Subcontractor Statement

A statement on the approach to subcontracting elements of the Apprenticeship offer by the Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust under the brand of Hult Apprenticeships at Ashridge.

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Overview

Hult are committed to delivering high quality Apprenticeships that meet the needs of Apprentices and Employers. In most cases all delivery of the Apprenticeship will be carried out by Hult, however in some instances we will work with a third party who would support our delivery with the provision of selected services within the Apprenticeship.

This will only be in instances where the use of the third party would enhance the Apprenticeship experience and it is agreed with the Employer that the service can meet or exceed the academic standard required within the Apprenticeship.

Use of Subcontractors

Subcontract for Functional Skills English and Maths delivery

Any subcontractor must pass a detailed due diligence process which includes but is not limited to appraisal by Ofsted or applicable assurance reports for validation of quality, appraisal of trainer qualifications, business continuity plans and must be on the Apprenticeship Providers and Assessment Register (APAR) and have a valid UKPRN number.

If a subcontractor is not on the/either register, they will not be approved for our Apprenticeship programmes. In all instances, Hult retain clear and transparent accountability for the quality of training provision, maintaining proper and appropriate controls to manage the Apprentice experience, seeking to ensure that value for money is achieved by efficient subcontractor management.

In all instances Hult would provide quality assurance through close monitoring by the appropriate, experienced staff. The types of subcontract arrangement, quality assurance and costs of the models are explained in more detail below. The written agreement with the Employer for Apprenticeship provision (Employer Contract) will always list the costs of the subcontract in line with the EFSA funding rules, so that all costs are transparent. A declaration is made by Hult to the ESFA twice a year declaring any subcontractors used.

Subcontract Type

Functional Skills English and Maths delivery

Where an Apprentice does not possess English and Maths functional skills at level 2 or equivalent, Hult together with the Employer will select a training provider with specialism for delivery of the English and Maths Functional Skill qualifications necessary for the Apprentice to meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship standard.

Services we provide to quality assure subcontracted provision

The Program Director (or nominated person) has responsibility for assuring the quality of delivery of subcontracted provision and a regular programme of activity is agreed to monitor provision This includes a regular and substantial programme of quality-assurance checks on the Apprenticeship training and on-programme assessment provided by delivery subcontractors, including visits at short notice and face-to-face interviews with staff and Apprentices to ensure Apprentices exist and are eligible; and involves direct observation of initial guidance, assessment and delivery of training and/or on-programme assessment. Hult retain all responsibility for resolving any issues and disputes between the Employer and delivery subcontractor.

Subcontract Funding

Subcontract funding: The ESFA funding rate of £724 per functional skill will be spent as follows:

  • Subcontracted Functional Skills training and examination fee;
  • £600 for the Maths functional skill and £600 for English functional skill
  • Monitoring undertaken by Hult to ensure the quality of the Apprentice training and/or on programme assessment contracted to the delivery subcontractor and any required support activity provided to each delivery subcontractor
  • £124 for the Maths functional skill and £124 for English functional skill.

Our contracts with subcontractors

A contract is put in place between Hult and each delivery subcontractor which specifies the following: That the subcontractor must:

  • keep to the funding rules
  • provide us with data so that our data returns to the ESFA accurately reflect delivery information
  • give the ESFA and any other person nominated by the ESFA access to their premises and to all documents related to their delivery of the Apprenticeship
  • give Hult sufficient evidence to allow
  • assess their performance against Ofsted’s common inspection framework
  • incorporate the evidence the subcontractor provides into Hult's self–assessment report; and;
  • guide the judgements and grades within Hult's self-assessment report as required
  • always have suitably qualified staff available to provide Apprenticeship training and/or on-programme assessment
  • co-operate with Hult to ensure that there is continuity of learning for Apprentices if the subcontract ends for any reason
  • communicate in writing to Hult if evidence of irregular financial or delivery issues arises. This could include, but is not limited to, non-delivery of training when funds have been paid, sanctions imposed by an awarding organisation, allegations of fraud, an inadequate Ofsted grade, allegations or complaints by Apprentices, Employers, staff members, or other relevant parties
  • not use ESFA funding to make bids for, or claims from, any European funding on their own behalf or on our behalf
  • not use payments made by ESFA as match funding for ESF projects.

Join our upcoming webinar for the latest on the government’s plans for industry growth in 2025 and the skills you and your people should be developing to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Thursday, 23 January at 12:30pm

The Skills Scan is a vital part of the apprenticeship application process for apprentices and line managers.

If you have any questions about our apprenticeships and how they can work for your organisation, our apprenticeships team are here to help.

Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust is registered on the list of approved apprenticeship providers. UK PRN 10008899