 |
 |
|---|
VAMT Delivers a Project in Partnership with WCVA
The Engagement Gateway
About the Gateway
The Gateway is a scheme under the European Union’s Convergence programme, which is the successor to Objective 1.
It aims to reduce economic inactivity in Wales and improve the employability of disadvantaged people furthest from the labour market.
What kind of people are considered ‘furthest from the labour market’?
The Gateway will invest in organisations that target people who may be out of touch with mainstream services, or at high risk of long term benefit dependency. These groups will include people facing specific disadvantage, such as:
- Women who want to return to work
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic people
- People with a work limiting health condition or disability
- Mental health service users
- People over 50 years of age
Other target groups include:
- People in receipt of incapacity benefit
- Lone parents with children of all ages
- Young people not in employment, education or training
- Economically inactive people throughout Wales
What type of outcomes are required to win a contract?
The aim of the Gateway is to help people make progress towards employment.
The Gateway will invest in organisations that provide activities to build the skills, confidence and knowledge of target groups; and which link progress to a ‘next step’ such as referrals to other projects, volunteering, training, supported employment or full employment.
While the outcomes of the contracts will be defined by WCVA, organisations that are tendering can design the activities that best suit their client group.
Which organisations can tender for the Gateway contracts?
Any organisation can tender for the Gateway contracts.
No organisation will be excluded from gaining contracts based on their geographic location. However, activities must be delivered to participants within the Convergence areas of Wales, and WCVA is seeking to maximise Welsh input within the scheme.
How much money can the Gateway invest in organisations?
Level 1 will offer contracts of up to £25,000 over a maximum two year period. Match funding, while not discouraged, is not a requirement at this level.
Level 2 will offer contracts of £25,000-£75,000 over a maximum two year period. An element of match funding is required at this level. (approximately 30-40%)
Level 3 will offer contracts of £75,000-£150,000. An element of match funding is required at this level. (approximately 50% )
Match funding may include financial contribution, in-kind donations or volunteer time.
Is there any support available in preparing a tender? 
Advice is available locally through VAMT. Your Engagement Gateway Liaison Officer is Carol Evans.
Tel. 01685 353 984
email carol.evans@vamt.net.
In order to receive information about possible tendering opportunities you need to be on the “approved supplier list” To do this organisations need to complete and submit a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ).
Organisations that would like to discuss the process of tendering to the Gateway before submitting a PQQ could also contact the WCVA Helpdesk on 0800288329 or email gateway@wcva.org.uk
Where are the tender opportunities publicised?
Organisations on WCVA’s approved supplier list will be directly invited to tender for appropriate contracts.
Invitations to tender will also appear on www.sell2wales.co.uk and www.wefo.wales.gov.uk
The Engagement Gateway is a scheme Funded by Wales Assembly Government and European Structural Funds (European Social Funds),and managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) the umbrella body for the third sector in Wales. |
 |
 |
|---|
