There are now a number of useful documents available on these ERDF webpages which will assist potential applicants in developing projects and ascertaining whether they are eligible for support.  There is also a series of ERDF guidance notes which we are building below to assist ERDF practitioners.

North East England ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13

This is the North East England Regional Competitiveness and Employment ERDF Operational Programme 2007-13 document.  It was prepared for Government Office for the North East and One North East with steering input from a Project Board comprising representatives of the regional partnership.  The Programme is bringing some £250m of ERDF support to the region.

ERDF 2007-13 Operational Programme Delivery Framework

This presents the regional partners’ agreed Delivery Framework for the ERDF 2007-13 Operational Programme.  It incorporates partner responses to the points raised by the European Commission in discussions with the North East England Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC). The paper was agreed by the Programme Executive Group (PEG) on behalf of the PMC in April 2008.

ERDF user manual chapter 15 - financial engineering instruments

This is the second edition of Chapter 15 of the user manual for English 2007-2013 ERDF programmes. It lays down guidance and directions in relation to the exercise of the RDAs’ Intermediate Body functions. The First Edition of Chapter 15 was added to the manual in 2008 following consultation with the RDAs in order to make management provision and lay down guidance and directions in relation to financial engineering instruments (FEIs). This Second Edition updates that guidance and directions on FEIs.

Glossary of terms and acronyms (ERDF user manual chapter 18)

As with most walks of life, the world of European Structural Funds abounds with jargon, technical terms and acronyms.  This document provides a list of the most commonly used acronyms and defines many of the terms used.

National eligibility rules (ERDF user manual chapter 2)

To attract ERDF support, expenditure by projects must be eligible in terms of the Operational Programme, the relevant EC Regulations and the National Eligibility Rules.

Audits on previous programmes by the Commission and the European Court of Auditors have emphasised the need to strictly comply with eligibility rules. Failure to do so has led to financial penalties of up to a 100% of grant.

It is important to ensure therefore that the rules are strictly adhered to both during the project selection process and after approval. These are the national guidelines but may be subject to amendment and are not exhaustive.  If in any doubt about how this applies to your project or if you need to check for the latest updates on eligibility guidelines, please contact the European Secretariat on 0191 229 6630.

Schedule of ERDF functions

This Schedule is published preparatory to making a statutory instrument designating One North East as an Intermediate Body for the ERDF Operational Programme.The Schedule allocates functions relating to the management and implementation of the OP between the Managing Authority (DCLG) and the Intermediate Body.

ERDF 2007-13 GUIDANCE NOTES

n+2 spending target guidance note

This guidance note note advises all current and future project proposers of the critical deadlines imposed by the European Commission in relation to ERDF expenditure.  Each year expenditure targets known as 'n+2' are imposed by the European Commission, which are fixed and non negotiable.

De-commitment strategy guidance note

The ERDF De-commitment Strategy establishes a framework within which One North East will pro-actively manage the risks associated with achieving programme financial and output targets.  This strategy sets out the agreed approach to de-commitment of ERDF grant on the basis of unsatisfactory performance and irregularities.

ERDF guidance note on use of Technical Assistance

This note sets out the scope for the use of ERDF Technical Assistance to support programme implementation activity and staffing capacity within the 2007- 13 ERDF Programme.  It is intended to ensure consistency and compliance with the stated purpose of Priority 3 of the ERDF Operational Programme and the Technical Assistance Strategy agreed by the ERDF PMC 15 February 2008.

Cross cutting themes guidance

The UK National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) confirmed that equality of opportunity and environmental sustainability are required to be implemented as “cross cutting themes” (CCTs) throughout the Structural Funds programmes.  In addition, the Operational Programme (OP) requires us to take account of spatial cohesion when implementing the Programme.  This note provides guidance on how this should be done within the delivery of the OP.

Single Programme & European Funding Procurement Handbook

In response to One North East taking over new responsibilities for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 and Rural Development Programme for England on behalf of the region, the Agency has created this handbook.   It is designed to provide all the guidance and templates required to facilitate your procurement activity and meet the obligations of the FAL.

ERDF/RDPE document retention guidance note

ERDF/RDPE external applicant evidence checklist

Efficient, orderly record keeping is a crucial project management tool in monitoring the progress and current status of projects.  Article 19 of the Commission Regulations (EC) 1828/2006 requires us to provide information for audit purposes to substantiate spend and claims associated with ERDF and RDPE projects, including information relating to external applicants and beneficiaries.  This note and helpful checklist explain what sort of records you should keep.