1. AELP Update 21st September 2017 Cheryl Swales 07854497435
Important for AELP to hear about any issues – providers to keep feeding back through network or direct to

2. Recent AELP Activity
Continuation of work with four Area Networks of the North, Central, South and London East 
Review of member meetings (SIGs and Forums) – strengthening and increased attendance
External review of Standards and EPA
AELP Autumn Conference – 1st November in Manchester
20% off the job rule
Responses to recent Non-Levy and AEB ITTs
Recent submissions:
The role of ITPs in Technical Education reforms
The Taylor Review of Modern Work Practices
Apprenticeship Levy – Q&A
Briefing paper for IfA Board Members
Off-the-job survey and recommendations

3. Feedback from the Northern Provider Network Meeting – 04/09
Apprenticeship Week 2018 – enhancing positioning of the ITP sector through awards and key events in local areas
Sector Forums – vital route into the sector panels (IfA)
Technology – enabling the use of technology to support the ‘quality’ aspect of apprenticeship delivery
GDPR – support to the sector through a webinar and four regional events
Consultants – database
Policy (AEB & Non-Levy)
Apprenticeships
T-levels

4. Register of Apprenticeship Providers
Future openings for Levy funded provision only
All new providers to complete mandatory checklist
Increased monitoring & interventions
Mystery Shopper calls being completed on sample of all providers – new & old
Currently closed until non-levy contracts have been announced but expected to be open again prior to Christmas
Funding rules update due mid-September

5. Levy Negotiated rates 15 funding bands
Dual funded system (frameworks and standards)
New Funding Rules
Additional audit & admin burden
20% off the job requirements
Contracts and variations
New providers
AELP keeping a close eye on the longer term impacts i.e. year 2 (carry over and new standards).
First data release due October 2017

6. Non-Levy Procurement Minimum contracting threshold £200k
Budget: 440m to 650m
Procurement will cover apprenticeship starts in non-levy paying employers from January 2018 to March 2019
Implementation of current levy subcontractor rules across to non-levy January 2018
From April 2019 all employers are expected to have joined The Apprenticeship Service (TAS)
Single bid per provider recognised on the RoATP – regional breakdown (9 areas) of bid needed as part of submission
Contract award will be a single award with provider flexibility, split by and 19+
Early growth opportunities in 2018 possible in this transitional period
Bid deadline extended to 8th September
ESFA have 2 months to mark and moderate applications
Non-levy apprenticeship recruitment 20% down on last year. While it is not the only one, AELP member providers are feeding back that the 20% rule is a factor in the huge fall in apprenticeship starts since the beginning of May and therefore in AELP’s view, it requires urgent review. 
Impact of clarification on 2015/16 historical starts, not delivery – major impact on providers who completed their tender prior to announcement.
AELP calling for 2 week extension on the deadline and to keep current subcontracting rules

7. AEB – Eligibility table
AEB – Eligibility table for reference
Note small change to funding rules, but a significant outcome for AELP members after discussions with DfE and the ESFA
2016/2017
E21. We will not fund any learning aim delivered at an employee’s workplace and relevant to either their job or their employer’s business, unless the learner has an entitlement to full funding under paragraphs E24 or E28 to E30, or we have agreed a concession that responds to a significant negative economic impact for a specific industry.
2017/2018 (v1)
157. We will not fund any learning aim delivered at an employee’s workplace, or is relevant to their job and/or is relevant to their employer’s business, unless the learner has an entitlement to full funding for English and/or maths (paragraph 161), and/or a first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification (paragraph 168), or we have confirmed a national level concession that responds to a significant negative economic impact for a specific industry.
Next growth point – December 2017

8. Existing Providers ESFA audit process to continue
Themed frequent visits to commence
Additional audit resources from external companies to be used
Register re-fresh annually
Non-levy procurement
Subcontractor rules

9. Audit Requirements Eligibility and Existence! Genuine job
Subcontractor arrangements
Commitment statement
20% off the job – commitment statement to include breakdown of how it will be completed and calculation to be included in the agreement
Cost of training
Co-investment
Start of learning & qualifying days
English & maths
Additional payments (incentives and additional learner support)

10. Ofsted (apprenticeships up to L5)
No CIF change until Sept 2019
20% off the job – not a measure of quality
Planned, good quality, specific & measurable training is key (progress made & skills learnt)
Effective robust starting point assessments – more than just AI & Skills Scan – capturing skills, knowledge & behaviours throughout the learners journey
Progress of ‘live’ learners more important than historic achievement data
Not enough employer engagement being seen
Too many providers focus too heavily on progress of qualifications/units & not on skills gained
QAA to inspect Apprenticeships at L6 & 7

11. Digital Skills Workshops
Workshops to develop personal digital skills and understand the relevance of digital technologies, enabling delegates to become more confident in the use of digital technologies, both in teaching and beyond!
Sector
Location
Date
Customer Service/Retail
Nottingham
Preston
13th September
23rd October
Health and Social Care
Stoke-on-Trent
Derby
10th October
Team Leading/Management
Ashford
County Durham
25th September
5th October
Hospitality
Abingdon
London
19th October
Workshops follow the success of a series of pilot workshops in May 2017
Or for further information

12. Improving Outcomes for learners with SEND
AELP is working in partnership with PublicCo to deliver a workshop package which will offer support for leadership teams and governors to improve their support and outcomes for learners with SEND funded by the Education Training Foundation.
This support is aimed at leadership teams, senior leaders and governors.     
Following these workshops we will be running a webinar that will collect progress made from all attendees of both courses. Delegates will be encouraged to attend and share short examples of how they have put learning into place.
26th & 27th, September
4th & 5th, October
14th & 15th, November
27th & 28th , November
Birmingham London Leeds London
Please Matt Alvarez further information.
Places are limited so please book early to guarantee your place.

13. Training for Finance Managers/Board Members
The Education and Training Foundation has commissioned PublicCo, AELP and Collab to design and deliver a training programme for Finance Managers / Board Members with lead responsibility for finance. It is being designed to support these individuals to be more effective in their role, in response to a clear need identified by Ofsted and the FE Commissioner.
9th October, 3pm – 6:30pm
17th October, 3pm – 6:30pm
30th October, 3pm – 6:30pm
20th November, 3pm – 6:30pm
4th December, 3pm – 6:30pm
Bristol Manchester Sheffield London
Birmingham
Register your interest in this essential training opportunity now at or contact to discuss tailored training to the whole governing body.
Places are limited so please book early to guarantee your place.

14. Future Apprenticeships Toolkit.
Lots of free resources developed throughout the FA programme to use within your organisations – continually updated
Currently being refreshed to update all documentation and policy

15. Access support through courses, the provider toolkit, webinars, resources and information through the portal:
Please check the future apprenticeships website for courses and dates – lots going on to support providers!
Regional network PowerPoint to be circulated 30th September

16. Thank you! Any questions?