Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
has launched a 6-week
consultation with post-16 education and skills
institutions about future arrangements for post-16
education and training delivered under a subcontracting
arrangement.
The purpose of the consultation is to understand the
sector’s views about proposed reforms to eliminate poor
subcontracting arrangements, and better monitor
subcontracts to ensure the best possible outcome for
learners.
Eileen Milner, ESFA Chief Executive said:
“Where subcontracting is done well and for the right
reasons, it can fill gaps in niche or expert provision,
provide greater access to training facilities or offer an
entry point for disadvantaged groups.
“However, as highlighted in my letter to the sector in
October which announced ESFA’s subcontracting review,
despite tightening arrangements, there is still room to
improve. We continue to receive information and investigate
cases where subcontracted provision is not appropriately
controlled, overseen or managed by the lead provider, this
is a concern. We expect consistently high quality provision
of education and training in the post 16 space.”
The consultation will enable ESFA to understand the impact
of the proposed reforms, and help the agency to assess any
implications for providers or learners. ESFA will take into
account providers’ contractual commitments and use this
insight to shape the pace and scope of change for
subcontracting rules from 2020 to 2021 onwards.
The subcontracting review and the consultation aim to:
- ensure public funds are properly spent, maximising the
benefit for learners
- work with Ofsted to strengthen inspection arrangements
for subcontracting
- clarify the rules and requirements across post-16
funding streams
- improve oversight of subcontracted activity in the
sector and improve the outcomes and experience for students
- eliminate subcontracting that is undertaken for purely
financial reasons
- retain subcontracting that meets niche or specialised
needs, improves access and provides opportunities for
disadvantaged learners
The consultation will run from 4 February to 17 March.
