19+ (SFA, DWP)
Key areas of 19+ work are as follows:
Skills Funding Agency (19+)
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) takes on the adult area (19+) previously undertaken by the LSC (Learning & Skills Council), with the YPLA and local authorities taking the 14-19 work (see our 14-19 page for more info). Emphasis of the SFA will be on performance management of contracts rather than any wider partnership management roles also delivered previously by the LSC. Unless organisations are planning to bid for the predominantly regional, multi-million pound contracts, third sector organisations will have to position themselves to deliver as sub-contractors under Prime Providers (the people holding these large contracts). The Norfolk Unites Directory has been set up to support third sector organisations to effectively and efficiently engage in this process.
Train to Gain
Train to Gain (click here to go to our Train to Gain section) sits in the SFA. Although Train to Gain is being phased out by the Coalition Government, the Leadership & Management offer is still available and relevant to the third/voluntary and community sector.
National Apprenticeships Agency
The NAS delivers Apprenticeships (click here for our Apprenticeships section for more info) for 16 upwards, which includes adults.
DWP (Department of Work & Pensions)
The DWP administers the Work Programme and other, related back-to-work programmes. These services are delivered by large, predominently private sector companies with opportunities for third/voluntary and community sector organisations to contribute at sub-contractor level. See below for a list of such companies currently operating in the East of England (click on company names to access websites):
The Prime Providers (companies holding the contracts) for the Work Programme in the east of England will shortly be announced. Watch this space!!
Merlin standard
The Merlin portal provides information about current prime contractors to the Department for Work & Pensions, and includes a facility through which providers can exchange information with other providers, whether you are a prime contractor seeking subcontractors, or a potential subcontractor seeking to engage prime contractors.
