Discover the key topics in the 2023 work programme of the European Network of Public Employment Services (PES Network) and what the Network delivered in 2022.

© PES Network

In response to the ongoing challenging context in which PES are operating, the 2023 PES Network Work Programme will provide ever more opportunities for continuous exchange and learning between PES and their partners, with increased emphasis on skills, support to displaced persons, use of digital tools and data-based approaches.

Exchange and learning opportunities will take various formats such as webinars, working groups, seminars, workshops and mutual assistance projects. The year will also see the beginning of a new cycle of PES Benchlearning site visits and a new assessment framework manual.

In line with the 2023 European Year of Skills, the Network will organise various events on the topic, including the Annual Stakeholder Conference. Also integrated throughout the planned activities and outputs will be key cross-cutting topics, including the twin green and digital transitions, gender equality, support to the most vulnerable and young people.

These activities and more are structured under four thematic strands, reflecting the key functions of PES and the environment in which they operate.:

1. Structural and labour market changes
2. PES service delivery
3. PES performance management
4. PES governance and ecosystem

The 2023 Work Programme builds on the successful implementation of the previous year’s activities, as outlined in the PES Network 2022 Annual Report. The year was “characterised by tragedy and setbacks, but also by solidarity and the strength of working together,” in the words of Johannes Kopf, Chair of the PES Network.

Sharing of experiences in the Network was key: the Network was able to implement 20 mutual learning activities bringing together more than 1500 participants, as well as to assess PES performance in 16 countries and close the third cycle of ‘benchlearning’ site visits.

Network activities in 2022 included PES exchange and learning on topics as diverse as support to displaced people from Ukraine, HR reforms, labour and skills shortages, and support to employers. The Network provided guidance on improving the labour market integration of young people and vulnerable groups and examined what post-COVID recovery means for PES. Support to persons with disabilities was another key priority, with the adoption of a new “Practitioner toolkit” for improving  labour market outcomes of persons with disabilities as part of the European Commission’s Disability Employment Package adopted in September.

Interested to follow the PES Network’s progress on its priority topics for 2023? Sign up to receive the PES Network newsletter published four times a year!