Esfa Apprenticeship Subcontracting Rules 2020/21

ESFA Apprenticeship Subcontracting Rules 2020/21: What You Need to Know

Apprenticeship subcontracting is a process in which a training provider contracts with another organization or individual to deliver part or all of an apprenticeship program. The subcontractor bears responsibility for providing training and assessment, while the main provider remains accountable for the overall success of the apprenticeship.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) in the UK governs apprenticeship subcontracting, with a set of rules and regulations in place to ensure quality and fairness. The ESFA has recently updated these rules for the 2020/21 academic year, so it’s important for training providers and subcontractors to understand what has changed.

Here’s an overview of the ESFA subcontracting rules for 2020/21:

1. Eligibility criteria

ESFA funding for apprenticeships is only available to eligible training providers. To subcontract, a provider must hold a direct contract with the ESFA, have the necessary experience and capability to deliver high-quality apprenticeships, and have the capability to manage subcontractors effectively.

In addition, subcontractors must be registered on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) and meet the minimum requirements for quality and safeguards.

2. Restrictions on subcontracting

The ESFA has introduced new restrictions on subcontracting for 2020/21. Providers can only subcontract up to a maximum of 20% of their ESFA-funded apprenticeship delivery, and can only subcontract to entities that are registered as lead providers on the RoATP.

3. Funding and payment

Subcontractors are eligible for a share of the ESFA funding, which is paid to the main provider. The main provider must pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receiving the funding, unless an alternative agreement has been reached.

4. Quality and assurance

Both the main provider and subcontractor have a shared responsibility for the quality of apprenticeship provision. The main provider must ensure that subcontractors meet the minimum requirements for quality and safeguarding, and must monitor and evaluate subcontracted provision regularly.

The ESFA has also introduced new requirements for subcontractor assurance, which include a due diligence process, regular performance monitoring, and financial and compliance checks.

In summary, the ESFA apprenticeship subcontracting rules for 2020/21 aim to ensure that apprentices receive high-quality training and assessment from providers with the necessary expertise and resources. By complying with these rules, providers can create effective partnerships with subcontractors that benefit both providers and apprentices.