1. AELP Regional Network Update March 2017 AELP Regional Network Update
January 2017

2. Apprenticeship Reforms

3. Updated funding rules
Version 2 of Apprenticeship funding rules for May 2017 to March 2018 have now been published
They can be accessed using this link
Whilst there are no substantive changes from previous iterations, rules have been refined and tightened in some areas, notably surrounding the use of brokers which has now been explicitly ruled out for both employers and providers.

4. Budget Skills
The Chancellor’s Budget contained little for our sector that had not already been speculated upon.
No overall movement in projections for the Levy take of £2.6bn in the first year (although this slightly less than was predicted in the original announcement in Autumn 2015)
No guarantee of funding, for delivery to non-levy payers.
T-levels were officially introduced from 2018/19 with a spending commitment of £870m up to 2021/22
Limited range of maintenance loans for FE were announced for students on Level 4-6 technical education qualifications.
A document containing the main points of the budget can be accessed here (Source: SFA)

5. RoATP Outcomes 1,708 providers or 75% were successful, as follows:
1,303 main providers
170 employer providers
235 supporting providers
Errors made in submitting applications apparently accounted for most failures
Register re-opened on 21st March for re-submissions and new applications. It will close on 7th April.
Currently awaiting timescales for Non-Levy Procurement results

6. Institute of Apprenticeships Update (IfA)
Antony Jenkins confirmed as IFA Chair Full details of how the Institute for Apprenticeships will operate set out in an operational plan for consultation alongside the names of 8 members of the board appointed to run the institute. Clarity still needed on who’s in charge overall on quality (IFA, SFA and Ofsted etc)

7. Future Apprenticeship Support Programme

8. Future Apprenticeships Support Programme
The programme focuses on:
Delivering the apprenticeship standards and end-point assessment; Building on new and developing existing relationships with employers; Understanding the systems and processes necessary to deliver high quality apprenticeships; and includes:
Workshops
Intensive packages of support
Online resources
Webinars
Please visit the portal for more information and resources
Future Apprenticeships is the only government funded national programme of CPD support for the apprenticeship reforms
Commissioned and funded by the Education and Training Foundation
The programme so far has consisted of:
1. Employer Engagement and Business Development
2. Organisational action planning and change management
3. Delivering Apprenticeships standards - specific industry standards
4. Provider Readiness Groups (PRGs) which are self-managed groups to come together to discuss delivery of specific apprenticeship standards
5. Information sharing including:
A series of webinars covering key policy updates
The Future Apprenticeships portal which includes current information including end-point assessment and links to courses and further resources
The Future Apprenticeships provider toolkit
A one day workshop on ‘Everything that you need to know about apprenticeships’
The ETF also support providers with apprenticeship delivery more widely including ‘Maths and English in Apprenticeships’, ‘Mental Health in Apprenticeships’ and an online course on ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Apprenticeship providers’.

9. Phase 1 and 2 Impact.. Phase 1 December 2015 to March 2016
supported a total of 638 providers and 2757 individuals up until March 2016
Phase 2
July 2016 to March 2017
supported almost 1,400 individuals through face to face courses and over 2,200 through webinars
In addition to this:
A total number of 165 providers / organisations engaged in Task and Finish Groups
Total number of Provider Readiness Group unique members: 520 and a total number of members is 1,626 which includes members that are part of multiple groups.

10. Beginning delivery of standards
Future Apprenticeships Support Programme – Phase 3
Phase 3 still being confirmed but more of the same
New Providers
Beginning delivery of standards
Early Adopters
Phase 3 will provide a range of support, information workshops, online CPD, larger events and resources for practitioners and managers in both large and small organisation and will disseminate relevant materials such as plans, resources.

11. Coming soon…. Support for:
Delivery of the on programme parts of the apprenticeships
Individuals to become end point assessors
Organisations to become end point assessment organisations
Maths and English in apprenticeships
Equality, diversity and inclusion in apprenticeships
The programme for builds on the previous work that we’ve done.
We are in the process of finalising the programme and it will be available to book onto in April. Some parts of the programme are free (Future Apprenticeships portal, Toolkit, some webinars, E&D course) and some parts attract a charge (all face to face support) but this is a subsidised rate for providers who are on the register. Prices range from £ for a one day workshop to £350 for a more intensive two package of support.
Delivery of the on-programme parts of apprenticeships;
Wide ranging programme of support – slides on this
Individuals to become end point assessors
Development of Foundation Online Learning modules to support assessors to understand the basics of independent end-point assessment.
Delivery of a small number of mock end point assessments, using the learning to develop materials to support people carrying out end point assessment.
A series of three large events providing short bite-sized opportunities for learning. The topics could include: specific end-point assessment methodologies, grading and synoptic methodologies, observed assessment case studies and issues for the wider sector that assessors need to be aware of.
Organisations to become end point assessment organisations
One day workshops to support organisations to make a decision about their future involvement in end point assessment and to prepare to deliver.
A series of ‘Gearing up’ workshops that support organisations to deliver high quality end point assessments in significant volumes.
Maths and English in apprenticeships;
ETF has a range of support available for delivering maths and English. We are in the process of developing the programme for next year and this will include elements to support delivery of maths and English in apprenticeships.
Equality, diversity and inclusion in apprenticeships
Online course available now

