Subcontractor Statement

Any subcontractor must pass a detailed due diligence process which includes but is not limited to appraisal by Ofsted or applicable assurance reports for validation of quality, appraisal of trainer qualifications, business continuity plans and must be on the Apprenticeship Providers and Assessment Register (APAR) and have a valid UKPRN number.

If a subcontractor is not on the/either register, they will not be approved for our Apprenticeship programmes. In all instances Hult Ashridge retain clear and transparent accountability for the quality of training provision, maintaining proper and appropriate controls to manage the Apprentice experience, seeking to ensure that value for money is achieved by efficient subcontractor management.

In all instances Hult Ashridge would provide quality assurance through close monitoring by the appropriate, experienced staff. The types of subcontract arrangement, quality assurance and costs of the models are explained in more detail below. The written agreement with the Employer for Apprenticeship provision (Employer Contract) will always list the costs of the subcontract in line with the EFSA funding rules, so that all costs are transparent. A declaration is made by Hult Ashridge to the ESFA twice a year declaring any subcontractors used.

The Program Director (or nominated person) has responsibility for assuring the quality of delivery of subcontracted provision and a regular programme of activity is agreed to monitor provision This includes a regular and substantial programme of quality-assurance checks on the Apprenticeship training and on-programme assessment provided by delivery subcontractors, including visits at short notice and face-to-face interviews with staff and Apprentices to ensure Apprentices exist and are eligible; and involves direct observation of initial guidance, assessment and delivery of training and/or on-programme assessment. Hult Ashridge retain all responsibility for resolving any issues and disputes between the Employer and delivery subcontractor.

A contract is put in place between Hult Ashridge and each delivery subcontractor which specifies the following: That the subcontractor must:

• keep to the funding rules
• provide us with data so that our data returns to the ESFA accurately reflect delivery information
• give the ESFA and any other person nominated by the ESFA access to their premises and to all documents related to their delivery of the Apprenticeship
• give Hult Ashridge sufficient evidence to allow
  • assess their performance against Ofsted’s common inspection framework
  • incorporate the evidence the subcontractor provides into Hult Ashridge's self– assessment report, and;
  • guide the judgements and grades within Hult Ashridge’s self-assessment report as required
• always have suitably qualified staff available to provide Apprenticeship training and/or on-programme assessment
• co-operate with Hult Ashridge to ensure that there is continuity of learning for Apprentices if the subcontract ends for any reason
• communicate in writing to Hult Ashridge if evidence of irregular financial or delivery issues arises. This could include, but is not limited to, non-delivery of training when funds have been paid, sanctions imposed by an awarding organisation, allegations of fraud, an inadequate Ofsted grade, allegations or complaints by Apprentices, Employers, staff members, or other relevant parties
• not use ESFA funding to make bids for, or claims from, any European funding on their own behalf or on our behalf
• not use payments made by ESFA as match funding for ESF projects.