GMLPF annual report

10 years championing professional learning on merseyside

Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ FederationAnnual Report 2011/12

WelcomeWelcome to the inaugural annual report of Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF). Its production coincides with our 10th year of operations and marks the start of new phase of communications for GMLPF that will see us sharing more about our vision and the work we do.

Over the last decade, we’ve built our membership base, and developed, comprehensive portfolio of support services for our members. Simultaneously, we have been nurturing strong strategic relationships with funding agencies and other key stakeholders for the benefit of work based learning and its providers on Merseyside. Now we can firmly stake our place in the local skills and development landscape as a coordinated, single voice for Merseyside’s flourishing base of expert learning providers.

2011/12 has seen GMLPF with its nose firmly down to the grindstone, pushing our members’ agenda and representing their interests at strategic levels. Day to day, our four-strong team of staff has been stretched to maximum capacity, arranging best practice workshops, coordinating training sessions, and delivering a diverse range of support services to our members. In addition, we’ve run two successful Apprenticeships employer events, achieved Investors in People re-recognition and enjoyed the best year ever for our unique Key to Apprenticeships programme. Details of these and other key achievements can be found in the pages of this annual year.

Despite a challenging year thanks to the introduction of minimum contract levels, growing numbers of disengaged young people, and tough economic conditions for industry, our members have shown awe-inspiring staying-power and resourcefulness, with impressive results: 10,000 new apprenticeships on Merseyside over the last twelve months. It is a real privilege to represent such a proactive, professional set of organisations: the cutting edge of work-based learning on Merseyside.

Stan Pochron Chief ExecutiveGMLPF

The year has been a hectic but rewarding year for GMLPF. Notable successes include the expansion of our successful Key to Apprenticeships programme, and the increasingly central role our Local Borough Networks are playing in coordinating communications between partners. It has

been an exciting time for the Board, further developing GMLPF’s strategic direction and new priorities in an ever-changing landscape. This year we welcomed three new board members who have already made significant positive contributions.

As Chair, I would like to thank all GMLPF Board members for their time and guidance, and for the skills and professionalism they bring to the table. The Board also want to thank GMLPF staff for their hard work and dedication. I am delighted to report the continued success of GMLPF and its viability to continue its work to represent and promote the interest of its committed and quality-driven members. I look forward to another productive year ahead.

Peter McEvoy Chair GMLPF

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What is gmlpf?Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) is a not-for-profit organisation created to support, promote and represent Merseyside’s work based learning providers by means of a membership programme. This membership programme is at the core of GMLPF operations, and in effect GMLPF should be seen as the sum of its members, rather than a separate organisation.

GMLPF operates a membership programme for learning providers, and other organisations with an involvement in vocational learning. Membership offers access to best practice workshops, quality and funding consultations, topical training opportunities, regular information bulletins and a wide range of support and resources.

Acting as a single voice for providers of work based learning, GMLPF engages directly with strategic bodies including the Skills Funding Agency, the National Apprenticeship Service, the Education Funding Agency, Job Centre Plus and local authorities, ensuring our members’ interests are represented consistently. GMLPF is a platform for two-way communications between members and these agencies

GMLPF undertakes a wide variety of projects to promote work based learning to employers, schools, parents and young people, including hard-to-help groups. Through a range of initiatives, we help providers improve standards for the benefit of Apprenticeships and work based learning.

In addition to supporting our members, GMLPF is responsible for the delivery of Merseyside’s unique, successful Key to Apprenticeship programme.

