Model Commissioning Plan PDF Download

This consultation paper sets out the Government's proposals for supporting participation and achievement for young people, and reforming the post-19 skills system to secure better outcomes for adults. The changing nature of the world economy makes increasing participation in education and training an urgent necessity. In the system for young people, responsibility and accountability is given to local authorities for the whole 14-19 age range. They will provide a place in learning for every young person through strategic commissioning. Local authorities will cluster together in sub-regional groupings reflecting travel-to-learn patterns to commission provision across the wider local area. A Young People's Learning Agency will supplement this structure, have responsibilities for budgetary control, and secure coherence if agreement cannot be reached locally. There will be a progressive devolution of power to the sub-regional level. The main mechanism to hold local authorities to account will be the performance criteria set out in the "Strong and prosperous communities" white paper (Cm. 6939, ISBN 9780101693929). With the adult sector, the Government proposes a demand-led system and the integration of employment and skills (this latter requiring close co-operation between the Departments for Children Schools and Families, and Innovation, Universities and Skills, as set out in "Opportunity, employment and progression, Cm. 7288, ISBN 9780101728829). A new Skills Funding Agency will manage the framework and development of the further education (FE) service, and ensure that public money is routed to FE colleges and providers following the purchasing decisions of customers. The Skills Funding Agency will also be involved in the operation and management of the National Apprenticeship Service, the adult advancement and careers service, and the Offenders Learning and Skills Service.