12. Delivery of on programme parts of apprenticeships
Understand apprenticeships, requirements, systems, delivery and capacity
Transition and planning for delivery of standards
Organisational specific support
The programme will continue to have a strand to ensure that providers are able to stay up to date with the latest apprenticeship policy annoucements. There will be:
3 workshops on ‘the basics of apprenticeship policy and delivery’;
The portal will continue to hold detail about courses, links to resources both resources produced by ETF as well as back to the DfE website, and;
The toolkit is available on the portal and offers a wide range of practical tools and case studies
Webinars with high-profile policy leads and all webinars will also be recorded so that providers can access them at any time and use them to refresh their knowledge or as part of a wider training programme.
There will be support for providers to deliver the on-programme parts of apprenticeships to:
Understand apprenticeships, requirements, systems, delivery and capacity. Support will be provided through webinars, provider network presentations, workshops for new providers and updates to the Future Apprenticeships Toolkit.
Support transition and planning for delivery of standards. Support will be delivered through two one-day workshops: ‘An introduction to curriculum planning for apprenticeship standards’, and ‘Building your business: Delivering apprenticeship standards’, and organisational specific support which will be a three-day tailored package of support.

13. Delivering the apprenticeship standards
Focusing on transitioning and delivering apprenticeship standards in specific occupational areas
Includes development of a practical, robust transition plan and evidence from providers who are already making the changes.
Support in delivery of apprenticeship standards
This on-programme support will be sector specific, with 10 occupational areas of focus. These areas have yet to be determined but will be based on factors including numbers of starts, priority and sector demand.
The workshops will enable you to create a bespoke transition plan for your organisation. The package of support will be made up of two one day workshops and online support in between.
Technical subject specialists and end-point assessment organisations will be available at the workshops to offer advice.

14. Innovation in delivery
We ran three masterclasses between January and March this year focusing quality improvement in delivery of apprenticeships. We will expand upon this next year to deliver 2 larger events with a plenary and a series workshops.
The aim of these events will be to inspire providers to think differently about how they can add value to their apprenticeship delivery. The event will show how providers can improve the attractiveness of their apprenticeship offer to employers by adding innovative delivery.
Innovation could be in the form of:
How the integrate apprentices with additional support needs into their delivery;
the use of technology;
the way they market and sell their offer;
how they bring employers into the delivery of content;
how they prepare for gateway and EPA.

15. End-point assessment Assessors:
To support people to develop the skills to become independent end-point assessors for apprenticeships through: an online module and three large events with workshops.
Organisations:
To support organisations through workshops to make decisions about becoming an AAO, preparing to deliver EPA and ‘gearing up’ workshops to support AAOs to deliver significant volumes.
Future Apprenticeships has also offered support for end-point assessment and this will continue as we focus on support for assessors and organisations delivering end-point assessment.
Support for assessors:
The new offer will produce a Foundation Online Learning module that would allow assessors and potential assessors to understand the basics of new end-point assessment and through self-assessment develop their own training needs analysis.
Deliver four observations of mock or live assessments and practical tools developed from these.
Three large events (for up to 150 potential assessors each), to be delivered in Autumn 2017, with multiple mini-workshops that will cover a range of aspects of the end-point assessor role. They will include an exhibition by AAOs offering potential opportunities for end-point assessors.
Support for organisations:
Decision workshops including how to become an AAO, provide services/ staff to an AAO, being part of a consortium, not becoming involved in EPA
Preparing to deliver workshops including how to progress with applying to the Register of Apprenticeship Assessment Organisations, operate as a successful AAO, provide staff and resources for registered AAO’s and form geographical or occupational collaborations to deliver end-point assessment. All delegates will have access to 15 online resources.
Both workshops include follow-up phone calls.
New ‘Gearing up’ workshops to support AAO leaders, managers and their organisations to prepare to deliver EPA in significant volumes.

