Home > News > June 2004 > 16-Jun-2004

Clarke launches the next stage of reform in the learning & skills sector

Education and Skills Secretary Charles Clarke yesterday unveiled proposals to develop a more modernised and demand-led network of learning and skills' providers offering choice and value to learners and employers.

Speaking at the annual Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) conference in London, Charles Clarke outlined his vision for a new relationship with the sector. With success rates improving and positive signs that the Success for All reforms are being embraced by the learning and skills sector, he set out his proposals for empowering the front-line by reducing bureaucracy and creating a high quality, responsive, demand-led sector responsible for its own future.

Charles Clarke said, "The sectors success speaks for itself. College success rates for all qualifications have increased from 59 per cent in 2000/01 to 65 per cent in 2001/02. There are a record number of Apprentices, and completion rates have increased on average by nearly five percentage points over the last year.

"But, we need more. Only by maximising the skills of the whole workforce can we deliver a successful economy and social justice. I want every young person prepared for the world of work. I want them to have some vocational experience between the ages of 14 and 16 and to have access to a high quality Apprenticeship. I want every adult to have the skills they need for employability. And I want every employer to be able to expect all job applicants to have good levels of literacy and numeracy, and skills. We can only achieve this through stronger and more autonomous colleges and training providers.

"The new vision is based upon trust and devolution of responsibility to the front line. Sir Andrew Foster's Bureaucracy Review Group has today published its first annual report. I welcome this report which recommends the introduction of a more strategic approach to regulation and inspection which is very much in line with our vision for the sector. We are working with the Inspectorates to put this into effect with a new inspection model starting in 2005 which will be based much more on validation of self assessment and will be 'light touch' for those who have demonstrated their competence and success.

"Many college principals have told us that too many organisations are involved in quality improvements. I want to streamline this landscape to ensure a clearer focus and direction. I intend to establish one national strategic body to drive forward quality improvements and bring together quality-assurance activity which is currently dispersed across several bodies. I have invited the LSDA to work with the Department to consider how best to undertake this role."

The inspection proposals place self-assessment at the heart of the process. Inspectorates' contact with colleges and providers will be more frequent; but it's intended that the bureaucratic burden on them will be reduced through better co-ordination and making inspection proportionate to risk. There will be a formal consultation on the Common Inspection Framework in October 2004 and the new framework will be published in early 2005. This new model will be introduced in 2005 and the Chief Inspectors will be writing to colleges and other providers shortly with further details.

Publishing his report, Sir Andrew Foster said, "The way forward is not to adopt the narrower approach of shortening forms and streamlining administrative processes, but to modernise management to the highest standards. I welcome the new lighter touch inspection arrangements that will place responsibility for quality with colleges and learning providers and help build up trust within the learning and skills sector."

Sir Andrew Foster's Bureaucracy report can be found at the Success For All website

The report recommends:

• Strategic approach to regulation and inspection to be adopted within 12
  months. There should be 25% less scrutiny and staff involved
• Simplified Management Information System within 12 months and 40% less data
  to be collected
• Qualifications and Curriculum Authority modernisation programme to include
  learning and skills sector qualifications
• QCA to rationalise administration of awarding bodies, reduce burden imposed
  by them by 30%
• Framework contract between the DfES and the LSC should be renegotiated -
  strategic leadership from the DfES and LSC to manage implementation

Charles Clarke also reminded delegates that he was looking for a change in culture and attitudes to achieve the aims of the Skills Strategy. He added, "Last year's Skills Strategy set out a vision for transforming our national investment in skills. Central to this is achieving a new balance of responsibilities and funding between government, employers and learners which will require a historic shift in expectations and practice about who pays for what.

"The Government has responsibility to secure and pay for high quality initial education and training for young people. That will remain true. The Government will continue to make a major investment in adult learning. But it cannot and should not fund all the skills investment needed to sustain a competitive economy."

"The contribution that employers and learners make towards the cost of training in the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funded sector is not as high as might be reasonably expected when we look at other countries. As announced in last year's Skills Strategy we will ask the LSC to take forward a consultation process this summer on how to maximise funding in the sector."

Concluding his speech, Charles Clarke said that he wanted a dialogue with the sector about the new relationship. He announced he would be starting this debate by meeting a group of college principals before the summer break to discuss key issues facing the sector. The Secretary of State also announced the appointment of Chris Banks as the new chair of the LSC.

Mr Clarke concluded, "This is a far reaching vision for delivering a successful economy and social justice and I want the sector to take ownership of that vision. That is why I will be entering into a dialogue with the sector over the next few months. By the end of June the LSC will provide me with an interim report setting out the issues raised as a result of their roadshows and by the end of July I intend to meet personally with 25-30 college and learning provider Principals.

"I am today announcing the appointment of Chris Banks as the new chairman for the LSC. This comes at a critical time for the learning and skills sector as the LSC will be pivotal in implementing the reforms announced today. Chris is a leading business figure and champion of learning who has already worked closely with the DfES, DTI and Jobcentre plus."

Chris Banks, new Chair of the LSC, said, "I am delighted to be appointed to chair the Learning and Skills Council. This is an important time for us. We are ready for the challenges that face us and determined to make real progress."

"We have a clear direction; we will make sure that young people and adults in this country have the knowledge and skills to match the best in the world and we will help employers to get the training and skills they need for their businesses."

"The LSC has strong partnerships, a vital network of local councils and strong management at a national, regional and local level. I am looking forward to working closely with the Chief Executive Mark Haysom and confident the LSC will have the skills and experience to plan and invest in high quality education and training that will build a skilled and competitive workforce."

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