LSC takes tough action on poor-quality training

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has withdrawn a total of 24 contracts from those providers of work-based learning branded 'unsatisfactory' by the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) in their annual report.

The report identified 95 providers of work-based learning as grade 4 or 5 ('unsatisfactory' or 'very weak'). 75 of these are funded by the LSC. As a result:

- 24 contracts have been withdrawn to date

- One further contract will end on November 30

- Two contracts have been adjusted - in one case no further growth will be allowed and in the other, work has been restricted in scope

- 13 organisations have been re-inspected by ALI and their quality has now been judged to be satisfactory or better

- Five organisations have been re-inspected and found not to have improved. Emergency Action Plans are now in place to accelerate the rectifying of weaknesses within a six month timeframe

- The remaining 32 providers' contracts have been approved but there are some outstanding issues and improvements which are being monitored closely by the local LSC in conjunction with ALI.

Commenting on the ALI report, Avril Willis, Director of Quality and Standards for the LSC, said: "We want everyone to have access to quality learning. The rise in standards is good news, but we will never be complacent where quality is concerned."

• IT Training Awards Night Success
• Skillsoft & NHS scoop e-Learning Gold Award
• Open Access
• BBC Wales creates Jonesville - a new virtual reality town for Welsh learners
• New draft 14-19 inspection framework for training
• LSC to extend red tape review to training companies and employers
• 10 Ways to Maximize the Impact of Training
• Scottish Executive to launch new Individual Learning Account Scheme
• 12 Tips for Training an International Audience
• Training Advice Initiative in Aston
• ...More >