LSC framework
LSC frameworkLSC development planning frameworkUnlike its predecessor the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC), the role of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) includes planning as well as funding. In order to plan, allocate and commission provision, local LSCs need accurate, up-to-date information about the quality and effectiveness of provision. The LSCs and the external inspectorate (Ofsted) work closely together and share information to help inform planning and funding decisions. Therefore, there is a close relationship between the new Common Inspection Framework (CIF), inspection and self-assessment arrangements and the LSC's planning processes. The LSC and Ofsted also work in conjunction with the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA). In brief, their respective roles are:
The LSC maintains a regular dialogue with provider organisations to review their data and performance and, if it finds that any provision is unsatisfactory and improvements have not been made within an agreed timeframe, then the provider may lose funding for this area of work. The council will not fund unsatisfactory provision. The LSC's annual Provider Review is informed by the provider's self-assessment report, data on quality and performance, on the results of Ofsted inspections and the Ofsted Annual Assessment Visit. The Review also takes account of the Financial Statements and Regularity Audit. The LSC's Provider Financial Assurance (PFA) team reviews the college's financial management and governance arrangements at the same time, and in parallel with, the Ofsted inspection. The resulting grade informs the leadership and management grade allocated by Ofsted (CIF key question 5) and vice versa. In order to bring arrangements into line with the requirement for annual self-assessment and the new Annual Assessment Visit, colleges are also advised to self-assess against the latest version of the PFA's Self-Assessment Report Questionnaire (SARQ). The SARQ relates to statutory requirements and good practice for financial management and governance. Colleges answer a series of questions and award themselves a grade that feeds into the leadership and management grade of the CIF. The findings of the SARQ and the self-assessed grade for financial management and governance, which it contains, should be reflected in the college's self-assessment report. It should inform the college's judgement of its overall grade (CIF key question 5), along with any weaknesses, strengths and actions to improve, which are specified in the self-assessment report. The SARQ is regularly updated and is published on the LSC website. Click here to visit the LSC website. Click here for the LSC guidance document (2006/07).
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