LDA Opportunities Fund Capacity Building project

'Building Solid Foundations'

GLE supports all aspects of project delivery in the Building Solid Foundations project on behalf of the LDA. GLE supports 94 pan-London LDA Opportunities Funded projects using a range of technical support services to help successful project delivery.

1:1 support

Experienced GLE consultants are available for project staff to answer queries, provide guidance and support project delivery through

• Checking claims prior to submission to the LDA
• Handover support when project staff change
• Assistance with re profiling expenditure or outputs
• Support with managing partnerships
• Practical help with producing questionnaires, marketing materials or other project documents
• Demonstrating techniques for measuring added value and cross cutting themes

Pre-audit support service takes the fear out of finance…

With expert advice from chartered accountants Gillani & Co, projects are given 1:1 advice on:

• How the audit process works
• What auditors are looking for
• Project-specific guidance for keeping a robust audit trail of all project expenditure
• Audit trail best practice

ICT training for project staff

GLE partner ‘The Innovatory’ provides MS Access and Excel training for project staff designed to accommodate all levels of ability.

Practical Project Management for LDA / ESF funded organisation staff

GLE partner ‘The Projects Company’ provides interactive, exercise-based training for project staff using practical tools and techniques for project management.

Interactive workshop series

GLE offers a programme of workshops tackling specific project delivery issues including claims training, financial management and audit strategies.

Information about the LDA Opportunities Fund Round One programme 2006-2009:

The LDA's Opportunities Fund supports a range of innovative projects designed to help regenerate pockets of deprivation through training, business support, and town centre regeneration. Many of the projects break down barriers to employment for disadvantaged groups and are led by community and voluntary organisations which have both the ambition and local knowledge to make both a significant and sustainable impact.

The fund was awarded to 95 organisations who shared £50m of funding, which were split into three themes: skills and employment (78 projects), town centre and business locations (five projects) and the green economy (nine projects).

It is anticipated that more than 20,000 people will have access to training or employment as a result of the 2005/6 Fund. They include around 14,000 women, 5,000 disabled people and 15,000 people from black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) groups.

More than 6,000 businesses will also benefit - the majority being SMEs - through five town centre regeneration projects and nine green economy schemes which promote environmentally friendly sustainable business practices. There are also indirect benefits in the form of the extra visitors the five town centres will attract as a result of the regeneration projects which include weekly stall markets, upgraded shop front and environmental improvements, as well as general promotion of the unique flavour of each.

For further support and information on your LDA Opportunities Fund Project please click here