Navigating an Erasmus+ Key Action 1 (KA1) mobility project or managing an Erasmus Accreditation is a highly rewarding journey for any educational institution. It opens up new teaching methodologies, builds international connections, and fosters institutional growth. At the same time, coordinating the logistics and establishing reliable contacts abroad requires a significant amount of time and effort from your staff.
According to Erasmus+ guidelines beneficiary organisations have the option to collaborate with a supporting organisation to help ease this operational workload.
As an organisation that provides these supporting services, we want to share a clear overview of what this role entails, what defines a responsible partnership under the official guidelines, and how we approach this collaboration to keep your project safe, compliant, and focused on learning.
What is the True Role of a Supporting Organisation?
According to Erasmus+ Quality Standards, core ownership of the project core ownership and accountability of the project must always remain entirely with you, the beneficiary. A supporting organisation is not a replacement for your team, but rather a practical assistant. The role is strictly limited to handling specific, time-consuming tasks to help you improve the efficiency and quality of your mobilities. These tasks generally include:
- Logistical arrangements: Assisting with travel, accommodation, and local transport.
- Network support: Helping you identify and establish initial contact with relevant host schools, companies, or training providers abroad.
- Preparation: Assisting with the linguistic, cultural, or practical preparation of your participants before they depart.
By handling these administrative and logistical details, a supporting organisation aims to free up your time so you can focus on what matters most: the educational outcomes of your participants.
What Defines a Responsible Supporting Organisation?
When evaluating an external partner, a responsible supporting organisation should always operate according to these three fundamental principles:
1. Respect for Your Core Responsibilities
An ethical partner will never attempt to take control of your budget, write your final reports, or select which students or staff members get to travel. A reliable supporting organisation respects that all core decisions—such as participant selection, defining learning goals, and financial management—must stay strictly in your hands. We advise and support, but you steer the ship.
2. Service Tailored to Your Specific Needs
Erasmus+ projects must always stem directly from your own institution’s internal needs and goals. A responsible supporting organisation does not offer “pre-packaged” or “off-the-shelf” projects. Instead, the collaboration should begin by listening to what your institution actually needs and adapting the support to fit your specific objectives.
3. Complete Accountability and Formal Contracts
Cooperation should never be based on vague agreements. All duties, deliverables, timelines, and financial costs must be clearly and legally formalized in a detailed contract. This contract should align precisely with the eligible budget categories of the Erasmus+ programme and comply fully with national regulations, ensuring total financial transparency for your National Agency.
Our Approach to Collaboration
As a supporting organisation, our goal is simply to be a reliable, transparent helper to your institution. We strictly align our services with the Erasmus+ Quality Standards because we believe the integrity of the Erasmus+ programme is paramount.
Here is what you can expect when you collaborate with us:
- Matchmaking: We leverage our extensive, verified network of host institutions in Vilnius to find the perfect match for your learners.
- Clear Communication: We provide honest, transparent breakdowns of costs and responsibilities, ensuring you are always in complete control of your project and budget.
- Safety and Well-being as a Priority: We understand that sending students or staff abroad comes with a deep sense of responsibility. We make sure all placements meet local safety standards and provide a welcoming, reliable atmosphere for practical learning.
Let’s Build Something Great Together
Working with a supporting organisation should never feel like outsourcing—it should feel like team building. If you are looking to elevate the quality of your next mobility project, expand your network, or simply relieve your staff of logistical stress without sacrificing project integrity, we are ready to assist.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can tailor our support to your unique Erasmus+ goals!