Update: issue 351 (22 March 2017)
Updated 29 March 2017
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2017
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-update-march-2017/update-issue-351-22-march-2017
1. SFA Bravo e-tendering portal: new web address
Action
The web address for Bravo has changed to https://fasst.bravosolution.co.uk. You must use the new link if you want to access the SFA e-tendering portal.
2. Subcontracting declarations
Action
In-scope organisations with an SFA funding agreement must submit a subcontracting declaration for the second time in the funding year 2016 to 2017, as stated in the common and performance management funding rules (para A69).
If you subcontract: you must submit a subcontracting declaration form detailing your current subcontracting arrangements.
If you do not subcontract: you must provide a ‘nil return.’ This can be submitted through the skills funding service (SFS). If you have a nil return but have previously subcontracted in 2016 to 2017, you will need to submit a declaration form detailing this rather than using SFS.
We have sent an email to all in-scope organisations, which includes details on how to submit a form or provide a ‘nil return’.
If you fail to submit a return by Friday 31 March, your payment will be suspended.
3. Apprenticeship reforms: proposal to withdraw fourth batch of frameworks
Action
We are asking for feedback on the withdrawal of the fourth batch of apprenticeship frameworks. The proposal is now open, and will close at 5pm on 5 April 2017.
The frameworks included in this proposal have replacement apprenticeship standards that cover the same occupations. We expect the replacement standards to be ready for delivery by 1 April 2018. The proposed last date for new starts on these frameworks is 31 March 2018.
You can provide feedback through our online survey.
For further information, refer to the Removal of apprenticeship frameworks page on GOV.UK or contact the service desk.
4. Re-opening of register of apprenticeship training providers
Information
The register of apprenticeship training providers (RoATP) re-opened for applications this week. This re-opening closes on 7 April.
RoATP is open to all organisations, including those organisations that have not previously been successful. Results from this RoATP re-opening will be notified and published in May.
If you have already been successful in your application to the RoATP, you do not need to re-apply as this opening is not a refresh.
5. Apprenticeship funding system – technical guide v2
Information
Version 2 of the technical guide to the apprenticeship funding system from 1 May 2017 explains how we will calculate funding for apprenticeship frameworks and standards starting from 1 May. The guide sets out how we use funding in employer’s digital accounts to pay for training (where applicable), and how we will calculate provider payments for:
- monthly instalments
- the completion element
- any additional payments
- the 16 to 18 framework uplift
- disadvantaged apprentices
- English and maths
- learning support
For further information, please contact the service desk.
6. Adult education budget (AEB) funding and performance management rules
Information
We published a draft version of the AEB funding and performance management rules 2017 to 2018 in January 2017.
If you have feedback on how we can make the funding rules clearer or better understood, please email AEBrulesfeedback@sfa.bis.gov.uk by Tuesday 18 April 2017. We will publish version 1 by May 2017 incorporating relevant feedback received.
AEB combines all SFA participation and support funding that is not European Social Fund, advanced learner loans or apprenticeships.
7. Level 3 changes for early years educators
Information
The current GCSE English and maths requirements for early years educator (EYE) staff at level 3 have been broadened to include level 2 functional skills alongside other suitable qualifications. This is in response to the government consultation on the literacy and numeracy requirements for EYE staff and as part of the early years workforce strategy.
We will amend the apprenticeship funding rules, the Hub and the ILR validation rules so that anyone who started an early years apprenticeship on or after 1 September 2014 can now meet English and maths requirements through the achievement of level 2 functional skills or other suitable qualifications. DfE has defined other level 2 suitable qualifications in annex B of the consultation response.
For further information, please contact the service desk.
8. Student Loans Company learning provider seminars
Information
The Student Loans Company will be holding 5 events across the country in April/May 2017.
These events are an opportunity to share knowledge and gain an insight into the operational policy, systems and resources of the advanced learner loans programme.
More information and registration details can be found on the website.
9. Changes to loans subcontracting and growth request rules
Information
We have published an addendum to v4 of the advanced learner loans 2016 to 2017 funding and performance management rules.
The statement on our website explains in more detail.
Any queries, please contact your provider management manager.