YHELLN

Following John Denham's announcement that public subsidy for students undertaking 'equivalent or lower level' qualifications was to be withdrawn, the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) are preparing a response. NIACE has also expressed concern.

Information about the proposed funding change: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2007/elq.htm
NIACE's reponse: http://www.niace.org.uk/news/current.htm#lower
UALL: www.uall.ac.uk

Today the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham called on universities to do more to promote more flexible modes of study.

http://www.dius.gov.uk/pressreleases/press-release-20070913.htm

The Government today said it wanted to accredit company training schemes as part of a drive to reform vocational qualifications across England.
Innovation, Universities and Skills Secretary John Denham called for an end to the "outdated distinction" between training offered by employers and other providers.

http://www.dius.gov.uk/

HE and FE have a potential role to play in working with large companies on this accreditation.

23.8: Met with Clive Howarth, Regional Skills Director at the LSC, to discuss aligning agendas between LLNs and LSC.

22.8: Regional LLN Directors' Meeting resolved to hold a strategic meeting with LSC, Yorkshire Forward and Foundation Degree Forward about matching supply and demand for higher level skills, particularly in light of changes resulting from the Leitch Response. Meeting will take place early November.

22.8: Noted that Penny McCraken at FDF is working with Sector Skills Councils to support them to develop and endorse foundation degree frameworks. Will contact for further details and also ask her/HEFCE whether there are plans to skew HEFCE funding for FDs towards a more demand-led model based on SSC endorsement.

22.8: Noted that Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is working with FDF to develop a FD in Leadership - could be a useful example when talking to Chambers.

21.8: Met with Adrian Parry, Director of North East Higher Skills Network, and discussed approaches to employer engagement - will contact their Employer Engagement manager to share specific thoughts on presentations to businesses.

21.8: Agreed to create standard presentation and leaflet for general employer audiences that anyone in the Network can use.

20.8: Feedback from the LSC that flexibility in the HE system would make 'the biggest difference' locally

30.8
There is 'limited scope' for funding provision at Level 4 via the new ESF programme, but it might be possible where there is market failure. This will be confirmed.

29.8.07
Foundation Degree Forward are running training and support for nominated Foundation Degree 'Champions' in IAG organisations across the North. We have asked to collaborate with them on this and Andrew will initially take the lead until the Workstrand Manager takes up post.