1. Collaborating for Success Welcome

2. Setting the scene Tim Ward Learning Curve

3. Context No direct access to funding for learning & skills for smaller organisations Partnership/Consortium working encouraged

4. SFA on subcontracting Main contractor is responsible and accountable No formal standards to regulate relations Expect 85% of funding to be passed on Due diligence & monitoring

5. What we can offer Access to vulnerable/excluded Holistic approach Supportive/familiar/non-institutional Learning Programmes Voice/channel of communication Support/expertise

6. Things for Third Sector to consider What can you do? – Capabilities What does the main contractor need? Understand their concerns What have you done? – Track Record & Reputation How can you reassure?- Systems, processes, staff qualifications etc

7. Things for main contractor to consider How can the subcontractor extend/enhance your offer? – Eg: Are there unheard voices that third sector can reach? How can I be assured about quality, achievement and good administration? What support does the subcontractor partner need? How can the relationship be developed to maximise benefit to learners?

8. Good practice Transparent selection & funding process Relationship of trust & cooperation Written agreement, good communications, timely payments Using strengths of partners Share good practice between partners Share staff training & quality improvement Relationship strategic not contingent

9. Where we would like to be

10. Useful links SFA (see latest publications page) http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk SFA Bravo website https://skillsfundingagency.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml https://skillsfundingagency.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml YPLA http://www.ypla.gov.uk http://www.ypla.gov.uk Learning & Skills Improvement Service http://www.lsis.org.uk Subcontracting toolkit http://www.lsect.co.uk/toolkit.asp http://www.lsis.org.uk http://www.lsect.co.uk/toolkit.asp FE Week http://www.feweek.co.uk TSNLA www.tsnla.org.uk www.tsnla.org.uk CLESP http://www.southwestforum.org.uk/clesp Learning Curve www.learningcurve.org.uk www.learningcurve.org.uk

11. Next Steps Website Guides National AOC/TSNLA discussions How can we progress this in SW?