Decision

The Cabinet has decided to join the Crown Commercial Service Apprenticeship Training Dynamic Marketplace to enhance the procurement of apprenticeship training in Staffordshire.

Analysis

outcome: The Cabinet approved joining the Crown Commercial Service Apprenticeship Training Dynamic Marketplace – Framework RM6102 until April 2025, with a review set for that time to consider a potential transfer to a new framework RM6303.

summary: The decision is about changing to a new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for procuring apprenticeship provision to ensure efficient management and delivery of training by approved providers.

topline: The Cabinet has decided to join the Crown Commercial Service Apprenticeship Training Dynamic Marketplace to enhance the procurement of apprenticeship training in Staffordshire.

reason_contentious: The issue may be contentious due to the impact on local training providers, potential changes in apprenticeship opportunities, and the allocation of public funds through the apprenticeship levy.

affected_stakeholders: Local training providers, apprentices, businesses in Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, and grant-maintained schools.

contentiousness_score: 5

political_party_relevance: There is no direct mention of political parties, but the decision may have political implications given the involvement of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills.

URL: https://moderngov.staffordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3691

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report outlines the requirements to change to a new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to procure apprenticeship provision. We currently have an agreement with ESPO until September 2024 however they no longer have dedicated apprenticeship framework. The report details the benefits of joining an established DPS.

Content: ?  ?  ?  “Skills are the life blood of any economy and having a skilled workforce is essential if we are to grow the Staffordshire economy and attract further investment and more businesses.    Apprenticeships are key to this and last year 6,300 people started an apprenticeship in Staffordshire. Apprenticeships are also an important aspect of workforce development for Staffordshire County Council. We currently have over 100 apprentices doing 35 different subjects and a further 95 apprentices working in our grant-maintained schools.     As use of the Apprenticeship Levy becomes more established, and we use it to create a workforce with skills for both now and the future we need access to a wide range of specialist training providers. The appointment of Crown Commercial Services will make sure training is delivered by providers who have been approved and checked for due diligence. It will make it more efficient to award and manage the increasing number of contracts.”??  ?  Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills?    Reasons for the Decision – To consider the requirement to change to a new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to procure apprenticeship provision.    Decision – (a) That approval be given for the Council to join Crown Commercial Service, Apprenticeship Training Dynamic Marketplace – Framework RM6102 until April 2025.    (b) That this be reviewed in April 2025 to consider whether it is appropriate to transfer to the CCS new framework RM6303 after considering the Apprenticeship Strategy that is currently being commissioned through People Services.     (c) That the Assistant Director for Skills and Employability be authorised to approve the award of contracts with training providers and the release of funds from the apprenticeship levy to fund training. 

Date of Decision: March 20, 2024