What have been the greatest benefits of AEB devolution to providers?
Although the Combined Authorities (CAs) are different in shape and structure, and some have found it difficult to determine their role within the skills structure, there have been some tangible benefits.
Providers have been able to explain the type of support that local residents need and CAs and the Greater London Authority have been able to respond. This has made the system more agile and given colleges and providers the ability to respond to emergencies and changes in local circumstances - this in turn has supported more adults into learning.
For example, in London, the Mayor introduced a scheme where all those living in London who were receiving less than the living wage could access free education and training.
What have been the greatest challenges?
Understanding the limitation of their role and establishing plans that are relevant to local need. Many CAs took on the job assuming what was needed was more level 3 and 4 and wanted to shift the priority of the AEB funding. But, in reality, most have realised that their main role is with residents who are below level 2 and have poor basic skills.
It may be more effective if other parts of the skills system were delegated, such as the apprenticeships programme
There is also the issue that DfE have kept back funds for level 3 and above and haven’t delegated those monies to CAs. There has also been an issue around relationships with some CAs instigating a contractor supplier relationship and not one of a shared endeavour with colleges and LA providers who are already rooted in local need and know where the issues are. This is now changing and a more partnership approach is being developed in the majority of CAs and the GLA.
Should more skills policy areas be devolved to mayoral combined authorities?
Many of the issues that have arisen are because only part of the skills and adult education infrastructure has been devolved. Therefore, it may be more effective if other parts of the skills system were delegated, such as the apprenticeships programme and new elements such as free Level 3, skills bootcamps and Multiply. This would stop duplication and allow for all the funding to be directed to the needs of residents.
However, there will always be fault lines between schools and skills and university education, so what is more important is that roles are respected, and planning is done collaboratively.
What tweaks would you like to see made to devolved AEB?
We would like to see funding information made available earlier, with three-year budgets established and the administration burden reduced.
We would like to see colleges and local authority adult education institutions and centres treated as partners who are respected and trusted to deliver to local need.
We would also like to see the CAs increase their coordination role with the Department for Work and Pensions and other funding routes that come from other government departments. For example, English as a second or other language provision is funded via three government departments and it would be helpful if the CA had oversight.