The European Commission (EC) has created the Leonardo Da Vinci Programme that provides funds for the exchange of European citizens between member states, for personal development.
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The Leonardo da Vinci Programme, initially launched in 1995, is part of the EC’s new Lifelong Learning Programme and is designed to build a skilled workforce through European partnerships. Leonardo funds transnational work placement, exchanges and the development of training materials with the objective of improving the provision of Vocational Education and Training (VET) across Europe.
Leonardo focuses on raising the quality and relevance of VET, and provides an opportunity for organisations involved in VET to build European partnerships, exchange best practice, increase the expertise of their staff and develop the skills of learners. The Programme is open to the entire spectrum of subjects covered by vocational education and training.
Proposals may be submitted by public and private bodies and companies, which are involved in training or concerned by vocational training issues, brought within an international partnership. This covers vocational training establishments, centres and bodies at all levels, including universities; research centres and institutions; the business sector, non-profit making organisations, and voluntary bodies etc.
During 2006 Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) secured funding through the programme which resulted in a highly successful partnership being established with the Danish company - Falck, Europe’s largest private provider of fire, rescue and paramedic services. This initiative led to 16 members of SFRS undertaking study visits to Denmark and 12 Falck officers visiting Shropshire.
| The Leonardo National Agency for the UK |
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The Leonardo National Agency for the UK is ECOTEC Research and Consulting. The UK NA has the lead responsibility for managing the programme and supporting UK organisations in developing good quality and effective projects that meet the priorities set out by the European Commission and UK National Government. |
| Leonardo Da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme 2007 |
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Following previous Fire Authority approval officers submitted an application for further Leonardo funding to facilitate the establishment of a staff exchange programme for 2007.
Following a lengthy evaluation process, which included a detailed review of the 2006 staff exchange programme, the EC has approved a grant of €51,240 (circa £35,000) to SFRS. The grant will enable 36 persons to undertake exchange visits during 2007 to fire and civil protection organisations operating within five European countries. The host organisations and respective countries are summarised below.
Each of the above organisations was contacted during the application preparation stage and has provided a written undertaking to support the programme.
Research visits will be for a one week period, with selected attendees travelling in small cross-departmental teams who will undertake a joint study of a predetermined subject.
Select the Research / Study subject title for more details about each project.
Further information
Programme Office
01743 260 200
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