Update: issue 338 (7 December 2016)
Updated 21 December 2016
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2016
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-update-december-2016/update-issue-338
1. Subcontractor declaration form 2016 to 2017
Action
In-scope organisations with an SFA funding agreement must submit a subcontracting declaration for the funding year 2016 to 2017, as stated in the common and performance management funding rules (para A69).
If you subcontract: you must submit a subcontracting declaration form detailing your current subcontracting arrangements.
If you do not subcontract: you must provide a ‘nil return’ and this now can be submitted through the skills funding service (SFS).
We have sent an email to all in-scope organisations, which includes details on how to submit a form or provide a ‘nil return’.
If you fail to submit a return by Wednesday 14 December, your payment will be suspended.
2. Apprenticeship readiness self-assessment survey – closing soon
Action
Our apprenticeship readiness self-assessment survey is currently open, and will close on Friday, 16 December.
If you are an apprenticeship provider, the survey will help you understand what you need to do to prepare for the apprenticeship reforms in May 2017.
Completing the survey will enable you to assess your progress towards being ready for the reforms. The results will also help us identify any further support you might need, to make sure you are ready to provide apprenticeships to employers paying the levy, and those accessing the co-investment model.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact providerreadiness@sfa.bis.gov.uk.
3. New apprenticeship standards approved for delivery
Information
Last month, we approved and published a further 10 apprenticeship standards developed by groups of employers. They cover a wide range of sectors including nursing, financial services, food and drink and healthcare.
We now have 153 apprenticeship standards that are ready to use with an assessment plan. More than 430 standards have either been approved or are in development.
Independent organisations will be involved in the end-point assessment for apprenticeships, and will be selected by employers.
For information about becoming an apprentice assessment organisation, see the register of apprentice assessment organisations.
4. Preparing to deliver apprenticeship end-point assessment
Information
Have you decided to be involved in the delivery of apprenticeship end-point assessment?
To help you prepare for your organisation’s involvement, we have published a new Future Apprenticeship support package. This consists of a one-day workshop, a one-to-one action planning call, and a series of resources on specific topics.
The workshops will take place in January and February for leaders and managers from all interested organisations.
More information is available on the Education & Training Foundation website.
Future Apprenticeships is funded by the Department for Education and commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation. Any queries, please contact Zoe Bolger.
5. Joint SFA EFA early intervention policy
Information
In line with the aim of working more closely together, the Skills Funding Agency and Education Funding Agency have published a joint early intervention policy.
The policy sets out how the two agencies will engage with sixth-form colleges and general further education colleges, where their financial plans, ongoing indicators or other data sources suggest a risk of failure.
If you have any questions regarding the policy, please contact the service desk.
6. New apprentices welcome letter from Robert Halfon MP
Action
A letter from the Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon will be made available to all apprenticeship training providers this week.
You can personalise this letter and hand to each new apprentice, as part of his or her normal induction process.
It emphasises the benefits of apprenticeships and gives new apprentices the added confidence that they have made a great career choice.
Please use this letter to welcome your new apprentices as they start their new role.