10 years championing professional learning on Merseyside

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gmlpf peopleStaff

GMLPF Board 2011/12

Stan Pochron, Chief Executive

Joanne Rymer, Project Manager

Sharne Kelso, Audit & Compliance Manager

Ayesha Kamarudin, Administration Officer

Peter McEvoy, Chair of GMLPF BoardManaging DirectorAsset Training

Jan Davies, Assistant Principal, Knowsley Community College

Kris Flavin, Director, Progress Sports

Alison Gibson, Chief Executive, Michael John Academy

Sue Higginson, Assistant Principal, |Wirral Metropolitan College

Julian McInerney, Managing Director, The Vocational College

Paul Musa, Chief Executive, North West Training Council

Jackie Shopland-Reed, Manager, Lite Ltd

Geoff Spinks, Head of North West Operations, Morthyng College

Elaine Stanley, Director of Foundation Learning, St Helens College

Debbie Tagoe, Director, Mode

Andrew Taylor, Managing Director, Mercia Partnership

www.gmlpf.net

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gmlpf services services for partners ■■

As a body made up of Merseyside’s work based learning providers, GMLPF has extensive experience in the field of vocational training. With a ten year history of supporting providers, we have a keen understanding of the issues and mechanics of the delivery of work based learning on Merseyside.

We have well-established links with intermediary organisations and key agencies such as the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, Connexions, Job Centre Plus, schools, Government funding agencies, the National Apprenticeship Service and the Local Authorities. Our members have a formidable combined knowledge and expertise in the work-based learning industry and access to a substantial employer base.

All these qualities make GMLPF and its members ideally placed to provide the following services to partners:

Strategic and practical advice for training projects and initiatives•

Facilitation services including coordination of multi-agency •projects

Running employer and stakeholder events•

Advice in specialist areas such as social inclusion, supporting •learners with difficulties, and employer engagement

Marketing and communications services to promote •Apprenticeships and other work-based learning programmes

services for employers■■

Merseyside based employers looking for help with recruitment, training and staff development can access support through our members who deliver a range of training programmes including Apprenticeships, Key to Apprenticeships, NVQs and other professional training options.

services for members■■

GMLPF provides a range of services for its members. These include opportunities for formalised networking with other learning providers, best practice sessions, subsidised training and a platform for members to raise issues and concerns to be reported back to decision-making organisations. For a full list of benefits of GMLPF members, see page 9.


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Key achievementsBetween April 2011 and March 2012 GMLPF continued to perform its primary function of supporting, representing and promoting its members, work based learning providers on Merseyside, by:

maintaining regular, proactive dialogue with Local Authorities, •funding bodies, Connexions, Job Centre Plus and other key agencies, on behalf of, and for the benefit of its members

representing its members at over 450 meetings, forums and •conferences

facilitating sharing of best practice between its members•

facilitating consultations as a way of collating and feeding •members’ issues and concerns up to strategic bodies

arranging training courses and masterclasses for its members to •support them in the continuous improvement of their services. 2011/12’s menu of training included sessions on safeguarding and digital technology, the Common Inspection Framework, the Qualification Credit Framework, Ofsted nominee training, and health and safety monitoring for inspection.

regular dissemination of relevant information and opportunities •to members

providing an ongoing information, support and advice service to •its members in person, on the phone or via email

Additional GMLPF achievements for 2011/12 include:

Key to apprenticeships■■

GMLPF’s successful Key to Apprenticeships programme had its best year to date with 98% of the contract achieved. 600 people completed the programme which is designed to equip school leavers and other young people with the skills and qualifications they need to apply for full apprenticeships positions and succeed at interview. Figures show that 85% of completers of this programme are going on to secure full apprenticeships.

A surprise visit from Ofsted in October confirmed that GMLPF is making sufficient progress on the Key to Apprenticeships programme, and an audit from YPLA clarified the importance of learner files and data collection.

GMLPF’s Key to Apprenticeships contract has now been doubled in size for the next twelve months.

increasing employer engagement in ■■

apprenticeshipsGMLPF undertook work on behalf of the National Apprenticeships Service to increase the number of Apprenticeships in the visitor economy, the low carbon economy, and the knowledge economy, and the number of apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD). As part of this work, we arranged two successful events to raise the profile of Apprenticeships which were attended by approximately 200 employers. Results from the events include employer leads passed to our members, and the collation of employer feedback to inform strategic development of Apprenticeships within Liverpool City Region.

