London Skills and Employment Policy Network
KEY MESSAGES FROM SKILLS INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Skills Funding Agency
London 15th March 2012
New Challenges, New Chances
Further Education and Skills System Reform Plan: Building a World Class Skills System
The Skills Investment Statement 2011-2014: Investing in a World Class Skills System
Building a World Class Skills System
Principles:• Students at the Heart of the System • 1st Class Service from the National Careers
Service• Ladder of Opportunity • Excellence in Teaching & Learning • Relevant & Focussed Learning Programmes• Strategic Sector Governance • Freedoms & Flexibilities• Simplified Funding System• Informed Choice• Global FE
Students at the Heart of the System
• Funding for greatest impact - the young, those seeking work and basic skills
• 2013 - Introduction of Loans
• Innovation Code
The Ladder of Opportunity
English and Maths
• Terminology Change• Prioritise young people and the unemployed• Pilot ‘distance travelled’ provider reward• GCSE funded from Sept 2012• Apprenticeships – functional skills or GCSE from 2012• JCP and OLASS• Development fund for Sector• National Campaign
The Ladder of Opportunity
The Unemployed:• 19-24 full funding for foundation learning • Full funding for 1st L2 or L3• QCF Units• Job Outcome Payments • Transition to Universal Credit
Higher Education:• ‘College of Further and Higher Education’• Proposals on collaboration for credit accumulation/transfer• Awarding bodies given awarding powers for HE courses
Relevant & Focussed Learning
Programmes and Qualifications
Work to be done….
• Maximise benefits of QCF• SSCs no longer approve each unit• Business involved in design, development,
assessment• National Occupational Standards – fit for purpose?• Consultation 2012• Ofqual Review – how is the market working?
Freedoms and Flexibilities
Much already done….more to come
Simplification Programme
• Whole College View
• Large Employer Pilot
• Communications – fewer and higher quality
• Simplified Funding System
Skills Investment Statement
Main areas are:
Funding Simplification and reducing bureaucracyContinued commitment to ApprenticeshipsSkills for life: English and Maths Further development of large employer commitmentLess money in the systemConsolidation of policy areas and funding streamsHousekeeping - tidying up the Adult Skills BudgetFunding entitlementMinimum Contract Level – no changeSpecialist Designated Institutions – no change Informal Adult Community Learning pilotEnhanced Discretionary Learner Support budget.
• Funding Simplification principles approved
• Employer Architecture
• Agreement on principles of Job Outcome Payments
• Shifting priorities to young people 19-24 not in employment, education or training (NEET)
Key Challenges (1)
• Streamlining of Learner Support (2012/13)
• Incorporation of Formal First Steps into ASB (2013/14)
• Informal Adult and Community Learning
• Innovation code
• Opening up of the QCF
Key Challenges (2)
Investment Statement Budgets
There will be less money in the system:
Total Skills Funding Agency £ in 000s 2011-12 FY 2012 -13FY 2013 -14FY
3,473,225 3,361,209 3,156,923
Teaching and Learning Adult Skills £ in 000s 2011-12 FY 2012 -13FY 2013 -14FY
2,834,542 2,699,009 2,497,346
• Each region has ESF to address regional jobs and skills needs
• In London, regional functions are delegated to the Mayor of London
• Mayor is responsible for production of the London ESF Framework and approval of Co-financing organisations
ESF Context andAgency Approach
• The Skills Funding Agency will focus ESF for the 2011-2013 period on provision that adds value to mainstream activity, supporting, enhancing and filling gaps in mainstream activity
• Operating on behalf of the YPLA, the Skills Funding Agency will use ESF to support 14-19 year olds who are NEET / at risk of becoming NEET
• Provision will operate until August 2012 – national requirements but does include a London dimension
Agency Strategy
ESF provision operates within the freedoms and flexibilities agenda
Activity funded by ESF sits within the Single Adult Skills Budget – consolidation of historical funding lines including Adult Learner Responsive, Skills for Life and Programmes for the Unemployed
Freedoms andFlexibilities
• ESF operates within the Government’s intention to focus funding on those who need it most
• All ESF will be in line with criteria published in Guidance Note 6 (December 2010)– Individuals on JSA– Individuals on ESA on the Work Related Activity Group
Funding Eligibility
Skills Investment Strategy • Meeting the needs of JCP customers a key
Government priority • Discrete programmes for the unemployed ended 31
March 2011• Provision to be “mainstreamed” – providers to consider
meeting needs of JCP customers from Adult Skills Budget in light of local needs
• ESF provision to provide additional capacity / fill any gaps during transitional period
Context
Skills Support for the Unemployed • Programmes for JCP customers on active benefits
(Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group))
• Focus on pre-Work Programme (unemployed less than 12 months or 9 months if aged 18-24)
• Provision to be determined locally in discussion with JCP District lead, having regard to:– JCP customer base – Employment opportunities– Any gaps in provision for JCP customers
JCP and Stakeholder
Engagement