Chris Banks’ review recommends:
- Government contributions to the cost of appropriate training should follow and support the choices and contributions of individuals and employers where required; and
- Clear information should be provided about the total cost of a course and the quality of provision; and
- Options for the individual to have access to financial support to meet the cost of their contribution to their course.
The Department will consult further with the sector and gain advice during the summer on Chris Banks’ findings and suggestions, and how the recommendations could be implemented in an efficient and fair way that ensures disadvantaged learners do not miss out.
Currently, although many adults and employers benefit from Further Education, only a minority of them are asked to make a contribution to the cost of their course. Chris Banks’ recommendations are aimed at making Government funding more efficient and effective and helping the sector secure further investment from other sources.
Organisations including the Association of Colleges, the Association of Learning Providers, the Confederation of British Industry, the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education, the Skills Funding Agency, the Trades Union Congress, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, and a college Principal and a University Vice-Chancellor helped develop the recommendations, and many others, including the National Union of Students and the National Learner Panel, were consulted.
The Review does not make recommendations on the proportion of co-investment expected, nor current policy determining who is expected to make a contribution.
