Working arrangements 2008-2010

We know that much good practice already exists and the new service will build on this over the next two years.

During the course of the IAG Review, it was very much 'business as usual' but this is now changing as we move towards a new, responsive and flexible service - with different delivery methods (online, over the phone, face-to-face).

The emphasis for the new universal service is that it should reflect the rapidly changing skills landscape and see a much stronger integration of the relationship between employment and skills - at local, regional and national level.

Close partnership working is going to be even more essential than it is now. Jobcentre Plus, nextstep and learndirect advice are just three of the possible entry routes for customers looking for help.

Those involved with the new service will also need to continue to build close partnership working with a wide range of local, regional and national employers and businesses to ensure there is widespread support for work-based learning and training initiatives such as Train to Gain or the National Apprenticeship Service.

Trials of new service

We are working hard to start moving the new service forwards. This year sees a major procurement exercise for nextstep contractors in England for the next two years.

Successful contractors will be expected to trial the delivery of the new adult advancement and careers service in readiness for the full roll-out in 2010-11. Trials will include testing Skills Health Checks, Skills Accounts and joining up with other key advisory services - for example, housing, childcare and employment rights.

Skills Funding Agency pivotal in new service

The machinery of government changes in March 2008 in Raising expectations: enabling the system to deliver announced that the Learning and Skills Council will be dissolved in 2010.

However, building on the success of the LSC will be the new Skills Funding Agency with a national and regional presence that will play a pivotal role in, among other areas:

• funding skills training
• developing the new adult advancement and careers service
• managing the National Employer Service
• managing the National Apprenticeship Service
• managing Skills Accounts
• performance management of FE colleges
• managing OLASS.

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/downloadableDocs/Raising%20Expectations%20pdf.pdf

If you think we should be focusing on a particular aspect, please let us know via the 'what else do we need to be doing?'