SURVIVAL GUIDE

Hard Close Content Hub

Check out Bud's hub of resources designed to guide training providers through the October hard close period
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Articles

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Last updated October 20, 2025

Understanding Hard Close (R14): What It Means for Training Providers in 2025

What is the R14 hard close, and why is it so critical for training providers? Learn how ILR submissions, funding re...

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Last updated October 20, 2025

How to Prepare for R14: Four Ways to Stay Organised in the Run-Up to Hard Close

Hard Close can be a difficult time of year for training providers, but it doesn’t have to be a chaotic scramble. Wh...

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Last updated October 20, 2025

Take the 'hard' out of hard close

R14 (or Hard Close) can strike fear into even the most seasoned training providers. The final ILR submission of the...

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Last updated October 17, 2025

Reference Guide: ILR Submission Deadlines 2025 - 2026

Never miss an ILR deadline. Bookmark Bud’s reference guide for all 2025–2026 Individualised Learner Record (ILR) su...

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Last updated September 9, 2025

Why are learner eligibility checks important for ASF funding?

In this article: Learn why you should complete thorough checks to ensure your learners are eligible for ASF-funded ...

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Last updated August 19, 2025

The Fundamentals of AI in Apprenticeship Training

In this article: Discover the core principles of artificial intelligence, its potential for training organisations ...

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Last updated July 25, 2025

How to gather meaningful learner feedback to improve your provision

In this article: Learn how to collect and utilise learner feedback to enhance curriculum, boost engagement, and mee...

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Last updated July 11, 2025

Funding Cuts, Fresh Starts: Rethinking Apprenticeships Post-Level 7

In this article: Discover what the changes to level 7 funding mean for training providers and how they can adapt to...

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Last updated June 30, 2025

Rubrics: What You Need to Know and Why They’re Essential in AI-Powered Assessment

In this article: New to rubrics? Discover how this simple but powerful tool is transforming assessment. Learn how B...

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Last updated June 18, 2025

How to collect and prepare apprenticeship data for an Ofsted inspection

Being able to collect and analyse apprenticeship data is essential for providing effective training and demonstrati...

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