New study on programme-specific indicators in the ESF
The European Commission published the final report of the Study on the pathways to enhance the use of programme-specific indicators in the European Social Fund and European Social Fund+, that was entrusted to the consortium formed by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini Srl SB and Applica/Alphametrics.
The Cohesion Policy Regulations 2014-2020 strengthened monitoring and evaluation requirements (compared to previous programming periods) through reinforced intervention logic, a result-oriented approach and strengthened system of indicators. The changes have improved accountability through better data for evaluation and monitoring, but there are still some areas for improvement. In addition, the release of substantial additional funds to address the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak opened up new areas of intervention not well covered by the existing indicators.
The study aimed to support the European Commission and Member States in improving monitoring of the European Social Fund, the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived and the European Social Fund+ interventions by investigating three different areas of interest and developing appropriate recommendations.
The report is structured in four main sections: enhancing the use of programme-specific indicators; the role of soft result indicators in ESF/FEAD and ESF+; the use of COVID-19 programme-specific indicators; recommendations from the findings of each task.
The study is based on desk and field research activities.
