WEFO EU Structural Funds Guidance 2007-2013

The following guidance is available, but not replicated here, as updated versions are regularly placed on the WEFO website:

Securing EU Funding - Process Overview

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/applying/?lang=en

Making Your Proposals To WEFO – How Does It Work?

The purpose of all projects supported with EU funds is to deliver on the Priorities and Themes set out in the Operational Programme (OP) Documents that have been agreed with the European Commission. Those Priorities and Themes are in line with both EU and Assembly Government Policies and Strategies.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/makingyourproposalstowefo/?lang=en

Welsh National Rules on the eligibility of Expenditure for the 2007-2013 Structural Funds Programmes

This document is essential reading, outlining what EU funding can and cannot be used for. It is underpinned by supplementary guidance notes, some of which are included below, whilst others are still being drafted by WEFO.

Guidance note on leasing:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/leasing/?lang=en

Guidance note on flexibility/out-of-area expenditure:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/flexibility/?lang=en

Guidance Note on Eligible Staffing Costs:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/3393603/?lang=en

Major Projects (& Major Project Applications) in the 2007-2013 Programming Period:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/majorprojects/?lang=en

In-Kind Match Funding:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/inkind/?lang=en

Guidance Note on the use of the Flexibility Facility / Cross-financing Principle

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/flexifacilityxfinancingprinci/?lang=en

Guidance note on retrospection:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/retrospection/?lang=en

Project Selection and Prioritisation Criteria

The assessment tool used by WEFO when appraising potential Convergence projects.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/projectselection/?lang=en

Sponsorship, Partnership, Procurement and Grants (rules on developing, submitting and arranging delivery of projects)

Guidance on organisation of projects for 2007-2013, including example scenarios for 'joint sponsorship' and procurement of project services. 

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/sponsorship/?lang=en

Supplementary Guidance on FE Sector Engagement:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/fesectorengagement/?lang=en

Third sector Guidance:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/thirdsectoraccess/?lang=en

State Aid Guidance

Essential reading to review the state aid implications of proposed activities.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/stateaidguidance/?lang=en

Guidance for project sponsors and public match funders on putting in place State aid cover and State aid reporting requirements

This document provides information for project sponsors and public match funders about responsibilities for putting in place State aid cover and annual reporting.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/applyingforfunding/submitting/guidance/stateaidcoverandreporting/?lang=en

Information and Publicity Guidelines 2007-2013 Information and publicity guidance including use of logos, branding and standard text to acknowledge EU funding support. This includes changes from previous guidance.  Guidance document: http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/publicising/publicity/guidelines/?lang=en 2007-2013 Logos and other resources: http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/publicising/resources/?lang=en

Cross Cutting Themes (Implementation of Equal Opportunities and Environmental Sustainability themes)

Substantial guidance on the two main cross-cutting themes - this includes a 'Key document' you should read first, supplemented by a specific guidance document for each ESF and ERDF theme.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/crosscutting/?lang=en

Project Monitoring, Management & Control Systems Guidance

Information on the systems and procedures required to ensure your project or activity will withstand stringent EU audit requirements.

http://www.wefo.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?action=page&ID=2175

Project and Programme Monitoring and Evaluation Guidance

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/monitoringandevaluating/?lang=en

Information on commissioning evaluations and advice on monitoring projects.

**This section includes two documents containing specific definitions of each ESF and ERDF indicator.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/monitoringandevaluating/monitoringevaluationguidance/?lang=en

ERDF

ESF 
Reporting Jobs Created

Guidance on indirect costs (overheads) for 2007-2013 programmes

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/developing/guidance/indirectcost/?lang=en

2007-2013 Payments (claims) contacts and guidance:

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/howtoclaim/?lang=en

This includes information on:

Claiming Arrangements (includes guidance on using the Claims functionality on WEFO Online)

Progress Report

Transaction List

External Audit of Projects

Reporting Accountant Terms Of Engagement

Project inspections and Audit

Project inspection visits and audits are key to ensuring that your project is being delivered in line with EC regulations and is achieving what it set out to do for the benefit of Wales.

http://wefo.wales.gov.uk/delivering/projectinspectionandaudit/?lang=en

The original EU Regulations that the above guidance is based on:

The General, ERDF and ESF regulations should not be read in isolation, as the Welsh guidance refines the general rules for application to the Welsh Programmes. They are however useful background as to why certain rules are in place.

 Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Regulations and Commentary [4.5Mb]