URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2343

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, SEND, Education and Skills

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek a decision from Cllr Hubbard to approve awarding of the section 31 grant funding apportioned to Wiltshire Council to the recipients below for delivery of Skills Bootcamps provision.   Skills Bootcamps will be moving into its 3rd year of being grant awarded to Wiltshire Council to deliver across Wiltshire and Swindon for learners aged 19+ for those who are unemployed, to upskill and for the self-employed filling the skills gap to support businesses and the economy.   Wiltshire Council has been Granted £1,500,000.00 for the delivery of Skills Bootcamps across Swindon and Wiltshire for the financial year 2026- 2027   The report seeks approval to award the following amounts to training providers for the implementation of the skills bootcamp:   ·         WTTL up to £120,000 ·         Key Performance up to £127,204 ·         Wiltshire College up to £72,000 ·         Skills Ladder up to £79,980 ·         Code Institute up to £65,000 ·         Kiwi & yuzu up to £211,250 ·         Western Driver Training up to £80,000 ·         Mastered Studios up to £80,000  

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek a decision from Cllr Hubbard to approve awarding of the section 31 grant funding apportioned to Wiltshire Council to the recipients below for delivery of Skills Bootcamps provision.   Skills Bootcamps will be moving into its 3rd year of being grant awarded to Wiltshire Council to deliver across Wiltshire and Swindon for learners aged 19+ for those who are unemployed, to upskill and for the self-employed filling the skills gap to support businesses and the economy.   Wiltshire Council has been Granted £1,500,000.00 for the delivery of Skills Bootcamps across Swindon and Wiltshire for the financial year 2026- 2027   The report seeks approval to award the following amounts to training providers for the implementation of the skills bootcamp:   ·         WTTL up to £120,000 ·         Key Performance up to £127,204 ·         Wiltshire College up to £72,000 ·         Skills Ladder up to £79,980 ·         Code Institute up to £65,000 ·         Kiwi & yuzu up to £211,250 ·         Western Driver Training up to £80,000 ·         Mastered Studios up to £80,000   Following consultation with officers I give notice that I intend to make grant awards set out in this report.   If you would like to make any representations to me on this issue please do so by 14 May 2026.   A range of stakeholders have been engaged; the interventions vary from online to classroom-based courses, and aim to up skill a diverse range of potential future employees. There is robust monitoring and outcomes focussed oversight from the Department of Education for the duration of the programme. We have considered all the expressions of interest from providers and aimed to offer a broad and diverse delivery mechanism, involving a range of locations and delivery models. We have also continued to engage with stakeholders when making decisions to ensure the programme remains aligned with local market demand/ need.   The initial bid was submitted after extensive consultation with the SWLEP networks, as well as being informed by the local skills improvement plan.   Consultation with other Local Authorities as has also been undertaken to learn from best practice and develop processes.   The engagement of providers was sought through and expressions of interest process with RAG rated reviews.   A representation was received and approved by SMT around the reporting measures in place for providers and how impact is demonstrated for money granted. All providers are set KPIs and payment is only made on successful completion of KPIs which mitigates spend risks.  

Date of Decision: May 7, 2026