GMLPF supports a regular LLDD Forum which last year welcomed Peter Little OBE as an honorary member. He has collated providers’ views and experiences in recruiting learners with disabilities and reported them back to the Government. The LLDD Forum has received funding from NAS to develop a DVD and website as resources for employers, learners, parents and providers to use with the aim of improving LLDD recruitment into WBL.

local borough netWorKs■■

Members of GMLPF’s six Borough Networks worked extensively during 2011/12 to shape work based learning services according to the specific conditions and needs of Merseyside’s different locations. This work has had positive results, which has elevated the reputation of GMLPF and the Borough Networks as key players in Merseyside’s work based learning landscape.

www.gmlpf.net

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investors in people reaccreditation■■

GMLPF underwent a successful Investors in People reaccreditation during 2011/12 which showed we “more than met the standard”. We have retained our IiP status for seven years.

have a go opportunities ■■

GMLPF coordinated funding through its members for Merseyside residents to have access to 7000 “Have a Go” opportunities: a chance to experience a new skill as part of the World Skills programme.

cologne trip■■

Representatives from GMLPF, Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce, Connexions and the TUC spent a week in Cologne with the local Chamber of Commerce, finding out how the German education system embraces vocational learning. The team from Liverpool met with schools and vocational training centres as well as staff from the Cologne Chamber. The aim of the visit was to identify German best practice in employer engagement.

gmlpf joins employment & sKills board■■

GMLPF accepted an invitation to join Liverpool City Region’s Employment and Skills Board which reflects our growing reputation as a key player in the region’s skills and development. Joining this body gives GMLPF further opportunity to represent work-based learning providers at the most strategic levels, as well as contributing to shaping the strategy for the area’s economic success.


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strategic priorities 2012/13

GMLPF has key strategic priorities which drive its operations. These priorities have been specifically selected in order to continue shaping the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness to best support its members, the work based learning providers of Merseyside.

Strategic priorities for 2012/13 are as follows:

financial strength■■

Maintaining our economic strength and stability is a key priority for GMLPF. This allows us to continue supporting our members in the most effective ways. A strong financial foundation puts GMLPF in a position to expand and tailor our comprehensive range of flexible services to best meet the needs of our members.

organisational excellence■■

GMLPF is committed to driving up standards and striving for excellence in our internal operations, in the services we provide to our members, and the quality of Work Based Learning on Merseyside. Maintaining this commitment to excellence is an ongoing priority for 2012/13.

gmlpf recognition■■

During 2012/13, one of our priorities is to focus on strengthening GMLPF’s position as the established voice of work based learning on Merseyside. We aim to be recognised as a key player with a pivotal role to play in shaping skills for a successful Merseyside, underpinned by our strength in engaging employers, facilitating strategic dialogue, and the access we have to a base of work based learning expertise in our members.

continuous improvement for members■■

In the interest of driving up the standards of work based learning on Merseyside, GMLPF will research improvement opportunities for our

members through liaison with agencies such as Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). We will also continue to create opportunities for sharing best practice between members.

support for borough netWorKs■■

GMLPF will continue to support Borough Networks to strengthen their position as dynamic bodies equipped with the expertise and resources to respond quickly and effectively to change and opportunity in the diverse, local work based learning markets.

long term influence With Key agencies■■

In 2012/13, GMLPF will invest further resources in building long term relationships with key agencies for the ultimate benefit of our members. These include funding agencies, local authorities and other key organisations.

