Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
The NAO report highlighted that there exists a complex and sometimes overlapping set of skills-related...
Conclusion
The NAO report highlighted that there exists a complex and sometimes overlapping set of skills-related initiatives, and the system can seem complicated and difficult to navigate. For example, people can access numeracy training through at least three routes: DfE’s Essential skills – numeracy programme, some standalone technical qualifications, and the Multiply initiative, which is led by DfE in England but is funded via DLUHC’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The NAO report also noted that DfE considers that the range of programmes reflects the diverse needs of employers and learners, but that it recognises that there is some duplication between programmes and scope for simplification.21 We asked whether this complexity might deter employers from participating in the skills system. DfE accepted that complexity could put employers off from taking part, and told us that it was working hard to try and rationalise skills programmes to ensure that they did not overlap and were easier for people to navigate and understand. It said, for example, that it was attempting to encourage other government departments that are leads for particular sectors not to design additional programmes but to articulate the skills that their sectors need. It explained that DfE could then incorporate training provision through its main suite of programmes.22
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s conclusion and will deliver a simpler further education funding system by consulting on proposals, announcing new flexibility for funding in devolved areas, and setting simpler funding rates. It will also integrate the Traineeship programme into existing provision, simplify the qualifications landscape, improve alignment between the National Careers Service and The Careers & Enterprise Company, deliver joined-up campaigns under a single brand, and work with other departments to address workforce issues.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 In July 2022 the government consulted on proposals for how it will deliver a simpler, streamlined further education funding system. On 30 January 2023 it announced a new flexibility for funding innovative provision in devolved areas for 2023-24, and a new simpler set of funding rates for the Education and Skills Funding Agency skills fund from 2024-25. 3.3 To simplify its skills offer the government will integrate the Traineeship programme into existing provision from 1 August 2023. This means Traineeships will no longer be funded through a standalone national programme. 3.4 Additionally, the department is simplifying the post-16-year-old qualifications landscape at Level 3 and below, ensuring that all publicly-funded qualifications are high quality and lead to good progression outcomes. 3.5 The department is also simplifying the careers guidance system by improving alignment between the National Careers Service and The Careers & Enterprise Company. 3.6 The department is delivering joined-up campaigns under a single, cross-government brand (Skills for Life) to promote the different education, training and skills routes available to young people, adults and employers. 3.7 The department also works closely with other government departments through the Labour Market Steering Group and with Sector Delivery Leads to identify how skills programmes can address workforce issues most efficiently. For example, Employment and Skills Pathfinders are a joint DWP/DfE initiative exploring how closer alignment at local level can support delivery of effective employment and skills interventions, improving claimants’ employment and progression outcomes.