Agenda

The agenda for our two day conference is split into five main themes and will provide key sector updates and meaningful discussions around the implications of some of the recent key policy activities and their impact on providers, including:

• The apprenticeship levy under review - is the apprenticeship levy system and the levy itself meeting the needs of the economy, employers and apprentices?
• The Levelling-Up White Paper proposed a roadmap for further devolution and commissioning of adult funding to regional and local stakeholders – what are the opportunity and risks for providers?
• The outcome of the ESFA Review as an arm’s length body will mean policy design and implementation moving to the DfE – what are the implications for providers?
• A deep dive into; what next after the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill – the implementation of Local Skills Improvement Plans, the list of post-16 education or training providers, new responsibilities for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and much more.
• The Skills for Jobs Further Education white paper  – a reflection on the ambitions set out by the government in 2021 for our sector – where are we now?
• Ofsted to inspect all providers by 2025 – what to expect.
• Qualification Reforms at level 3 and below – understanding the changes to the qualifications landscape and what that means for learners, employers and providers.
• The transition of external quality assurance to Ofqual – will the consistency, robustness and quality end point outcomes be achieved or not?  
• Careers, information, advice and guidance – will young people finally get the access they need to fully understand all the opportunities including academic and vocational?
• Are providers doing enough to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
• A continuation of discussions at our recent Green Skills Summit, held in February 2022, focussing on the Government’s Net Zero Strategy