University secures European funding to support people back in to employment

The University of Northampton has been successful in securing £1.4 million worth of funding from the European Social Fund and the Big Lottery Fund to run a new back to work scheme across Northamptonshire.

The Working Progress scheme will offer a wide range of support, including skills training, CV workshops, and interview skills. Working with Commsortia, a consortium of charities, social enterprises and community organisations, the University will be able to provide support to over 700 people in the county who are not currently working.

Support services will be tailored to each person’s individual needs, taking into account both their current situation and aspirations, with Commsortia’s members poised to offer support in communities across the county. The University will manage the scheme.

Professor Simon Denny, Director of Research, Impact and Enterprise at the University, said: “Working Progress is a great project and we are excited to be working with the members of Commsortia. The project is an excellent example of how we can use European money to support unemployed people to realise their ambitions.”

Jane Carr, Chair of Commsortia, added: “We are delighted to be partnering the University of Northampton in this successful bid. It will allow us to provide some really localised support for people who have multiple barriers to overcome to gaining employment. It is the first time we have had the opportunity to access European funding in such a collaborative way as the voluntary and community sector for Northamptonshire and the beneficiaries we support.”