The Framework is a major new initiative that will affect colleges and work based learning providers. Its aim is to:
- Help learners and employers make informed decisions about the training they choose
- Provide public accountability to other stakeholders including the LSC and Inspectorates
- Set a standard for excellence
- Allow common processes and comparisons between providers and types of provider
- Support self-improvement
- Move towards self-regulation
The basis of the Framework is a scorecard of seven Key Performance Areas (KPAs) that can be brought together to describe the three key dimensions of a college’s or provider’s performance: responsiveness, effectiveness of provision (quality) and finance. They will be scored on each and then receive an overall rating which they will be able to compare against a national average.
The seven KPAs are:
- Responsiveness to employers (incorporating the New Standard for Employer Responsiveness)
- Responsiveness to learners
- Quality of outcomes
- Quality of provision
- Financial health
- Financial control
- Use of resources
The system will be piloted from July 2007, and the outcomes of that pilot produced in December.
EEF welcomes the launch of the Framework. Employers need reliable and straightforward information about the quality of learning providers in their area - and we hope that the Framework will bring together existing information to create a coherent picture.
Added 16 April 2007