TVB ESIF Committee agree focus of projects Mid-March: Project outlines published Mid May: application deadline June-August Stage 1 Assessment September Stage 1 Decision Making Oct-Dec Stage 2 Application Jan-Feb 2017 Stage 2 Assessment (earliest of 2 deadlines to choose from) Feb 2017 Earliest Stage 2 decisions and award * All dates are subject to minor change How to apply Two stage application process Stage one outline proposal, including requests for development funding Stage two detailed proposal including partnership agreement Project outlines and application form available at Feedback from round 1 BBO Decision Panel key messages about what were looking for in applications: Understanding of local needs and context Clarity on roles within partnerships Strong focus on equalities Clear, measurable outcomes Ambitious but realistic participant numbers and targets Quality and detail at stage 1 See Assessment principles Clearly address project outline (PO) Targets areas and participant groups identified within PO Clear explanation for additional targets/participant groups Will make a significant difference Clear understanding of barriers faced Will integrate gender equality, equal opportunities and sustainable development Adds value and complements existing services Assessment principles continued.. Demonstrates planning for effective development work at stage two Realistic project costs Lead has relevant and appropriate skills, experience and resource Partners have appropriate experience and role Partnership has a strong foundation Clear understanding of State Aid rules Lead is financially healthy Building Better Opportunities To increase the breadth and depth of experience to address those most in need across the LEP area. To generate new ideas and extend the scope and diversity of work that can be delivered Local organisations working together often have the reach and expertise to make the greatest impact. Smaller organisations may be most effective for delivering certain provision, but may not have the scale to deliver across the LEP area. A Partnership approach Building Better Opportunities A partnership may involve two or more organisations from the public, private or voluntary sector Any organisation that will have a formal delivery role must sign the partnership agreement If the applicant is a new organisation well need to understand how the people managing it have the expertise, capacity and capability to lead the project. Any changes to partners must be discussed and agreed with us beforehand. Partnership structures Building Better Opportunities The lead organisation will have legal responsibility for all funding awarded. The lead organisation must be a legally constituted body in its own right. They will need: A clear vision A proven track record Good connections Strategies for managing and coordinating the partnership The resources to respond to the needs of the partnership Responsibilities of the lead organisation Building Better Opportunities Roles and responsibilities of partners Financial and contractual arrangements Policies and procedures Administration, meetings and record keeping Monitoring and reporting Communication Things to consider when forming a partnership Questions Further information