Search Results

The aim of the review was to evaluate the operational impact of demand-led funding in its first year of operation and to identify any unintended consequences. In particular the review evaluated: (1) aspects of the demand-led funding formula; (2) the flexibilities and boundaries between the three models and the potential applicability of demand-led funding to new programmes; (3) the impact of the new funding arrangements on different types of providers; and (4) the impact of new funding arrangements on different types of learners. This report provides details of the outcomes of the research project for the 16-18 funding model. The report looks specifically at the impact of the demand-led funding formula on school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and general [further education] (FE) colleges. The report concludes with a list of recommendations for the future.

Excerpt from introduction. Show less

In September 2001, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) established the Distributed and Electronic Learning Group (DELG) to advise on strategies through which distributed and electronic learning (DEL) could be employed to contribute to its mission to equip young people and adults in the UK with world class knowledge and skills by the year 2010. Electronic learning (e-learning) is defined as learning with the assistance of information and communications technology (ICT) tools. DELG’s major task was to provide advice to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on the delivery of a coordinated strategy for securing delivery of new forms of learning, specifically the innovative use of information technology, locally, regionally and nationally. The inquiry addressed the role of DEL in promoting social inclusion and widening participation in education and in workforce development. It also examined how DEL could be accommodated within funding, accountability and monitoring systems, the appropriate types of learning systems, delivery and content, and how to meet quality and evaluation needs. This report provides an analysis of the implications, challenges and opportunities generated by the increasing use of ICTs in British society and the associated growth of e-learning. The report also contains a number of recommendations as to how the LSC can best provide leadership and influence these developments. The recommendations are intended to facilitate effective LSC support and high quality provision for e-learners in the post-16 educational sector. Show less

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has responsibility for the planning and funding of work based learning for young people in England up to the age of 24. The responsibility for work based learning for unemployed adults age 25 and over lies with Job Centre Plus. This document sets out the Council’s approach to funding work based learning (WBL) for young people up to the age of 24 years in 2002/03 and details future developments. This document details: the work undertaken in reviewing the 2001/02 arrangements in response to feedback from providers and sector representatives, and the key role of the National Rates Advisory Group (NRAG) in reviewing funding rates; how the Council is implementing enhancements to WBL that reflect the recommendations of the Modern Apprenticeship Advisory Committee; and the Council’s funding approach for WBL in 2002/03. Current and future research and policy development likely to impact on WBL are described, including the funding of additional learning support and research into area costs and programme/sector weightings. The Council’s intention to undertake further research on the costs of provision relating to the various elements of WBL are discussed.

Extract from published summary reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

This document is concerned with the development of a framework for quality and success as part of the implementation of ‘Success for all’ (indexed at TD/TNC 72.207), a strategy focused on reforming education and training through partnership in the learning and skills sector. The proposed framework will be created through a new planning, funding and accountability system developed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Key proposals outlined in this report relate to: three-year development plans; the setting and agreeing of improvement targets; performance assessment; three-year funding agreements; and the setting and agreeing of floor targets for success rates. This document refers to the needs of work-based learning providers only, while a companion document (indexed at TD/TNC 81.351) addresses colleges and other providers of further education. Show less

This document, which follows the publication of the 14-19 and Skills White Papers [available in VOCEDplus at TD/IRD 88.163], details the priorities for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funding in 2006/07 and 2007/08. Key priorities for the next two years are to: embed 14-19 reforms and raise attainment of Level 2 at 19; support low-skilled adults in acquiring basic skills and to progress from basic skills to Level 2 and above; increase employer engagement and increasingly meet the needs of employers; and continue to raise standards in all areas of education and training. The document is in three sections. The first section provides a summary of funding priorities, the second sets out the elements of the funding strategy for 2006/07 and 2007/08 in detail, and the final section outlines how the LSC will work with institutions and all partners in the learning and skills sector to ensure that maximum support is available. Show less

Train to Gain is a national skills service to support employers of all sizes and in all sectors to improve the skills of their employees as a route to improving their business performance. It is a commitment to jointly invest in training, by employers and Government. This plan for growth sets out the actions that will be taken to provide more employers and individuals with the skills that they need. The plan includes details of the actions and investments that are required as well as the impact on the numbers of employers and individuals we will help to up-skill.

Excerpts from publication. Show less

The aim of this review is to put back on track what has generally proved to be an excellent programme of capital investment in the [UK] further education (FE) sector. [The author] was asked on the 28 January 2009, by the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Chair of the Learning and Skills Council [LSC], to review the management of the capital programme. The terms of reference were to assess: the main causes of the increased demand for capital funding; the LSC’s management processes and how they could be improved; and any further steps that could be taken to ensure that in future the demand for capital funding is kept in line with budgeted resources.

Excerpt from publication. Show less

This document is concerned with the development of a framework for quality and success as part of the implementation of ‘Success for all’, a strategy focused on reforming education and training in the UK through partnership in the learning and skills sector. The proposed framework will be created through a new planning, funding and accountability system developed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Key proposals outlined in this report relate to: three-year development plans; the setting and agreeing of improvement targets; performance assessment; three-year funding agreements; and the setting and agreeing of floor targets for success rates. The intended audience includes further education (FE) colleges, higher education institutions with FE provision, adult and community learning provision and specialist institutions. A companion document focuses solely on how these issues apply to work-based learning providers. Show less

The aim of the review was to evaluate the operational impact of demand-led funding in its first year of operation and to identify any unintended consequences. In particular the review evaluated: (1) aspects of the demand-led funding formula; (2) the flexibilities and boundaries between the three models and the potential applicability of demand-led funding to new programmes; (3) the impact of the new funding arrangements on different types of providers; and (4) the impact of new funding arrangements on different types of learners. This report provides details of the outcomes of the research project for the Adult and Employer Responsive funding models. The report looks specifically at the impact of the demand-led funding formula on general [further education] FE colleges and independent learning providers. The report concludes with a list of recommendations for the future.

Excerpt from introduction. Show less

In June 2003, the UK government will publish a national Skills Strategy and Delivery Plan. The strategy will establish a broad agenda for raising skill levels amongst young people and adults in close cooperation with employers to ensure that their skill needs are satisfied. The strategy will describe the roles and responsibilities of employers, individuals and government in skills development, including the government’s role in providing institutional, qualifications and quality frameworks. The aim of the strategy is to create a more demand-led learning system and it will include: a comprehensive approach to promoting participation in learning through better advice and rendering learning more attractive and accessible to learners of all ages; the government’s approach to engaging employers across all areas of skills development; adult workforce development, especially in relation to the delivery plan for the new Level 2 target for adults, i.e. to reduce by at least 40% the number of adults in the workforce without a Level 2 or equivalent qualification by 2010; and the outcomes of the review of the funding of adult learning. This technical paper sets out some of the potential options and related funding issues for colleges and providers which are being considered as part of the current review of funding adult learning and development of the skills strategy. It also reflects the work of the Learning and Skills Council Funding Group.

This technical document is published in conjunction with two reports, ‘Developing a national skills strategy and delivery plan: progress report’ (indexed at TD/TNC 73.358) and ‘Developing a national skills strategy and delivery plan: underlying evidence’ (indexed at TD/TNC 73.359). Show less