Update: issue 349 (8 March 2017)
Updated 29 March 2017
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2017
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-update-march-2017/update-issue-349-8-march-2017
1. Subcontracting controls: external assurance
Action
The following organisations must submit their completed external assurance on subcontracting controls certificate to CFsubcontracting by Wednesday 31 May:
- lead providers with subcontracts totalling £100,000 or more in the 2016 to 2017 funding year
- direct grant employers subcontracting more than 50% of their allocation in the 2016 to 2017 funding year
There is an information document and certificate proforma on GOV.UK.
We will consider what actions to take against lead providers and direct grant employers that fail to meet the deadline.
For more information, contact the service desk.
2. Apprenticeship reforms: proposal to withdraw fourth batch of frameworks
Action
We are asking for feedback on the withdrawal of the fourth batch of apprenticeship frameworks. The proposal is now open, and will close at 5pm on 5 April 2017.
The frameworks included in this proposal have replacement apprenticeship standards that cover the same occupations. We expect the replacement standards to be ready for delivery by 1 April 2018. The proposed last date for new starts on these frameworks will be 31 March 2018.
You can provide feedback through our online survey.
For further information, refer to the removal of apprenticeship frameworks page on GOV.UK or contact the service desk.
3. College accounts direction
Information
SFA and EFA have updated the college accounts direction for 2016 to 2017.
The accounts direction sets out the financial reporting requirements for sixth-form and further education colleges.
4. Post-16 audit code of practice
Information
SFA and EFA have updated the post-16 audit code of practice for 2016 to 2017.
The audit code sets out a common standard for the provision of assurance in relation to funding of post-16 providers.
We plan to publish the regularity self-assessment questionnaire as a separate document in due course.
5. Mystery shopper
Information
To help us understand how prepared providers are for the new apprenticeship reforms we are carrying out a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise to test aspects of apprenticeship readiness. This will enable us to identify any further support the sector may need to be ready to meet employer demand for apprenticeships.
Further information about the new apprenticeship reforms can be found on GOV.UK.
Please contact your provider manager if you have any queries.