Conclusions

• Author: Cambridge Econometrics, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (European Commission), Eurocentre, ICF
• Pages: 131-136

Study supporting the evaluation of promoting social inclusion, combating poverty and any

discrimination by the European Social Fund (Thematic Objective 09)

131

6. CONCLUSIONS

The findings from the evaluation generated four overarching conclusions (see Section

6.1) as well as 20 conclusions spanning the five evaluation criteria (see Section 6.2).

6.1. Overarching conclusions

ESF support for social inclusion was less about supporting d istinct

interventions than supporting the adaptation of interventio ns for specific

target groups.

The mapping of TO9 operations identified several types of operations that have potential

overlaps with other Thematic Objectives of the ESF. Type 1 operations - Employment-

focussed a ctions – have potenti al overlaps with TO8 while Type 3 operations – basic

education – have potential overlaps with TO10. The difference offered b y ESF support

to social inclusion lies in its holistic approach and tailoring to the target groups that were

being addressed. For ex ample, the Acceder project in Spain engaged intermediaries of

Roma origin to carry out outreach activities rather than the public employment services.

In Latvia, training materials for a labour market integration training were developed for

persons with disabilities rather than drawing from existing materials for other target

groups.

Different approaches to defining the target groups at the planning stage reflect

a trade-off between relevance and effectiveness.

Some TO9 operations clearly defined target groups at the planning stage while others

used a broader definition, which was refined during implementation. Each approach

offers advantages and disadvantages that reflect a trade-off between relevance and

effectiveness. Precise definitions of target groups i n planning documents allow for the

early tailorin g of th e intervention to the specific needs of these groups, an d facilitate

effective outreach and engagement, which can promote effectiveness (see reply to EQ

1.5, Section 0). A broad definition of the target group can allow for greater flexibility in

the implementation of the OPs and adaptation to changes in the socio-economic context,

which can promote relevance (see reply to EQ 3.3).

Greater engagement with small and local organisations improves the

effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of TO9 operations.

Small and local organisations face multiple barriers to take- up ESF which include low

levels of awareness, high administrative burden, difficulties to meet (financial) eligibility

requirements and limited capacity to monitor and report on project activities (see reply

to EQ 2.2). Y et, the involvement of sm all and local organisations can be very effective

for identifying and engaging with target groups at the local level. While their value is

evident, the current ESF framework may insufficiently incentivise their involvement (e.g.

the same administrative requirements are applied regardless of organisati on size).

The monitoring system may incentivise beneficiaries to 'cream' and set targets

too low, leading to lower relevance but higher effectiveness in terms of the

results measured.

While important to measure results, the excl usive use of 'hard' result indicators within

the set of common monitoring indicators may distort the behaviour of Managing

Authorities and beneficiaries. The evaluation found that there is a perception that

projects which cannot guarantee achievement of 'hard' result indicators are less likely

to be selected even if they are essential to bring certain target groups closer to accessing

education, training and employment. Beneficiaries may feel an i ncentive to recruit

participants who are more likely to achieve the results reflected in the indicators rather