On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years, and introduces a wide range of reforms that aim to make the benefits and tax credits systems fairer and simpler.
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has published Guidance Note 6, a document which covers 2011/12 changes to funding policy. The SFA is allocating £2.4bn through the Adult Skills Budget for 2011/12. There is an expectation that the sector will increase the level of income secured from individuals and employers during 2011/12, and 2.5% of providers’ indicative allocation will be used for Job Outcome Incentive Payments.
The Government has received the report ‘Securing a Sustainable Future for Higher Education’ – an independent review of higher education and student finance
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) website now contains a compendium of information and fact sheets on Skills for Life and Functional Skills
In a tough speech at the Further Education Mergers, Confederations and Shared Partnerships 2010 conference, Skills Funding Agency Chief Executive Geoff Russell warned senior sector leaders that ‘the money was running out’ and that action sooner, rather than later, was needed to prevent institutions from becoming financially unstable.
Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and ICT that enable learners to deal with practical problems and challenges.
All training providers in Yorkshire and Humber are invited to promote their courses through Business Link’s new Skills Brokerage Platform, which will be launched in February. By providing information about themselves and their courses they will increase their chances of being selected to provide training to businesses of all sizes in the private and public sector.
The Learning and Skills Council’s priorities and key actions from 2008/2009 to 2010/2011 include a right to basic skills training where needed, coupled with the biggest ever investment in this area
An update on new QIA grants to support Skills for Life teacher training
Information on funding opportunities available through the Transversal programme
The Changing Lives programme provides funding for homeless people to pursue a vocational goal with the aim of eradicating the financial barriers that prevent homeless people from moving into employment
Funds are available to help Skills for Life teachers complete their teaching qualifications
