2000-2006 Western Scotland Objective 2 Decision Making

Objective 2 Programme Monitoring Committee

The Programme Monitoring Committee was established and initial members appointed by the (then) Scottish Executive Minister responsible for European Structural Funds in October 2000. The main responsibilities of the Monitoring Committee were to:

• review the financial progress of the 2000-2006 Programme towards achieving its specific objectives;
• approve annual and final implementation reports before they were submitted to the European Commission;
• approve proposals to amend the Commission Decision on the Programme; and
• propose to the Managing Authority any adjustments necessary to achieve the Programme’s objectives

During the Programming period the Monitoring Committee met on 25 occasions – between 8 December 2000 and 3 April 2008. Membership of the Committee took account of its strategic focus, the skills and experience required, and sought a balanced representation of economic agencies in Western Scotland. The Committee was convened by the Scottish Executive/Scottish Government as Managing Authority. A mid-term review was undertaken in early 2004, resulting in six changes to the Committee’s make-up.

Objective 2 Programme Implementing Committee

The Programme Implementing Committee was established following approval of its terms of reference at the first meeting of the Programme Monitoring Committee on 6 December 2000. The main responsibilities of the Implementing Committee were to:

• consider the effect that operational issues had on the overall management of the Programme; and
• make decisions on ERDF and ESF project applications based on recommendations submitted by the four advisory groups

During the Programming period the Implementing Committee met on 27 occasions – between 6 June 2001 and 15 February 2007. The Implementing Committee was convened by the Scottish Executive/Scottish Government as Managing Authority.

Members of the Implementing Committee were appointed from Programme partner organisations by the (then) Scottish Executive, taking into consideration the skills and experience required to undertake the duties and responsibilities of the Committee. Members were also appointed on a constituency basis in order to promote a balanced representation from the sectors involved in economic activity throughout Western Scotland. A mid-term review of the Implementing Committee membership was held in 2004, resulting in a number of changes in the make-up of the Committee.

Advisory Group Meetings

Four advisory groups were established for the 2000-2006 Programme, following approval of their terms of reference at the first Programme Monitoring Committee meeting on 6 December 2000. The four advisory groups were:

• Competitiveness and Innovation
• Competitive Locations
• Labour Market
• Economic and Social Cohesion

The main objective of the advisory groups was to consider ERDF and ESF project applications submitted throughout the Programme and make recommendations on them to the Programme Implementing Committee. There were 21 rounds of project applications during the Programming period and each advisory group met as required to consider those submitted to their area of responsibility. These meetings were held between April 2001 and autumn 2006.

Membership of the advisory groups was by invitation of the Chief Executive of SEP Ltd, in consultation with the Convener of the Programme Monitoring Committee. Selection of members took account of the balance of skills required to carry out the duties and responsibilities and aimed at obtaining a balanced representation of men and women from the economic development sectors in the area.