Simplified Cost Options for Error Prevention

Value for money. Accessible funds. Simplicity. Results.

Simpler, more straightforward regulations and procedures have been introduced over the past years, across the new Common Provision Regulation, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and other Funds and regulations. These are measures to stop the buck and truly focus on what matters most – results that make the difference in people’s lives.

Simplified Cost Options are key in streamlining programme objectives with lean management and control. They are effective solutions to excessive paperwork, delays in decision-making and complex monitoring and verification processes. Shifting to SCOs creates a culture shock that changes systems into more flexibility and less rigidity. It truly redefines the roles of all stakeholders in the field.

This event provides an updated review of all the simplified cost options, through practical examples and comparisons. We will explore how to apply the principles available and discuss how they truly contribute towards better results.

Course highlights

i.    A detailed overview of the principles of SCOs for 2021-27;

ii.   Explaining the calculation methods for all SCO options available, considering the European Commission’s Guidance Notes on SCOs, and the reports on   SCOs published by the various EU institutions (including DG Regio, DG Empl, the European Court of Auditors);

iii.   Applying fundamentals and options of SCO through practical examples from different Member States as well as project- and region-specific circumstances.

iv.   Understanding how draft budgets can be applied for smaller projects.

v.    Assessing how the implementation of SCOs affects the work of Managing Authorities and Intermediate Bodies through real-life examples;

vi.   Hands on practise on how to apply SCOs to different cases presented;

vii.  Applying what has been learnt to practice by designing a personalised SCO structure;

viii. Observing a variety of examples in the application of SCO across different Member States and different Funds, including ESIF, AMIF, ISF and BMVI funds;

ix.   Understanding the audits of SCOs and audit findings to date.

Target audience

Managing Authorities, First Level of Control Bodies, Intermediate Bodies, Certifying Authorities, Audit Authorities, Central Coordination Bodies, Methodology Departments, Central or Regional Ministries, officers/managers dealing with Simplified Cost Options.