Guidance

073/21 Restart Scheme and European Social Fund (ESF) Programme Eligibility

Updated 5 December 2024

Date Issued	13 December 2021
Review Date	31 December 2022

1. Purpose

This Action Note sets out the policy position regarding the interaction between the Restart Scheme and the England European Social Fund 2014 to 2020 Programme. It sets out the position agreed between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Restart Scheme Project and Contract Management and Partner Delivery teams, and the England ESF Managing Authority, in respect of individuals on ESF support accessing Restart provision. It also sets out how Restart participants might be eligible to also receive ESF funded support, however it should be noted this arrangement does not apply to individuals receiving support through DWP Co-financing Organisation (CFO) ESF provision as participation on two DWP funded provisions at the same time cannot be supported. This note also clarifies the responsibility of the ESF project in ensuring compliance.

2. Background

The Restart Scheme provides up to 12 months of tailored support for each participant aiming to help them into sustained work. This could include work search skills, personalised training, identifying suitable job sectors, and developing sector specific skills and qualifications. Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches identify claimants who are both eligible and suitable for the Restart Scheme as the next step of their journey towards employment. Providers work with employers, local government, and other partners to deliver tailored support for individuals. Early access can be considered on a case by case basis where conversations with a Work Coach suggest this is the most appropriate route for the individual.

2.1 Individuals moving from ESF funded provision to Restart provision

Before considering a referral to Restart, Work Coaches consider whether the individual is currently engaging with non-DWP provision, including ESF funded provision. Individuals who are already engaging with ESF funded provision which is meeting their support needs, should continue to engage with this. If the provision cannot be continued alongside the Restart Scheme, then they should not be referred to the Restart Scheme.

The Restart Scheme may be considered when their current ESF funded support has ended, or the claimant is no longer engaging with it.

2.2 How ESF funded support can be used to provide additional support to Restart participants

This note confirms that individuals receiving Restart support can also receive ESF funded support where the individual has support needs which are above and beyond those that will be addressed by Restart. ESF funded support cannot replicate the support provided by the Restart provider. As set out above, it should be noted this does not apply to individuals receiving support through DWP CFO ESF provision.

The ESF Managing Authority recognises that individuals’ needs are wide and varied and some may need more intensive support than others. For these individuals, whose support needs have been identified as being above and beyond the support provided by Restart, ESF funded provision can be used to fund that additional support as part of the overall package of support provided to the individual.

It must be clear what these additional needs are and there must be no duplication of the support provided in meeting the employability support grant condition.

3. Action

ESF Grant Recipients are asked to note that this Action Note confirms ESF funded provision can be used to fund additional wraparound support for Restart participants as part of the overall package of support provided to the individual where the circumstances meet the purpose and intent of the ESF 2014 to 2020 Operational Programme.

ESF funding must only be used to deliver support in addition to what is provided by the Restart provider. It cannot be used to duplicate what is already being provided or replace planned support.

The additional ESF support package must be agreed between the ESF project and the Restart provider and documented. The document must set out clearly the specific support needs that will be addressed by the Restart provider and the support needs that will be addressed through ESF provision. The document must demonstrate that those support needs are in addition to those addressed by Restart.

It is for the ESF project to demonstrate that the support they deliver to Restart participants is in direct response to support needs which are over and above those being addressed by the Restart provider.

The ESF project is responsible for ensuring only eligible expenditure directly associated with the additional wraparound support is included in claims to the Managing Authority. Failure to do this could result in the grant recipient being required to re-pay the ESF grant attributable to that person.

All documentation must be retained by the ESF project for verification and audit purposes.

4. Contact

If you have any queries regarding this Action Note please email [email protected]