Decision details

1.  That the closure and performance of the 2020/2021 academic year, as set out in Section 2 of the report, be noted.

2.  That the planned approach for the commissioning of the extension and increase to National Skills Fund Adult Level 3 offer for GM from April/May 2022 through to July 2023 be noted.

3.  That authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio lead for Education, Skills, Work and Apprenticeship, to take forward the commissioning of the National Skills Fund Adult Level 3 offer, including contract awards, as set out in Section 3 of the report.

4.  That the following be approved:

·     An increase of the GMCA management fee from 1.5% to 1.8% for 2022/2023 onwards.

·     The proposed indicative allocations and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded further education institutions and contract for services skills providers.

·     To grant delegated authority to the GMCA Treasurer to agree any minor changes that arise during discussions between each institution and GMCA.

5.      That the list of proposed indicative allocations including the current 2021/22 allocation by provider and the indicative allocation for 2022/2023, excluding funds applicable for continuing learners, as set out in Section 4 & Annex 1 of the report, be noted.

6.      That the proposed approach for taking forward the new Multiply Scheme for the 2022/2023 academic year onwards be noted and that authority delegated to the GMCA Treasurer, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead for the Education, Skills, Work & Apprenticeships and Digital to agree relevant grant conditions, commissioning route and award of individual grants/contracts, as set out in Section 6 & Annex 3 & 4 of the report.

7.      That the proposed approaches to allocating funding to key initiatives from April 2022 onwards, to increase participation in adult skills across GM, as set out in Section 7 of the report, be approved.

8.      That the GM Mayor be recommended to:

·       Approve the proposed 2022/2023 indicative allocations and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded local authorities and to grant delegated authority to the GMCA Treasurer to approve any minor changes that arise in the course of discussions between each local authority and GMCA, as set out in Section 4 & Annex 2 of the report.

·       Approve the continued £1.5m allocation to Local Authorities for the AEB LA Grant Programme supporting alleviating barriers to adult education, improving digital inclusion through skills, and continue the support of the GM ESOL Advice Service for 2022/2023, as set out in Section 5.