WorKforce development for members ■■

GMLPF will set up a sub group of board members to conduct a survey of members’ staff training needs, and to liaise with Learning & Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and other relevant training and development agencies to identify relevant courses and arrange for them to be held locally.

increase positive impact on the local ■■

communityDuring 2012/13, GMLPF will encourage more links with the community via Local Borough Networks. We will also work with agencies to identify and support young people who are not in employment, education or training.

www.gmlpf.net

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monitoring and evaluation■■

The GMLPF Board will review all progress towards targets and actions against strategic priorities at their scheduled bi-monthly meetings.

celebration of learner success■■

GMLPF is working with partners on a celebration event for Apprenticeships to take place in 2012/13.

raise aWareness of the gmlpf brand■■

During 2012/13, GMLPF will set up a communications sub group of board members to focus on raising awareness of the existence and role of GMLPF as a key agency in the regional work based learning landscape. This group will develop and oversee a new communications strategy embracing print, web and relationship building with employers and intermediaries. Activities will be tailored to key markets: employers, schools, parents and young people.

influencing and managing change■■

The GMLPF Board of Directors will nurture a culture that embraces, encourages and facilitates positive change. Members’ views and suggestions will be collated and reported locally, regionally and nationally to influence beneficial change to work based learning strategies.

positive communications■■

A robust programme of positive communications about GMLPF and its work will continue with the production of an annual report and further development of the GMLPF website. In addition to the GMLPF newsletter (Federation Log), the current e-bulletin will be used more proactively as a communications tool for existing members, but also to encourage new members to join.

member participation■■

GMLPF and its board will explore how members can play a more active role in GMLPF’s work and activities for the benefit of all.


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gmlpf members

f■■ ull members associate members■■

Action for Employment (A4E)Alder TrainingAndrew CollingeAssetATOCTS Training LimitedGeneral PhysicsHalton YMCAHerbert of LiverpoolHugh Baird CollegeIn TrainingJHP Group LtdJoint Learning PartnershipKnowsley Community CollegeLiteLiverpool Chamber of CommerceLiverpool Community CollegeMactacMaritime and Engineering College North WestMercia PartnershipMichael John AcademyMode TrainingMorthyngMyerscough CollegeNorth West Training CollegeNorth West Training CouncilOakmere Community CollegeProgress SportsRathboneRiverside College HaltonRiverside LECRocket Training LimitedScientiamSefton Borough CouncilSt Helens Borough CouncilSt Helens Chamber

St Helens CollegeSouthport CollegeSysco Business Skills Academy tpm (Training Plus merseyside)Vocational CollegeWirral Metropolitan College

Alt Valley/The CommuniversityBeacon LearningCPL TrainingELECTGolden Laurel AssociatesGreenbank CollegeMortimore Enterprises LtdPremier Sports AcademyPrinces TrustStyle TrainingTraining Strategies LtdYoung People’s Opportunities Project

www.gmlpf.net

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GMLPF’s primary function is to represent and support its members: work-based learning providers and other organisations involved in professional vocational learning. Membership currently stands at over fifty and is steadily increasing. Membership is subject to approval by the GMLPF Board.

Members enjoy the following benefits:

Formalised networking opportunities with other learning •providers

A central point of contact and support for learning provider •issues

Regular dissemination of the latest national, regional and local •information and notices about work-based learning

A platform for learning providers to voice their issues, concerns •and feedback and have them reported through to decision makers in key agencies including Skills Funding Agency and National Apprenticeship Service

Strategic links to Local Borough Networks, Sector Skills •Councils, ALP, North West Provider Network and professional bodies

Collaboration and sharing best practice with other learning •providers

Exclusive access to carefully selected and subsidised training •sessions to support staff development and quality of provision

Bi-monthly newsletter: • Federation Log, providing a round-up of local work-based learning news

Free use of large and small meeting rooms •

Access to resources such as digital display equipment, portable •hearing loop, SENDA resources library

Exposure to employers as a result of GMLPF projects and events•

Participation in Apprenticeships and work-based learning •marketing campaigns

Consultations on issues such as quality and funding•

Certificated membership - useful as evidence of collaboration for •Ofsted inspections

Exposure through promotion of individual providers on GMLPF •website and in e-newsletter

If you would like to find out more about becoming a GMLPF member please contact the GMLPF office on 0151 707 8775.

gmlpf membership


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gmlpf history

2002 GMLPF created with funding from LSC with two members of staff and premises on Pomona Street, Liverpool

2003 GMLPF purchases Basic Key Skills Builder assessment tool for every member with additional discount negotiated for their second year licence

