Overview
It is really important to us that we establish local delivery networks and clear progression pathways for residents. Whilst WMCA will work with you to manage contract Performance and Compliance, we also expect our providers to work collaboratively with local authorities and other key stakeholders to deliver a more strategic and joined-up offer that better meets local needs.
We will use your ongoing track record to assess your ability to deliver education and training to the required standard. The standards include Ofsted grades, in- year performance, minimum standards, financial health, financial management and control, and delivery against your contract, where this information is available.
At the centre of our provider management approach is the delivery plan that we agree on with each individual provider across all provider types. The delivery plan, once agreed upon, will form the basis of monitoring and performance management throughout the year. Performance against the delivery plan will inform decisions related to intervention and funding increases and decreases.
We will continue to bring a sharper focus on outcomes for our residents related to job outcomes for the unemployed, and in-work progression leading to better pay for the low waged. As set out in the funding rules and as part of the conditions of funding, the accuracy and timeliness of recording destinations will be key across all provider types.
WMCA has set out clear data review points at which we will be monitoring destinations. More information on this is included below in Destination and Progression Tracking. There will also be a focus on sustainable employment for Pre-Employment Training courses such as SWAP, Sector Gateway, Construction Gateways and Digital bootcamps.
Our performance management approach is risk-based, and we will use regular performance management points to test progress against the delivery plan and associated funding profile. More information can be found in the section on Provider Management Review and Monitoring. We may increase or decrease the frequency and scope of reviews, based on risk.
To enable this dialogue, each provider has a nominated lead to manage the relationship and implement this approach. Providers with large-value contracts will also be allocated a Relationship Manager.
Providers do not need to wait for performance management points to discuss performance with their WMCA contact if they identify that they’re not meeting profile or when they are experiencing higher demand.
Growth isn’t guaranteed and will depend on the funding available and the provider's performance to contract; providers are reminded that growth is linked to impact, and we will need to see a clear destination date before we increase funding throughout the year.
We have two means of procuring Skills programmes:
Grant-funded provision (underpinned by a delivery plan)
Procured provision via a Dynamic Purchasing System (underpinned by a delivery plan) delivered through a Contract for Service.
The principles of how we work will be the same for both sets of providers – open, transparent and in partnership, however, there may be technical and process differences in how we apply our performance management framework.
It does not mean we value any provider over another.