The policy covers our approach to Subcontracting in 2020/21 and details of fees and charges for sub-contracted provision in the last 3 years under AEB and Apprenticeships: –
The Isle of Wight College subcontracts for one or more of the following reasons:
The key principles of selecting a new subcontracting partner are whether they:
This policy ensures that there is openness and transparency in the fees and charges relating to subcontractors, so that when entering into a subcontracting relationship the potential partner is aware of the support services provided within the management fee. This allows the subcontractor to work with the College to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Specific measures The College implements to ensure improving quality of teaching and learning include having sight of any quality assurance documentation, internal and external, and related action plans; lesson observations with course tutors and assessors; quality assurance monitoring visits to check course files, schemes of work etc.
The Isle of Wight College normally charges subcontractors a management fee for a standard subcontracting agreement. This could range from 5% – 40%.
The fee is calculated to cover day-to-day management of subcontracted delivery, monitoring of learner progress, collecting and updating due diligence, ensuring audit compliance, dealing with partner queries, coordinating self-assessment processes, quality and compliance monitoring, as well as other similar services as needed.
The fee also includes administration support to process the data, ILR management, Middle and Senior Management support (working with national agencies, funding bodies, advice relating to policies, ESFA guidance, etc.), and management of funding and finances (preparation and processing of payments).
The level of support required for each subcontractor will determine the percentage management fee.
The management fee is increased if:
The payment terms are set out in detail in the subcontract agreement referred to above and available for potential subcontractors to view before entering into agreement with The Isle of Wight College.
In summary, subcontractors will be paid within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice subject to meeting contractual requirements. Alternative payment conditions may operate, following discussions with the subcontractor, depending on the contract delivery model and contract delivery time.
All subcontractors will be set up as ‘suppliers’ on the College’s finance system. The payment will be made to the subcontractor via BACS.
This policy is discussed with potential subcontractors as part of the curriculum planning process on an annual basis prior to subcontracts being agreed.
In line with ESFA funding and performance rules, we will ensure all costs with a subcontracting agreement are individually itemised and how each cost supports the delivery of high-quality learning.
In 20/21, the college will continue to subcontract with Platform One and UKSA as they are a long standing strategic partners of the college, have a proven track record of providing a high quality teaching and learning experience and achieve successful outcomes in a niche market.