Welcome

The Objective 3 ESF Programme operated between (2000-2006). During this programme framework the European Social Fund approved funding for 46 research projects. "NWUA was the HE Sector Co-ordinator for Objective 3 ESF in the North West but continues to work closely with Government Office in disseminating information for the activities and achievements' of the programme". This website has been developed to give people the opportunity to explore the different types of research projects that were undertaken during this period.

Since 2001, ten NW HEIs have delivered 181 projects accounting for £18.3m of ESF grant, which together with a further £24.196m of HEI match-funding, represents a total investment of £42.52m. Based on data supplied by Government Office for the North West, HE regional projects have collectively supported 7,988 beneficiaries including 4,311 Female (53%) and 3,677 Male (47%). This results in 2,929 beneficiaries gaining a full qualification (level 3+) at project completion [1,673 Female (57%) and 1,256 Male (43%)]. With 2,597 individuals continuing to work towards their qualification. A total of 46 dedicated research projects has undertaken.

The two charts below shows the distribution of the regional projects and the associated financial cost across the five activity themes.

The two charts below illustrate the distribution of beneficiaries under both the HE National and Regional programmes by thematic area and illustrate some of the contrasts in strategic focus between the two, as well as the complementarities. At a regional level, 'Widening Participation' held the largest beneficiary group at 48%, with 'Graduate Employment' second at 21%: conversely the share of beneficiaries within the 'Life Long Learning' theme is however comparatively low but reflects that a significant amount of work within that field already being undertaken at a regional level.

• Gender
• BME Groups
• Age Discrimination
• Disability

To search for different types of projects, please click on the 'Projects Search'  tab, this page offers you the opportunity of three different search methods.

1. Focus Area Search - allows you to choose different themes such as barriers to employment, barriers to career progression and equality within the workplace. This search type also allows you to search for topics relating to gender, age and social discrimination as well as many others.
2. Keyword Search - allows you to enter keywords up to 300 characters, enabling the user to search for projects relating to different areas.
3. Project Theme Search - has three themes: improve employability, support Life-Long Learning (LL) provisions and removing barriers to employment.
   

Government Office provided (if available) a copy of the final report for each project. Once you have selected a search method there is an option to download a copy of the report.

Alternatively for a full list of projects available please click on the projects tab at the top of the page.

An electronic version of the final report produced by EKOS consultants entitled: ‘Assessment of the outputs from Objective 3 Research Projects’ is available to download by clicking here (pdf).