SUPPLY CHAIN, FEES & CHARGES POLICY

1. Introduction 

2. Scope 

3. Strategic aim and reasons for subcontracting 

3.1 GPSTL will only enter into sub-contracting arrangements based on one or more strategic objectives as detailed in the GPSTL Skills Business Plan and ratified by the Governance Board. The following strategic priorities will determine the engagement and partnership of sub-contractors.
 

3.1.1 To support new occupational sector development by utilizing subcontractors’ knowledge and expertise.
 

3.1.2 To respond to the skills sector demands within each of our operating regions working closely with combined local authorities and Learning Enterprise Partnerships in providing skills gap opportunities.
 

3.1.3 To support the development of the Government’s strategic priority of 16-18 year old Apprenticeships and Traineeships
 

3.1.4 To enhance the portfolio of qualifications on offer to our existing and new employer database
 

3.1.6 To provide development opportunities for both GPSTL and its Subcontractors by sharing good practice and new ways of working.
 

4. Ensuring consistency and improving quality of teaching and learning
 

4.1 GPSTL ensures that Subcontractors are included in the Company’s Quality processes and procedures and are guided and supported by GPSTL to fully comply with the company’s quality standards (refer to flow chart).
 

4.2 GPSTL shares best practice and highlight areas of development with its sub-contractors.
 

4.3 GPSTL provides training to Subcontractors on completing the Self-Assessment Review and the Quality Improvement Plan. Any actions arising are addressed in cooperation between the company and the Subcontractor.
 

4.4 GPSTL provides training and documentation on the Company’s Quality and Environmental Management System (QEMS) to the Subcontractor. GPSTL regularly validates the outcomes of Subcontractors’ own quality monitoring processes.
 

5. Management fee and justification
 

5.1 GPSTL charges a sub contract management fee of 15% dependent on the outcome of the sub contract expression of interest and due diligence and a range of factors including track record and learner volumes. The management fee is deducted from the ESFA funding income received for each element of sub contract provision. The funding rates are derived from the ESFA Funding bands for the relevant occupational sector and through negotiation with the employer
 

5.2 The management fee is based on a the range of support mechanisms and processes required to administer, quality assure and performance manage the sub contract provision which includes the following:

 

• GPSTL provides a designated point of contact to each of its sub-contractors.
  • The administration and processing of all sub contract provider electronic and hard copy documentation.
• GPSTL provides a designated administrative support and point of contact for each sub-contractor.
  • GPSTL undertakes bi monthly Quality assurance checks on each sub-contractor which includes regular quality assurance monitoring visits to check learner files, schemes of work and conduct observations of teaching and learning.
• GPSTL provides training and documentation on the company’s quality documentation and processes.
• GPSTL will provide training of substance to
  • GPSTL will conduct regular performance management review meetings identifying good practice and areas for improvement.
• GPSTL will issue and analyze sub-contractor monthly performance reports.
  • GPSTL will conduct regular sub-contractor review meetings with progress reports.
  • GPSTL will give sub contactors access to relevant learner and employer on line training including equality and diversity, safeguarding, Prevent (radicalization) and other pertinent training.
  • GPSTL will provide quality training including preparation for Ofsted inspection and involvement of Self Assessments and quality improvement plans.
  • Ongoing administration support including in-depth checks of evidence submitted and regular feedback on issues identified.
  • GPSTL will provide monthly financial reports to inform invoicing.
  • GPSTL will conduct ongoing provider data self-assessment (PDSAT) checks on all sub contract delivery - GPSTL will provide ongoing support to address any areas for improvement.
     

6. Other payments
 

6.1 In circumstances where sub-contractors use GPSTL to claim for Apprenticeship Framework certificates the following fees will apply.
 

• Framework Certificate application and certification via Apprenticeship Certificate England (ACE) = £22 for each Apprenticeship Framework Certificate.
• Duplicate certificate requests = £7.50 per certificate.
   

7. Payment terms between GPSTL and its subcontractors
 

7.1 Payments are made on a monthly basis at the end of the following month in which the activity is successfully processed and uploaded to the ESFA by GPSTL subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Sub-Contract Agreement.
 

7.2 Payments are made based on the ESFA value provided in the PFR received monthly by GPSTL from The Data Service, less the management fee as published in the Sub-Contract Agreement with GPSTL and detailed within this policy document.
 

7.3 After each month end, GPSTL will send monthly financial reports to Subcontractors, confirming the invoice amount.
 

7.4 Invoices are payable to the sub-contractor/s 30 working days following receipt of funds from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
 

7.5 Details of any rights by GPSTL to withdraw, reduce or withhold funding are published in the Sub-Contract Agreement and relate to the protection of SFA funds and not to the benefit of GPSTL.
 

7.6 Payments to sub-contractors will be made by BACS.
 

7.7 GPSTL expects Supply Chain members to fully engage in assessing the accuracy of payments and therefore, have a responsibility to review their monthly financial reconciliations to identify any inaccuracies.
 

7.8 Supply Chain partners are responsible for all registration costs and any associated costs of maintaining Direct Claims Status with their awarding bodies.
 

8. Publishing of actual funding paid and retained
 

8.1 GPSTL will provide the ESFA (for publication purposes) with the amount of funding paid and retained for each of our subcontractors.
 

Sub-contractor fees and charges 2020/21
 

9. Policy dissemination
 

9.1 This policy will be disseminated to current subcontractors on initial engagement following successful due diligence and will also be available through the GPSTL website www.apprenticeships-gpstl.co.uk
 

All potential subcontractors will be made aware of the policy as part of the Due Diligence process.
 

10. Policy review
 

10.1 This policy will be reviewed at least annually and in addition, in-year reviews will be undertaken as required to reflect any changes to the Education and Skills Funding Agency funding rules.
 

11. Policy publication
 

11.1 This policy will be published on the GPSTL’s website www.apprenticeships-gpstl.co.uk
 

12. Referenced Procedures and Documentation
 

Self-Assessment Questionnaire GPSTL-100-OP-29-SF-01

Learner Evaluations/Surveys

GPSTL-100-OP-17 Assuring the Quality of Teaching and Learning Procedure

Quality and Compliance Monitoring Schedule of Activity

Quality and Compliance Monitoring Planner

Performance Management Reports

In Learning Progress Reports
 

Summary of Performance Management and Quality Assurance Processes
 

Performance Management Review Meetings