Avant Partnership

Development of a partnership approach to meet the Minimum Contract Levels (MCL)

There are a range of options and challenges facing providers, most notably the introduction of Minimum Contract Levels (MCL) by the Skills Funding Agency. Avant Partnership has developed a model that is attractive to any organisation wanting to continue delivery, whilst retaining their individuality.

 

Our model is somewhat unique, so much so that the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) have shown interest in our approach and have asked to produce a case study to support other organisations.

 

Avant Partnership was created to be the lead partner in a delivery partnership for Work Based Learning (WBL), including Train to Gain and Young Apprenticeship, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the WBL network organisation in the Humber sub-region Consortium for Learning (CfL).

 

Avant Partnership has established and effective data, finance and quality systems and processes in place, evidenced in our successful audit and Ofsted Inspection, which awarded grade 2 at our first inspection in September 2009.  Our Financial Health was assessed as Outstanding and Financial Management and Controls assessed as Good against the Framework for Excellence.

 

The effective arrangements for management and our productive and responsive partnership arrangements are evidenced in the following quotes by Ofsted:

 

Avant has developed a good range of policies and procedures to support its partners. It has established clear protocols and guidelines for partners through detailed contract arrangements and service level agreements. Data collection and management is good. Management information is accurate and thorough."

 

 “Avant has a good range of productive network links in the local community and regional area.  Avant uses these networks effectively to initiate new ideas and share good practice across the partners.”

 

Large national providers and colleges have presented their models for sub-contracting and managing agent and we firmly believe our model is superior, offering providers much more autonomy and independence, together with involvement in the strategic direction of the organisation, which are key to the engagement of smaller independent WBL providers.

 

With the pending introduction of Minimum Contract Levels (MCL) by the Skills Funding Agency, Avant Partnership have reviewed its position with our delivery partners, developing a model in response to the MCL requirements that meets the needs of partners. 

 

Following is a brief overview of the key features and benefits of our model:

 

• The organisation is known to its partners, was introduced by them and our partners continue to be involved in the continual success of the organisation;

 

• We have a proven track record, managing consortium contracts for Train to Gain and Young Apprenticeship for over five years;

 

• Experience of funding body audits and Ofsted inspection;

 

• The proposed model through Avant Partnership will ensure the organisation is owned by its delivery partners;

 

• Avant Partnership does not compete with its delivery partners

 

• Delivery partners continue to operate as currently, using their existing company name and brand awareness to retain independence;

 

• Delivery partners continue to utilise their existing systems, processes and documentation (where these meet required standards) to ensure retained autonomy;

 

• Delivery partners will be protected within the partnership and maintain or grow their existing contract values, subject to external budgetary constraints and the continued performance of delivery partners, including:

     Delivery of volume to profile;
     Delivery of timely outcomes;
     Maintain quality and standards, including success rates and audit findings;

 

Our main ambition is the success of our organisation and members, to exist, be successful and develop.  We are seeking to develop a strong consortium of sufficient size to meet the current and future requirements of the Skills Funding Agency or future funding bodies.

 

Our proposed model will offer the additional protection to the delivery partners as the contract holder, Avant, has no intention of delivering in competition with its members. 

 

With the introduction of a single line budget and increased flexibilities we are encouraging additional providers to join our partnership.  If you have a proven track record and would be interested in our model, please get in touch.

 

Following interest from a number of providers we have developed a list of FAQ:

 

 

 

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