Issue - meetings

Background:

The report sought agreement to the submission of the Medway Adult Education Accountability Statement, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Medway Adult Education (MAE) was required to submit an Annual Accountability Statement to the Department for Education (DfE) as part of its annual grant agreement. The statement was used by the DfE to assure the use of public funds. It was also a useful strategic document to share with partners and as a backdrop to strategic conversations with the DfE. This year, responsibility was being transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), however guidance still sat with DfE. Providers in scope were all further education colleges, all sixth form colleges, institutes for adult learning/designated institutions and local authorities delivering post-16 provision in excess of £1m, which meant that Medway Adult Education was in scope.

The first Accountability Statement was agreed and submitted to DfE in August 2023. This year there was a requirement to submit a section on the Local Needs Duty - a review of how well education and training met local needs and what action was proposed to further meet those needs.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken and was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

Reasons:

The draft accountability statement meets the Department for Education requirements and demonstrates Medway Adult Education’s contribution to national and local priorities, alongside partnership working with key stakeholders. It is line with last two years’ approved statement.