Update: issue 330 (12 October 2016)
Updated 26 October 2016
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2016
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sfa-update-october-2016/update-issue-330
1. Register of training organisations: last chance for new applications
Action
The register of training organisations will close for applications on Friday, 14 October.
This is not a full refresh. The opening is for new applications from those organisations that are required to enter the register as detailed in our 2016 to 2017 funding rules (paragraphs A43 and A53) and those interested in future procurement opportunities, including the adult education budget, but excluding apprenticeships.
No action is needed by organisations who already appear on the register.
For further information, please refer to the register page of GOV.UK or email register help.
2. Final funding claims 2015 to 2016
Action
Training providers funded through a grant for their adult skills budget, discretionary learner support, 24+ advanced learning loans bursary and community learning must submit their final funding claim on the hub by 6pm Monday 24 October. The form will be pre-populated with your earnings following the R14 data collection return.
You have 3 days to sign your claim after the two-day submission period. The claim needs to be signed digitally on Skills Funding Service (SFS) by 6pm on Thursday 27 October by your principal or a delegated authority. We have provided instructions on FE Connect about how to set up user roles in SFS.
We have published a user guide which contains instructions for submitting and signing a funding claim.
Failure to submit a signed funding claim may result in funding being clawed back.
We will publish final reconciliation statements on the SFS in early December.
3. Find apprenticeship training: update
Information
We recently asked you to populate the course directory provider portal with your apprenticeship provision data.
We will launch the find apprenticeship training service to employers in the week beginning 17 October.
Employers will be able to find the information published by those providers who entered their data before the September deadline. Providers who submit their data after the deadline will be available for employers to see in future searches.
Employers will be able to search for suitable apprenticeships and identify approved training providers who have a current contract with the Skills Funding Agency.
If you have any queries, please email course directory support desk or call 0844 8115073.