16. Future Apprenticeships Toolkit.
Finally, the freely available the Future Apprenticeship Toolkit supports providers to make the transition from frameworks to standards. Covering a broad range of topics from strategy and planning to implementation, it takes account of the latest policy developments, provides advice and guidance, and also includes examples of effective practice from providers involved in designing and delivering the new standards.
This is a good place to start for providers who are new to delivery.
All of our courses have cases studies or providers from early adopters and providers who making their transitions in delivering the standards now. Many of these are captured in the Future Apprenticeships Toolkit.
The Toolkit receives an average of 350 downloads a month and will continue to be updated and respond to the challenges and solutions being raised.
The toolkit is on the Future Apprenticeships portal which provides a wide range of information in addition to information about how to book onto courses.

17. In House Support Events
All courses advertised through Future Apprenticeships can be delivered on a provider’s premises
2 day packages of support can be condensed into one day
Provider would be responsible for sourcing the venue and all catering arrangements
Comprehensive pack of training materials is provided for each delegate
Please for further information and prices

18. More information (including dates and booking details) is available on the Future Apprenticeships website
AELP is the lead delivery partners on this programme working in partnership with a range of strategic partners.
The strategic partners represent the key organisations in the sector who are involved in delivery of apprenticeships.

19. Maths and English in apprenticeships
The ETF provides a range of support as part of the maths and English pipeline including to:
Improve assessment for learning
Engage and motivate learners
Develop resilience
Maximise progress at entry levels
Use digital technology
Improve observations and learning walks
Support will be available later this Spring to specifically support for vocational teachers and trainers, including courses in:
Embed maths and English in apprenticeships: an introduction
Embed maths and English in apprenticeships: develop your practice
Face the challenges for maths and English in apprenticeship reforms
Vocational revitaliser: an introduction to embedding maths and English
Vocational revitaliser: develop your practice
More general support is always available via your Regional Specialist Lead. All of this can be found via the ETF website or the Future Apprenticeships portal.
Embed maths and English in apprenticeships: an introduction
Embed maths and English in apprenticeships: develop your practice
Face the challenges for maths and English in apprenticeship reforms
Vocational revitaliser: an introduction to embedding maths and English
Vocational revitaliser: develop your practice

20. Equality Diversity and Inclusion
A free 2-hour course for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for apprenticeship providers is available.
Following the new apprentice journey through 7 core modules.
In depth modules on mental health in apprenticeships due to be launched:
Building awareness, capacity & capability of practitioners;
Effective models and examples of accessible and inclusive apprenticeships
inclusion-course-launched/
The programme offers support in equality, diversity and inclusion in apprenticeship delivery. This is available now.
A free two hour course which has been developed to helps teachers and trainers to work through equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations at all stages of apprenticeship delivery – from marketing and business development, to employer engagement, induction, on-programme training, assessment and progression.
Starting with a self-assessment ‘confidence audit’, participants work through seven core modules reflecting the apprenticeship journey. Each module helps participants consider the prominent EDI barriers for apprentices and how these can be overcome. The course allows participants to complete the confidence audit again at the end, to assess how their understanding and confidence has grown.
There will be particular in-depth modules on mental health in apprenticeships and an element of this work will include developing case studies to show effective models of practice.
Over 160 delegates have already registered to take part.

21. End Point Assessment

22. End-point assessment is separate to any qualifications or other assessment that the apprentice may undertake during training.
Assessment will either be delivered by an independent third party or in such a way that no party who has been involved in delivery of the apprenticeship can make the sole decision on competence and passing the end-point assessment.
EPA is separate to any on programme activity which may include quals and assessment

23. Why is independence in assessment thought to be important?
Public credibility: particularly important in high-stakes assessments
Regarded as crucial in ensuring consistency (e.g. from one government to another)
Regarded as important for comparability (e.g. from one centre or assessor to another)
Accountability and control (particularly in managing risk around public funding)

24. Conflict of Interest Policy
Should include how risks are monitored and mitigated.
Risks include :
those arising from the design and implementation of assessment instruments
connections at corporate and individual level between EPA administration and delivery or apprentices
looking for factors that could compromise the EPA decisions being made or call the decisions into question
In exceptional circumstances, an exemption might be granted which allows the same organisation to be involved in both EPA and the on-programme delivery of a standard but the delivery and assessment functions must be strictly delineated
Exemptions will not be granted to training providers who wish to train and assess the same apprentices.

