I know many of you are involved in elections and it is a busy time for you, I hope that is going well.
ADSO has had queries from a number of Authorities about whether our training courses and qualifications are eligible for funding by the Apprenticeship levy. These queries included the possibility of setting up a Trailblazer Group in order to establish a new Apprenticeship in Democratic Services.
We have looked into this in some detail and unfortunately the rules do not allow professional bodies like ADSO to take the lead in setting up such a group. Nor would our qualifications fit the criteria as we are not on the national framework. We came off the framework a year or so ago prior to the apprenticeship rules being published to give us more control and flexibility in setting the content and standards within our Certificate and Diploma. That said, ADSO will support authorities as much as possible if they wish for example to join forces and set up a trailblazer group. We will be discussing this further at the next round of regional meetings so please come along and contribute if you are thinking of going down the apprenticeship route.
Have a good week.