Richard Heath commented, 01 June 2026 12:21

As an update, I have had a response from DfE: "The Adult skills funding and performance management rules 2026 to 2027, should be published in June 2026." Not even 'will', but 'should'. Good job we don't have to plan anything.

1. ASF Funding Rules 2026/27

As an update, I have had a response from DfE: "The Adult skills funding and performance management rules 2026 to 2027, should be published in June 2026." Not even 'will', but 'should'. Good job we ...

Richard Heath commented, 29 August 2025 13:04

Hi Aqib If the information in this post is to be believed, DfE have now completely changed their minds on the question of dependents. 

1. ASF eligibility: dependents of skilled workers

Hi Aqib If the information in this post is to be believed, DfE have now completely changed their minds on the question of dependents. 

Richard Heath commented, 27 May 2026 14:06

Thanks Josh - I recall seeing something along those lines. It does rather prompt the question: if there aren't major policy changes, what on earth is the justification for not having published so close to the start of the year in question?

1. ASF Funding Rules 2026/27

Thanks Josh - I recall seeing something along those lines. It does rather prompt the question: if there aren't major policy changes, what on earth is the justification for not having published so c...

Richard Heath commented, 01 April 2025 10:27

Thanks Steve Hewitt. By the way, you did say it on a different thread! [image]

1. Eligibility: Gurkha soldiers and dependents

Thanks Steve Hewitt. By the way, you did say it on a different thread!

Richard Heath commented, 12 February 2025 13:20

Hi Peter Hancock. Unfortunately I didn't get any further. I suppose there is a different way of looking at it: if we are seeking an assessment because a learner has additional needs due to a specific learning disability (dyslexia), we will be making adjustments for them that incur costs, so a Learning Support claim would be appropriate; if we choose to use that funding to pay for a formal dyslexia assessment, that is up to us. In that scenario, perhaps the question is moot unless we get into the level of spend that would require an Earnings Adjustment Statement submission?

1. AEB: can you use ALS for dyslexia assessments?

Hi Peter Hancock. Unfortunately I didn't get any further. I suppose there is a different way of looking at it: if we are seeking an assessment because a learner has additional needs due to a specif...

Richard Heath commented, 14 January 2025 13:31

Ruth Canham-James indeed. Give it ten years and someone might decide it makes sense to have a single set of rules...

1. ASF eligibility: working in non-devolved area

Ruth Canham-James indeed. Give it ten years and someone might decide it makes sense to have a single set of rules...

Richard Heath commented, 14 January 2025 12:51

Thanks Steve - I thought that was the case but wanted to check. We did ask the question at the time of devolution and got a firm no - it might be worth asking again I suppose, though the additional administrative requirements would not be welcome. On a broader question: as in a few years we will be in a situation where everywhere is devolved, what thinking has there been about how 'cross-border' work is enabled? I haven't seen any discussion of this, but it will be a major issue. My own area (Warwickshire) is bordered by not just the WMCA but also six other counties: if they, like Warwickshire, were to end up with single-authority devolution deals, it would be ridiculous for us either to hold 8 different funding contracts or to have to turn learners away at the county border. But without some kind of nationally coordinated approach, I don't see another alternative.

1. ASF eligibility: working in non-devolved area

Thanks Steve - I thought that was the case but wanted to check. We did ask the question at the time of devolution and got a firm no - it might be worth asking again I suppose, though the additional...

Richard Heath commented, 22 July 2024 14:28

Thanks Steve. Yes, if I were a procured contract holder I think I would have something to say. As it is, I won't peer any further into the gifthorse's mouth.

1. ASF funding rates and formula: achievement/completion funding

Thanks Steve. Yes, if I were a procured contract holder I think I would have something to say. As it is, I won't peer any further into the gifthorse's mouth.

Richard Heath commented, 21 June 2024 12:15

We have grave concerns about the need to view bank statements, for the same reasons that have already been posted here: it is both highly intrusive, and not remotely reliable. And frankly a July date for clarifying the unemployed definition is completely unhelpful. Why the delay? Does anyone know if these concerns are being fed back to DfE?

1. AEB/ASF Changes 2024/25 Webinar FAQs

We have grave concerns about the need to view bank statements, for the same reasons that have already been posted here: it is both highly intrusive, and not remotely reliable. And frankly a July da...

Richard Heath commented, 12 October 2022 09:23

Thanks Martin. I wasn't sure as there are still some Level 2 qualifications funded for new starts this year under 6.2 and even some units by the looks of it (e.g. F5051744; L6159844; D6161243).

1. Unit funding - is FALA up to date?

Thanks Martin. I wasn't sure as there are still some Level 2 qualifications funded for new starts this year under 6.2 and even some units by the looks of it (e.g. F5051744; L6159844; D6161243).