25. Policy coverage
Contractual obligation to disclose conflicts, with a conflicts of interest declaration template used (and submitted as supporting evidence)
Declaration processes to record conflicts that is actively managed
Details of processes used to resolve conflicts
How conflicts are managed if employer or provider sites are used for EPA

26. Additional Information

27. What’s new at AELP? New senior appointments
All areas of the organisation being reviewed with capacity being strengthened across the board including Research and Membership
New offices in Bristol
New branding
Stronger links with regional networks
New address:
Association of Employment and Learning Providers
2nd Floor
9 Apex Court
Almondsbury
Bristol
BS32 4JT
Tel:

28. New Member Benefits Schools Week and FE Week Digital Subscriptions
Complete Guide to Funding apprenticeships – 20% discount
Lsect events – 10% discount
Education Week jobs – FE Week and Schools Recruitment Advertising – 20% discounts on recruitment adverts
Schools Week and FE Week Digital Subscriptions
Each member organisation's key contact will receive a free digital subscription to both Schools Week and FE Week for one year.
Both digital editions are published on a Friday morning during term-time. If you already have a subscription to either newspaper,
your free digital subscription can be transferred to a colleague. You can also unsubscribe at any time. For transfers or cancellations
of this free benefit please
Complete Guide to Funding Apprenticeships
The Complete Guide to Funding Apprenticeships 2016/17 edition, sponsored by NOCN and authored by Nick Linford, includes a
worked example for every framework pathway and standard at every level in England, and the 2016/17 edition also includes
chapters on the levy funding and systems for starts from 1 May The guide is published in a high-quality A4 ring
binder with more than 200 pages of funding examples for over 700 framework pathways and standards. AELP members receive an
exclusive 20% off the guide. Please contact to obtain your discount code.
Lsect events
Lsect hosts a wide-range of training events for staff in the FE & Skills sectors. Many AELP member will be familiar with Lsect events
and attend regularly. As an AELP member, you will now receive a 10% discount on all Lsect events. This 10% can be used on top of
any other discounts, including FE Week gold membership, given at time of purchase.
To receive free updates from Lsect about their training events and conferences please sign-up to their updates service here.
Please contact to obtain your discount code.
Education Week Jobs - FE Week and Schools Recruitment Advertising
Education Week Jobs is a recruitment advertising service, online and print, from Schools Week and FE Week. AELP members will
receive 20% off the rate card value for all online recruitment adverts and print recruitment adverts in School Week or FE Week.
Please contact FE Week directly to make use of your 20% discount and mention that your organisation is an AELP member.

29. And the old ones too!
Reassurance that AELP is lobbying on behalf of its members to government departments and agencies involved in funded skills and employment provision
The opportunity to make a difference and contribute to AELP’s policy development
Opportunity to feed your views into consultations and surveys
Networking with fellow AELP members at member forum meetings and special interest groups
Complimentary AELP publications (Countdown and Sector Connect)
Free Webinars to keep you up to date
Recent surveys have included getting feedback on:
Provider approaches to the 20% off the job rule
Costs of delivery of English and maths
Are you taking the time to respond and feed in your views?

30. AELP Policy Successes
From April 2017, non-levy paying SMEs will pay only one-tenth of the cash contribution although even this has to be kept under review
Providing there is employer sign-off, genuine subcontracting can continue
All types of provider can deliver technical and professional qualifications
Functional Skills qualification retained across all programmes with new FS starting in 2019
A new law building on 2011 legislation to ensure providers and college staff have access to pupils about the Apprenticeship/Traineeship offer
As listed in the AELP Annual Report for the year ending June 2016 available on our website

31. Model Contract Offer for AELP members
Leading law firm - Bircham Dyson Bell
Providers to use with levy paying employers
Access the document by ing BDB
Membership name and number
Free legal helpline
Substantial discount on any follow up legal work
As widely anticipated, a contract between the SFA and employers to release payments to training providers after May 2017 has now been published. This agreement gives the employer the authority to access their levy funds to manage apprenticeships, and authorises SFA to pay for apprenticeship training and end-point assessment with the chosen training provider.
Members who have access our draft model contract for use between employers and training providers can be reassured that it reflects the requirements in the SFA/Employer agreement where appropriate.
Bircham Dyson Bell are currently redrafting the current AELP levy employer contract, along with writing new contracts for non-levy employers, subcontracting and End Point Assessment (EPA)

32. New Regional Network Meetings
New regional network meetings set up and first meetings held with Mark Dawe and Jane Hickie covering three geographical areas – North, Central and South
All received positive feedback about working together and the benefits we can bring each other. 
4 meetings for each area per year to be set up with senior management attendance. 
Aims to develop a flow of information between AELP and the networks on a continuous basis
To be developed further in partnership with the network representatives