Europe

Third sector organisations encouraged to register on Sell2Wales
Small organisations are being encouraged to register their services on the Sell2Wales website as part of delivery arrangements for the 2007-2013 EU programmes.

Under the new programmes organisations can benefit from European funding – not only as sponsors or as beneficiaries of projects but also by tendering to deliver their services. Once registered with Sell2Wales, organisations can then bid for contracts, and will be alerted of opportunities that are published on Buy4Wales.

Opportunities to deliver services through European funded projects will also be listed on the WEFO website in the approved projects tables and will soon be available on www.sustainablefundingcymru.org.uk

These arrangements will ensure that opportunities for smaller organisations to deliver European-funded activity will be offered as widely as possible. This approach seeks to avoid duplication of activities, provide value for money and is better placed to support the smaller number of more strategically focused projects during the 2007-2013 programmes. It will also help project sponsors to meet European Commission regulations on State aid and procurement.

A Guide to Tendering is available on the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Sell2Wales website and provides practical tips on how to submit a tender.

WEFO guidance on sponsorship, partnership, procurement and grants has been published to help organisations understand whether or not they may be better placed to be project delivery agents rather than project sponsors. Information has also been published on Third Sector Access to European Funding, which explains the guidance specifically in relation to the third sector.

Further advice is available by contacting your regional SET (Spatial European Team), WCVA’s Third Sector European Team (3-SET) or the WEFO helpline on 0845 010 3355.

Latest tendering opportunities!
Listed below are web links to live tender notices for European projects that have been advertised on www.Sell2Wales.co.uk . Please use the ‘search’ facility on the Sell2Wales website using the key word ‘Convergence’ or a unique contract reference number, to find information about tenders for European projects and contract award notices.

Information on DCELLS EU projects
The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) has made available on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website information about the portfolio of DCELLS European projects, associated events and meetings and contact details for their regional Spatial European Team (SET) Manager. The regional DCELLS SET Managers in South East, South West, Central and North Wales provide information and advice on ESF projects and encourage collaboration in the planning and development of local and regional projects. For further information, please see website.

All Wales Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) – up-date
The All Wales PMC met on 5 December 2008 to review progress on the Structural Funds programmes and projects. Phil Fiander, WCVA’s Director of Enterprise & Regeneration, attended the meeting as the voluntary sector representative.

WEFO provided status reports on the implementation of the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness ERDF and ESF programmes; the selection and prioritisation of projects plus audit and compliance were considered. Information was also provided on WAG projects around transport and initiatives from the Department for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, plus those from the Countryside Council for Wales. Information was also given on proposals for the new JESSICA Urban Development Scheme.

Information about the PMC meetings and membership can be accessed on the WEFO website.

2009 Application Deadlines for Leonardo projects
The deadlines for all measures under the European Commission's Leonardo programme for vocational training are fast approaching! Please make sure you submit your application form to the Leonardo UK National Agency by 5pm on the following deadlines:

Mobility: 06 February 2009
Partnerships: 20 February 2009
Transfer of Innovation: 27 February 2009

To maximise your chances of being funded follow these easy steps:

1. Read and understand the detailed guidance for each measure on how to complete the application form, available on the Leonardo programme website.
2. If you would like feedback on your project idea please email a Project Outline Form to leonardo@ecotec.com for detailed feedback. Project Outline Forms for each measure are available on www.leonardo.org.uk. Please submit your forms before 30 January for Mobility and Transfer of Innovation projects and before 9 February for Partnership projects.
3. New for 2009! National Priorities have been introduced to attract applications from specific target groups, sectors and/or areas. Mobility and Transfer of Innovation applications can attract an additional 15 points maximum in addition to the points awarded in the qualitative assessment. Please read the National Priorities thoroughly before submitting an application.

Grundtvig Partnerships - DEADLINE 20 February 2009
The deadline for applying for a Grundtvig Partnership in 2009 is fast approaching!

Grundtvig Partnerships are small-scale co-operation projects between organisations across the EU working in the field of adult education, which decide to work together on one or more topics of common interest. Activities consist of local work in a partner's own organisation and learner exchange visits to partner institutions abroad. Read more.

Grundtvig Partnership meeting for bonfire night
Cyrenians Cymru hosted the first meeting of the European Fire Celebration Grundtvig Partnership project in November 2008. The Partnership aims at introducing disadvantaged learners to the different ways fire is used to celebrate events in different countries and to encourage participation in creative and traditional activities.

Partners from Tuejar (Spain) Izmir (Turkey) and Alborg (Denmark) spent a week in Swansea to experience the traditional bonfire night celebrations. Read more.

Grundtvig Assistantships – DEADLINE 31 March 2009
Grundtvig Assistantships funding is open to anyone working in adult education, those looking to re-enter or those training to be adult educators. Grants are available to go on a work placement to another adult education organisation in Europe, where you will spend 12-45 weeks working as a 'Grundtvig Assistant'. There is also an opportunity for organisations to host an assistant from overseas.

Request for UK hosts for Grundtvig Assistants
Jessa Van Doorslaer is looking for a UK host organisation working with learners with physical or learning disabilities. Jessa is a Belgian student who will graduate in June 2009 at the University of Leuven with a master in Linguistics and the teacher training (Language teaching: English – Spanish). If you are interested, please contact Jessa at jessa.vandoorslaer@student.kuleuven.be or at 0032 474855360

The application form and guidance on how to apply for funding under the Grundtvig programme will be available shortly www.grundtvig.org.uk. In the meantime if you have any queries please contact the UK Grundtvig Team: grundtvig@ecotec.com