2. The rationale for our subcontracting position
As defined in BHCC’s Curriculum Plan 2020 to 2021, BHCC’s Adult and Community Learning Service seeks to deliver high quality adult learning for adults (aged 19 and over) which:
- meets local needs
- focuses on widening participation
- develops communities
- develops the skills of residents (aged 19 and over) with low skill levels
- provides progression routes to further learning, employment or volunteering
In 2021 to 2022 BHCC reduced its subcontracted provision this academic year to accord with reforms made by the ESFA to see a reduction in the overall volume of subcontracted delivery in the sector.
BHCC will subcontract services where necessary to:
- enhance the educational opportunities available to learners in the city
- strengthen links with local community organisations for the benefit of adult learners
- promote more effective collaboration with other adult learning providers in the city
- diversify the capacity to deliver, by providing education and training that BHCC does not have the infrastructure or expertise to deliver itself
BHCC’s Adult and Community Learning Service critically consider whether subcontracting arrangements add value to Brighton & Hove’s economy and represent value for money before deciding to subcontract services. Courses and a curriculum plan are reviewed on annual and regular basis at governance meetings.
The 2020 to 2021 procurement process sought a subcontractor to deliver a range of accredited adult education courses in the priority curriculum areas of:
- Employability and ICT Digital Skills
- Accredited Learning – English and maths
- Accredited Learning: Health & social care related courses, service industry programme
BHCC has chosen to subcontract to:
- offer an entry point to learning for residents with low qualifications
- fill gaps in niche or expert provision, or provide better access to training facilities
- enhance and specialist learning opportunities which equip learners with the digital and employability skills to progress into work
BHCC entered into this additional round of procurement to enhance its adult learning offer until BHCC in-house provision is developed.
BHCC reviews its supply-chain fees and charges with sub-contractors depending on the type and size of contract. Fees are subject to a risk assessment and due-diligence and are dependent on the agreed success rates and volume measures.