Meeting new application requirements and removal from Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP)
This policy describes how we will deal with providers that apply unsuccessfully to the new RoATP or do not apply following an invitation.
Applies to England
Introduction
On 10 February 2021 we announced some key changes and the refresh to the Register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) which contains more stringent and challenging entry requirements.
This was introduced to help fulfil the government’s continued commitment to improving the quality of apprenticeship training.
The strengthened approach means only providers that apply to the RoATP and meet the new higher standard will be able to continue to access government funding for apprenticeships.
Every provider must be successful in the refresh of the RoATP commencing May 2021. Those who are already approved and listed on the RoATP will need to reapply.
Providers listed on the RoATP are being invited to apply in phases during 2021 and will receive a formal notification giving them a deadline to apply.
Purpose of this policy
This policy describes the approach that will be used, and the actions that will be taken by ESFA, for any providers that apply to the RoATP and are unsuccessful in their application, and providers that do not apply following an invitation.
Actions taken under this policy include removal from RoATP, termination of funding agreements and stopping a provider from taking on new apprentices.
Scenarios
What happens if a provider does not apply to the RoATP by their given deadline?
If a provider does not make an application to the RoATP by their deadline, we will contact them formally giving 10 working days to confirm whether they plan to apply or that they are withdrawing from delivering apprenticeship training.
If a provider confirms they wish to make an application, we will give a new deadline.
If a provider fails to engage with the process by not responding to ESFA, or failing to submit an application by the new deadline, or a provider confirms that they are withdrawing from delivering apprenticeship training, ESFA will take actions as set out in the consequences section of this policy.
What happens if a provider applies to the RoATP but does not meet our requirements?
If the provider does not meet our requirements they will be formally notified that their application was unsuccessful.
The provider has the right to make an appeal within 10 working days of receiving the notification.
On receipt of an appeal, ESFA aim to review and respond to the appeal within 15 working days.
If the appeal is successful, the provider will be added to the RoATP.
If the appeal is unsuccessful or the provider decides not to make an appeal, ESFA will take actions as set out in the consequences section of this policy.
Find out more about the Register of apprenticeship training providers
Consequences
If a provider has not applied to the RoATP or has not met our requirements as set out in scenarios one and two, we will write to the provider advising that:
- they are being given 10 working days’ notice of their removal from the RoATP
- if operating as a subcontractor they must not take on any other apprentices. They must work with their lead provider to support the transfer of apprentices to other delivery options chosen by the prime provider in consultation with the affected employers and apprentices. We will notify prime providers of the subcontractor’s change in status with regard to the RoATP
If a provider has a levy and/or non-levy agreement, we will usually give notice to terminate these agreements with 3 months’ notice.
The provider will not be able to take on any new apprentices during this termination period.
ESFA will engage with the provider following the issue of a notice of termination to ensure effective exit, protecting the interests of apprentices and employers.
ESFA will terminate agreements immediately if there are no apprentices in learning.
In exceptional circumstances and only in instances where a provider is actively delivering apprenticeships, ESFA may:
- issue a termination for a period longer or shorter than three months
Or
- issue a suspension of starts instead of terminating the agreement
These exceptional circumstances include but are not limited to:
- the proximity of the planned end dates for the existing apprentices is such that moving them to alternative provision would cause them significant disadvantage
- the size or complexity of the provider’s apprenticeship programme would require additional time to transfer apprentices to other suitable providers
- a suitable alternative provider is not available due to the niche nature of the provision or delivery location
Where ESFA considers that exceptional circumstances exist it will write to the provider to inform them of its decision and the reasons for it.
I want to get on to the RoATP after being removed under this policy
Providers can only apply once in a 12-month period subject to the entry criteria on the Register of apprenticeship training providers page
What happens if a provider is accepted onto RoATP after being removed?
Where a provider has been removed from RoATP (through a failed application or a failure to engage in the process) and is later successful with an application, they will:
- appear on the RoATP
- sign a new apprenticeship agreement for training providers for the provision of levy-funded apprenticeship training if this was terminated, and they have applied to be a main or employer provider
- have the opportunity to operate as a subcontractor as permitted under our apprenticeship funding rules
Any non-levy contracts terminated due to removal from RoATP will not be reinstated. If the provider wishes to deliver non-levy provision they will need to:
- enter into subcontracts with an existing contract holder (where prime providers need to subcontract)
- engage with and use the apprenticeship service following the transition of non-levy employers
Last updated 25 May 2021 + show all updates
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Changed some of the dates and updated the links to relevant pages.
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Links added to the new RoATP service have been added.
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First published.