Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
We also asked DfE about the multiplicity of available programmes.
Conclusion
We also asked DfE about the multiplicity of available programmes. It asserted that long lists of programmes could look a little misleading. It explained that the bulk of skills funding went to a relatively small number of interventions, specifically apprenticeships, the free courses for jobs and qualifications-based programmes that are typically delivered by FE colleges, and the adult education budget. DfE stated that it was incumbent on it to keep trying to make the system simpler for people, but noted that it had to balance two 19 Q 41 20 Q 46 21 C&AG’s Report, paras 4.7–4.8, 4.10, 4.17, Figure 15 22 Q 60 23 Q 61 12 Developing workforce skills for a strong economy countervailing forces – the need to create a skills system that is simple and intelligible, but that also allows tailoring and provides training that meets people’s needs reasonably precisely.24 24 Q 60 Developing workforce skills for a strong economy 13 2 Roles of different organisations in the skills system Employers
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.