2004 GMLPF incorporated as a not-for-profit limited by guarantee company

2005 New GMLPF premises at Parliament Business Park; full time CEO employed

GMLPF organises first North West Provider Conference

GMLPF employer engagement project generates 350 Apprenticeships

GMLPF formally establishes Merseyside’s six Borough Networks with chairs and vice chairs

2006GMLPF members establish Sector Forums for care, hairdressing, engineering, construction, hospitality & catering, retail, business administration

GMLPF becomes first provider network to achieve Investors in People accreditation

2007 GMLPF leads development of North West Provider Network

GMLPF represents North West providers on the Regional Quality Improvement Partnership

GMLPF joins Merseyside Aim Higher Board and the Merseyside Lifelong Learning Partnership

www.gmlpf.net

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2008 GMLPF wins bid for Accelerated Pre-Apprenticeship Programme (Key 2 Apprenticeships)

GMLPF wins bid for Aim Higher’s Vocational Highway project, helping 133 individuals into higher education

GMLPF wins bid to run Capital of Culture Badged Apprenticeship programme

GMLPF wins bid from Connexions to help young people in work with no training into Apprenticeships

2009 GMLPF’s Capital of Culture Badged Apprenticeships programme extended due to success

GMLPF’s first Ofsted inspection under Common Inspection Framework: awarded Grade 2 (Grade 1 for learner support, and for learner progression)

Successful first year for Accelerated Pre-Apprenticeship: following year’s contract doubled

2010 GMLPF contributes to the Merseyside Multi Area Agreement and formation of Local Authority responsibility.

GMLPF contributes to drafting of Liverpool City Region strategy as LSC is wound up

GMLPF forges links with the new Skills Funding Agency, National Apprenticeships Service and Young Peoples Agency

GMLPF helps coordinate Invest to Change programme to improve recruitment of learners with disabilities

2011 GMLPF invited to sit on the Liverpool City Region Employment and Skills Board

Key to Apprenticeships (Accelerated Pre Apprenticeships) has its best year to date with 98% of the contract achieved

GMLPF members and partners establish new forums for Foundation Learning and for supporting learners with learning difficulties and disabilities.


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www.gmlpf.net

“ It is vital that we have a strong network of providers delivering skills and training to meet the needs of young people, adults and employers. GMLPF has for many years played a key role representing their members and makes a significant contribution to cross regional working through the North West Provider Network.”

Paul Holme Chair North West Providers Network

“ Greater Merseyside Connexions has a long and valuable working relationship with GMLPF, which is underpinned by a common aim to ensure that young people are able to enter the right kind of training and progress to further learning and work. Two way feedback between our organisations and joint approaches to improving opportunities and pathways for young people has enabled a smoother transition for apprentices and young employees.”

Kieran GordonChief ExecutiveGreater Merseyside Connexions Partnership

“ The Skills Funding Agency enjoys a strong and extremely positive working relationship with the Greater Merseyside Learning Provider Federation, regularly attending its forums and local provider networks. The Agency values the opportunity to be able to do this and recognises and is appreciative of the excellent work carried out by the Federation in promoting learning in Merseyside and supporting the local provider base.” Paul BlottHead of Relationship TeamSkills Funding Agency

“ Jobcentre Plus has developed a strong working partnership with the Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation and welcomes the opportunity to work with its members. By attending the GMLPF quarterly forums, Jobcentre Plus is able to give clear and consistent messages regarding services to the wider provider network who deliver across the Local Authority areas. ”

Karen Wrycraft Training & Skills Manager Merseyside DistrictDepartment for Work and PensionsJobcentre Plus

GMLPF2nd FloorSaunders HouseParliament Business Park Commerce WayLiverpoolL8 7BA 0151 707 8775

[email protected]

Produced by Pavlina Kiakides/Scribe Consultants

Documents

GMLPF annual report