Update: issue 328 (28 September 2016)
Published 28 September 2016
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2016
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1. Register of training organisations: new applications
Action
The register of training organisations will open for applications on Friday, 30 September and will close on Friday, 14 October.
The register is not a full refresh. The opening is for new applications for 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. Advanced learner loans: changes to loans facilities growth request 2016 to 2017
Information
The advanced learner loans programme has established its place within the FE market since its launch in 2012.
To ensure the programme continues to grow and be efficiently and robustly managed, we are changing the way providers apply for growth to their loans facility.
From Wednesday, 28 September, we will not accept any new growth requests until the new approach is in place in autumn. We will process any existing growth requests as soon as possible.
For related queries, please contact your business operations provider manager.
3. FE choices employer satisfaction survey results 2015 to 2016
Information
The FE choices employer satisfaction survey 2015 to 2016 closed on 22 July. Colleges and other training organisations can access feedback from their employers and their final indicative reports on the provider extranet.
The information provides specific feedback on the employer’s reasons for choosing a training provider. It also contains feedback on what prompted the employer to start offering the training. We will publish the final results on Thursday, 13 October.
For further information or related queries, please email the service desk.
4. Education and Training Foundation: staff individualised record system
Information
The Education and Training Foundation has launched a new staff individualised record (SIR) system, which collects data about the FE and skills workforce each year.
The SIR will help you to collect, analyse and benchmark vital management data about your workforce and benchmark your organisation against others.
The window for data submission for the academic year 2015 to 2016 will close on Friday, 21 October. Please login or register to submit your data now.
For further information, please email SIR data collection.
5. Opening of register of apprentice training providers: update
Information
In August, we launched our proposals for the new register of apprenticeship training providers to invite your feedback. Our proposals stated we planned to open the register for applications on Monday, 3 October.
As we are now making changes to the register proposals and approach, reflecting your comments and feedback, the opening of the new register will be delayed. We will announce the revised timetable shortly.