Agenda item

The Director of Tourism Culture and Economy submits a report to update the Commission on The Leicester Adult Education service being invited to participate in a DfE programme called the Pathways to Devolution Pilot.

The paper sets out the proposed approach to utilise additional funding and highlights the opportunities and key risks it presents.

The Director of Tourism Culture and Economy submitted a report to update the Commission on the Leicester Adult Education service being invited to participate in a DfE programme called the Pathways to Devolution Pilot. 

The Head of Adult Education attended the meeting to present the report.

Key points to note were as follows:

·       The Department for Education (DfE) had allocated some money previously used to commission skills nationally to be devolved to Leicester from September.  Options were being considered with a combination of delivery approaches.  The models for the options were set out in the report: In House Delivery, Partnership Provision and Sub-Contracted Provision.

·       It was aimed to expand provision in areas where the Council as a provider had seen unmet demand, for example in English as a Second Language (ESOL).

·       Views were welcomed on how to use the funding, particularly on things that supported progression routes such as expanding the Skills Bootcamp offer and supporting creative industries.

In response to member questions and discussion, the following was noted:

·       With regard to points made about avoiding potentially fraudulent sub-contractors, it was explained that due diligence was done prior to awarding contracts.  The track record of the potential sub-contractor (including Ofsted records) were looked at.  Additionally, the DfE had a list of organisations that the Council were not allowed to work with as they had a record of bad practice in the past.  The training locations of potential sub-contractors were also visited and their staff met with.

·       With regard to in-house provision, it was necessary to think about capacity.  It was known where the Council were strong and where demand was high, so these areas were focussed on.  It was also necessary to think about facilities and resources as there was no funding within this for capital expenditure.  It was hoped to work with the Construction Hub.  There was a preference for in-house provision where this was possible as sub-contracting had layers of management which made it less efficient. External providers could also sometimes access different communities which is an alternative benefit.

·       In terms of targeting vulnerable groups, it was suggested that this work could enhance or align with the Connect to Work programme.  Additionally, groups such as those over 19 and Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) would be worked with, and it was aimed to expand ESOL. 

·       In terms of support for women, it was noted that 70% of learners were women, so they were a core demographic.  Courses could be offered part-time, and be flexible around school hours so that delivery models could be used to deliver courses and so courses could be accessed without being full-time.  It was also aimed to be supportive and have a good environment, and to have appropriate venues.

·       In response to points made about sewing classes and textiles, it was noted that skills in the textiles sector had been supported for many years.  The organisation Fashion Enter had been supported and had set up the Fashion Technology Academy.  They had received funding and support following the submission of an application.  The Textile sector was a priority sector that the Council wished to support.  The funding gave the ability to commission training and to meet local need.

·       It was noted that the Council was not being given full flexibility as this was a nationally determined list of qualifications that could be offered, and is still subject to standard DfE requirements.

The Chair summarised, noting that the devolution of resources was welcomed, and whilst it was understood that there were bureaucratic hurdles, it was necessary to be positive about money coming to the Council for training.  It was reiterated that it would be important to manage the risks around the sub-contracting element.  Support for newcomers to the city who needed ESOL was welcomed.  It was added that the voluntary sector was being worked with and they provided opportunities to attract people and bring them in.

AGREED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.