How to stay up to date with the latest compliance requirements

Compliance is a critical part of successful training delivery, but it can be difficult to keep track of the latest funding rules and requirements.

How to stay up to date with the latest compliance requirements

Every year, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) updates its funding rules in an effort to simplify and improve the apprenticeship system. 

These updates range in scope, from simple clarifications to restructures and policy reforms. In the latest funding rules, changes were introduced in a number of areas, including:

• Reducing the burden of onboarding by integrating initial assessment with the development of the training plan
• Widening the flexibilities in English and maths requirements for apprentices who have learning difficulties and disabilities
• Reducing the administrative requirements for learning support by moving reviews from monthly to every three months
• Introducing a new de-minimis in relation to subcontracting (increasing it to £100k) to make it easier for providers to bring in industry specialists to deliver training

With so many changes, it’s not surprising that a lot of providers find it hard to keep up. Here are four ways you can stay on top of apprenticeship funding rules – and even spot changes on the horizon.

Tune into webinars

Webinars are an easy way to stay informed on funding rules and updates. They often feature industry experts who can break down complex aspects of compliance and provide insights that will contextualise any changes.

The main advantage of webinars is that they’re short and accessible, so you can tune in at home, in the office or when you’re on the move. Join live and you’ll usually have the chance to pose your own questions at the end, which is useful if there’s a specific funding rule you’re struggling with. However, if you can’t work it around your schedule, it will be just as useful to catch up on demand.

Here are some good places to start:

• Bud webinars offer industry insights and product updates 

• FE News has webinars, seminars and workshops

• AELP webinars cover news and sector developments

Attend events and conferences

Attending events like the Annual Apprenticeship Conference or the AELP National Conference can help you connect with other training providers and grow your network, but they’re also a valuable resource for staying ahead of the curve. 

Most large conferences will host workshops that include in-depth discussions on industry challenges, trends or potential policies, which are a great way to step out of your day-to-day and get a wider perspective on the sector. You can find out how other providers are approaching compliance and get tips on future-proofing your delivery.

Keynote speakers can also provide insight into upcoming areas of focus for the government and where compliance rules might change. You can find the latest speeches by Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver and other government ministers on gov.uk.

Use a training platform with a development roadmap 

Choosing the right training management platform will also give you peace of mind that you’re compliant with the latest funding rules. 

Avoid legacy platforms where you’ll need to spend time manually updating workflows. Your chosen platform should issue proactive updates in line with new funding announcements and have a clear roadmap of development to help you stay compliant.

It’s also wise to check that there will be someone you can reach out to with questions, like a customer success manager. It’s never easy to pick through new funding rules and figure out what’s actually relevant to you and your team, so make sure you have the support you need, when you need it.

For training provider National Upskill, Bud fits the bill perfectly. 

“There are always updates to Bud coming out in line with ESFA funding rules. The ESFA changes or updates things regularly, and whilst we keep an eye on changes, so do the Bud team who are proactive about implementing those changes. There’s a sense of confidence and security that someone is making sure you don’t miss anything. It’s like having an extended compliance team,” said Stuart Prior, Managing Director of National Upskill.

Find out more: 

• Case studies: Why training providers love using Bud
• An insider’s guide to an ESFA audit
• How Bud supports funding excellence

Employ an independent compliance team

Third-party compliance teams can significantly help organisations in navigating regulatory complexities. These teams specialise in understanding and interpreting frameworks, ensuring that apprenticeship providers adhere to all necessary compliance requirements. 

Professional Assessment Ltd provides tailored compliance solutions for training organisations and employers involved in the delivery of apprenticeships and adult learning. The team at PAL offers a wide range of services from end-point assessment to compliance advice and ESFA-style mock audits.

You can get in touch with PAL at info@professionalassessment.co.uk or visit their website for more information about their services.

Drive funding compliance with Bud

Want to learn more about your compliance requirements and how you can claim funding with confidence? 

Join our upcoming webinar with Rupert Crossland and Bud’s Matt Wood as they unpack the 2024/25 apprenticeship funding rules and explain the implications for training providers. Register for the webinar here.

Find out how Bud can support compliance at every stage of the learner’s journey, from onboarding to end-point assessment, by booking a discovery call.