The National Authority (NAU) within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is responsible for overseeing the UK's participation in the Erasmus+ programme. The NAU designates the National Agency (British Council and Ecorys) to manage the programme, monitors its implementation, signs off annual reports, and represents UK interests to the European Commission. The government departments of BIS, DfE, DCMS, Welsh Government, and Northern Ireland Government all collaborate on Erasmus+ based on sector. The NAU and National Agency regularly meet with the Commission to coordinate, address issues such as budgets and guidelines, and advocate for UK needs.

1. Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills

2. Erasmus + UK National Authority
Supporting and funding the UK Erasmus+
programme

3. 2
Overview
• The role of the National Authority
• Government works together on Erasmus+
• Working with the Commission
• Questions?

4. 3
The role of the National Authority (NAU)
• Erasmus+ founded in Regulation (EU) No 1288/2013.
• Requires each participating EU country to designate a NAU to:
– designate the National Agency (NA (British Council and Ecorys));
– monitor and supervise the NA management of the Programme at national level;
– be responsible for management (and audit) of the funds;
– consult with the Commission on significant changes to programme;
– sign off the work carried out annually in a National Management Declaration.
• BIS also:
– drives UK influence and synergies with our priorities through proactive
engagement at all levels
– collaborates across Government and the Devolved administrations to
represent varied interests involved in Erasmus+;
– works with stakeholders to lobby and represent UK interests in Erasmus;
– is ultimately responsible for all Erasmus+ funds in the UK.

5. Government works together on Erasmus+
Sport
DCMS
HE/VET/Adult
Education/
England
BIS
Schools /
VET
DfE
Wales
Welsh
Government
Scotland
Scottish
Government
Youth
Cabinet
Office
Northern
Ireland
NI
Government
4

6. 5
Working with the Commission
• Both NAU and the NA regularly attend Commission
meetings
• Opportunity to coordinate with other participating countries
• Opportunity to represent UK needs in issues such as:
– Annual budgets
– Erasmus+ guidelines
– EC led elements (sport)
– Sector specific issues
– Strategic issues
– And lots more…

7. 6
How is Erasmus+ shaping in the UK?
• A difficult first year for Erasmus+
• A lot of room for improvement
• Work with stakeholders to direct improvements
• But… an excellent example of the EU positively
supporting our economy
• UK benefits from access to global initiatives,
opportunities and talent
• Opportunities for individuals to realise their
potential
• Driving towards a strong, innovative economy

8. 7
Thank you for listening!
Stephanie Cossom
Stephanie.Cossom@bis.gsi.gov.uk