ESF procurement guidance

number9

The European Social Fund procurement guidance looks quite daunting and complicated. My employer, running various projects supporting people back to work and into education, is struggling to interpret the guidelines and feeling at risk of the ESF clawing back funding and, ultimately, this may put our organisation at risk financially. IS there anywhere - or any resources - available to give some clear, easy to understand clarity on the procurement rules? Our funding officer cannot help ('seek professional advice') and it is a strange process where we are regularly undertaking sample audits of financial claims but still at risk of claw back if we have unknowingly breached any procurement guidelines.

Savvy_Sue

Is your employer a charity, or do you use volunteers?

If yes, google 'volunteer' plus your local area - county / city / town - to find your local voluntary service council (which may go under a different name) to see if you can access some pro bono legal advice?

It may also have a knock-on effect into payroll - de minimis state aid? - might leave you unable to claim the £4000 reduction in NI payments ...