Update: issue 334 (9 November 2016)
Updated 30 November 2016
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2016
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-update-november-2016/update-issue-334
1. Register of apprentice assessment organisations
Information
In line with its determination to ensure apprenticeships deliver consistently high quality training, SFA has published information for employers looking for an independent end-point assessment organisation and potential applicants to the register of apprentice assessment organisations.
This includes information for organisations thinking about applying to the register of apprentice assessment organisations and information for employers on using the register.
If, after reading the pre-application guidance and other documents, you have any questions, please email apprenticeassessment@sfa.bis.gov.uk.
2. Skills funding service availability this weekend
Information
There will be interruptions to the Skills Funding Service from 10pm on Friday, 11 November, to 8am on Monday, 14 November, so that we can upgrade our identity and access management service.
Once the upgrade is complete you will be able to access the service as normal using your existing username and password.
3. Transfer of powers to DfE
Information
On 9 November 2016 responsibility for higher and further education, apprenticeships and skills policy moved from the former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Department for Education.
Legislation for this part of the machinery of government process (the transferring of responsibilities between government departments) was laid before Parliament on 19 October and came into force on 9 November.
You can read more information about this, and wider machinery of government changes, in the Transfer Order (statutory instrument).
4. Apprenticeship technical funding guide (from 1 May 2017)
Information
We have published the technical guide to the apprenticeship funding system from 1 May 2017.
This explains how funding will work for apprenticeship frameworks and standards starting on or after this date, including how we will calculate provider payments.