Planned
Evaluation of L2 provision
There is no single LSC-funded ‘programme’ that delivers all Level 2 qualifications. Instead, Level 2 qualifications are delivered through a number of LSC-funded programmes aimed at adults through vocational and academic routes. Learning is delivered by a range of providers such as Schools, Sixth Form Colleges, General Further Education Colleges (GFEC), independent training providers, Local Authorities (LA), Higher Educations Institutions (HEIs) and third-sector providers.
The diversity of provision, providers and learners undertaking LSC-funded Level 2 programmes means that there has yet to be a thematic evaluation of Level 2 conducted by or on behalf of the LSC.
The main aims of this evaluation project are:
- To understand the relative contribution of different programmes and routes (less schools) delivering Level 2 qualifications to young people and adults.
- To determine if those Level 2 qualifications are perceived as economically valuable skills.
The secondary aims of the research will be to understand the relative merits and benefits of each programme in meeting the needs of different groups if individuals and on the wider goals of employability and progression.
National Skills Academies (NSA)
The establishment of NSAs was announced in the March 2005 White Paper “Skills: getting on in business, getting on at work.” The intention is that NSAs will achieve a better partnership approach between government and employers in raising standards of provision to meet employers’ specific skill needs. This will avoid the historical pattern of government trying to “second guess” sector needs and employers not engaging, citing that the provision is not appropriate.
The Fashion and Retail Academy opened in September 2005. Three additional NSAs have been approved by the Government and will shortly become operational in the Financial Services, Construction, and Manufacturing sectors. A fourth, representing the Food and Drink sector, is close to being approved.
Bids from the Nuclear Industry, the Chemical Industry, the Hospitality Sector and the Creative and Cultural Industries have been accepted by the government and will now be invited to work up business plans ready for the next stage of the process.
Evaluation of the NSAs is unlikely to start before October 2007. The key component of the evaluation of the NSAs will be to evaluate them against the aims and objectives of the programme. The need though is to evaluate not only NSAs as they are introduced, but also to provide an overall view of the NSA programme.
Evaluation of Framework for Excellence
The Framework for Excellence will be the enduring means to measure and improve performance in the sector, providing the coherence, clarity and transparency that is necessary to enhance the reputation of the sector. It will also facilitate progress towards a system of self regulation by providing the required level of transparency and accountability through effective self assessment against external standards of performance.
The information from the framework will be the basis for planning and commissioning decisions. The LSC will monitor performance and set targets for improvement. In this way, excellence and the route to it are clearly defined, so that all colleges and providers should understand what it is necessary for them to become good and then excellent.
The evaluation of the framework is planned to start in 2007 and continue through to 2010 to determine whether the framework has:
- Met the aims and objectives outlined in the proposal document.
- Been implemented in a way which is far, valid and fit-for-purpose across the sector (i.e. does not advantage or disadvantage any particular type of provider/provision/learner).
- Provided an incentive for continuous quality improvement and provided the mechanism by which to measure this.
- Is accepted by providers, employers, learners and other stakeholders as a valid measure of quality.
- Avoided any perverse incentives.
- Minimised bureaucracy.
