Darren Vidler commented, 14 September 2023 11:42

Hi Christopher Ashfield, as per Istvan's response above we've used the Authorised claims - Additional payments for apprentice row to submit the claim. Istvan Ladunga we used July as the month as it is the latest month in the funding year that can be selected. Advice from the Agency was to include the claim as part of R13. Darren

1. EEF 4 not triggering bursary payment

Hi Christopher Ashfield, as per Istvan's response above we've used the Authorised claims - Additional payments for apprentice row to submit the claim. Istvan Ladunga we used July as the month as it...

Darren Vidler commented, 11 February 2025 16:57

Key clarification for me is if they meant 19+ or over 19 (i.e. 20+). It would seem more sensible to have the slice at 19 in my mind given the 16-18 and 19+ age brackets. It's been an interesting day reading different interpretations of this due to the lack of any underlying detail from DfE / ESFA.

1. Functional Skill EPA requirements

Key clarification for me is if they meant 19+ or over 19 (i.e. 20+). It would seem more sensible to have the slice at 19 in my mind given the 16-18 and 19+ age brackets. It's been an interesting da...

Darren Vidler commented, 11 February 2025 16:54

Hi Ruth Canham-James, We make pretty extensive use of levy transfer to support our smaller employers and have found the process to be successful, if a little frustrating at times. We've also used levy transfer to fund apprenticeships for our own staff and it has worked well. Generally, SOs approve requests in a timely manner and cover the full 100%. We've had a couple of instances recently where the SO hasn't had enough funds and, in this instance, you then need to invoice the employer for 5% of the shortfall as it is treated as coinvestment. The key has been ensuring our employers are aware of this eventuality even if it doesn't actually arise. It is worth noting that if a receiving employer has levy funds, those are still used before calculating any co-investment that may be due. Re contracts, I agree with the approach to make clear that using you as a provider is not a condition of funding.

1. Levy Transfer Sending Organisations

Hi Ruth Canham-James, We make pretty extensive use of levy transfer to support our smaller employers and have found the process to be successful, if a little frustrating at times. We've also used l...

Darren Vidler commented, 11 April 2024 08:16

Resolved via the agency - confirmed that the levy transfer doesn't go with the learner as expected.

1. Levy transfer funded learner moving to new employer

Resolved via the agency - confirmed that the levy transfer doesn't go with the learner as expected.

Darren Vidler commented, 15 March 2024 15:41

Thanks Simon, just seen the note re the 21st of March update

1. QAR at provider level

Thanks Simon, just seen the note re the 21st of March update

Darren Vidler commented, 10 January 2024 09:39

Hi Karen, Happy New Year to you too - thanks for sharing that. Always good to get a consistent response albeit not the one we'd like. I agree it leaves some unanswered questions. I'll drop a ticket in and see what they say back. Darren

1. Asylum seeker - time limited

Hi Karen, Happy New Year to you too - thanks for sharing that. Always good to get a consistent response albeit not the one we'd like. I agree it leaves some unanswered questions. I'll drop a ticket...

Darren Vidler commented, 13 December 2023 11:24

Thanks Steve, I've actually used those fields to identify subsets of learners previously so should have considered them as an option. Appreciate the response.   Darren

1. Non-levy identification in funding reports

Thanks Steve, I've actually used those fields to identify subsets of learners previously so should have considered them as an option. Appreciate the response.   Darren

Darren Vidler commented, 03 October 2023 10:13

With you - it would help if they standardised the communication of results. Every EPAO I work with has their own format and differing content...

1. Standard Achievement Date

With you - it would help if they standardised the communication of results. Every EPAO I work with has their own format and differing content...

Darren Vidler commented, 28 July 2023 10:10

I've always used a separate declaration that is completed prior to each apprentice's start date. Ultimately, though, it depends on your documentation setup. In some instances using the contract may work, as long as an update is gathered ahead of each apprentice start, otherwise you run the risk that the number of employees changes and future claims for the SME funding are therefore not accurate/eligible. You've also got the MFAD to consider now, this would need to be done on a rolling basis taking into account any new starts to ensure the client's MFAD amount is accurate.

1. Small Employer Evidence

I've always used a separate declaration that is completed prior to each apprentice's start date. Ultimately, though, it depends on your documentation setup. In some instances using the contract may...

Darren Vidler commented, 28 July 2025 16:18

Hi Steven, Thanks for the update - I also received a confirmation about this in the most recent update (after 2 weeks of nothing). My suspicion would be the introduction of the ILR functionality as it's the only real change to the process within the AS but who knows... Fingers crossed for a prompt fix.

1. Levy Transfer on App Service: "There is a problem"

Hi Steven, Thanks for the update - I also received a confirmation about this in the most recent update (after 2 weeks of nothing). My suspicion would be the introduction of the ILR functionality as...