Responses to stakeholder queries

Question	Answer
Do grant allocations have to be for already delivering ASF providers in region, for example a college? Or can Skills Bootcamp Providers with a significant presence be part of that approach?	Grant funded allocation is based on 23/24. Bootcamp Providers were procured and will go through the same procurement process for Adult Skills Fund.
What per cent will be grant procured?	A proportion of 2023/24 allocation spent on Hull and East Yorkshire learners.
Does the current ASF pilot for 25/26 where procured contract funding that is now managed by Local Authorities then become part of the grant funding from 26/27?	Further information to be provided.
What criteria will be used to assess whether a provider has a sufficiently “established place-based approach” to qualify for a grant allocation?	Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority will allocate grant-funded providers and can demonstrate they have an established place-based model; deliver significant volumes of activity in Hull and East Yorkshire and aligned to the strategic priorities.
Do current skills providers who already deliver ASF go through grant allocations, or will they need to re-apply within the first year?	This is dependent on whether a provider is currently grant-funded or ITP. Skills providers already delivering ASF would need to apply through an open and competitive tendering process.
It sounds like there are some overlaps in terms of audience with this and the Connect to Work investment. Is this something that's being considered in terms of building connections between who the councils commission for that and who delivers this?	There is an alignment with existing Bootcamp delivery and future Connect to Work provision and intend to look at joined up services across education, skills, employment, health and local economic development is in partnership. However, eligibility criteria will need to be applied.
For providers that receive a direct allocation, can they also participate in open procurement?	Further information to be provided.
You mentioned permitting hybrid/distance learning could be a way to make ASF work better for those in rural areas. Is there anything else you're planning to do on this?	Urban/rural mix means there will be a need for flexibility for residents accessing provision appropriate to their needs and not facing additional barriers.
Has HEYCA decided which procurement portal / platform they will use to advertise Procurement notices / RfP's etc for services contracts, and if so can the link be shared?	Information will be sent via web-based software PROACTIS, and the tender portal is YORtender. Organisations need to register if not already done so, as usually they will receive an alert of tendering opportunities.
I think you touched on it briefly at the end there, but how does the HullCC ASF procurement affect providers in East Yorkshire who recruit learners from the Hull area?	Cross-boundary delivery is permissible for residents. ASF already includes learning organisations operating across Hull and East Riding.
Are prisons able to apply for funding for leaners while they reside in a HEY establishment?	Provision for adults in custody is through the Ministry of Justice. However, can use ASF to fund individuals released/temp licence.
Will you accept consortium approaches?	Further information to be provided.
As a new potential provider when are we likely to be able to apply for funding?	By registering on the tendering portal from approximately February 2026.
For direct allocations, has it been confirmed which previous year's activity will be used to base the calculations for these allocations?	2023/24 is the base for calculations.
Not knowing the portal, what is the timeline internally to choose a portal and have an open tender? Will award also be in line with start date of academic year?	Hull City Council will lead on the procurement process.
Helpful update. Devil will be in the detail, specifically about levels of grant awarded vs amount of procured funding that will be available. Reference to using 23/24 to determine direct allocations for 26/27 doesn't account for growth achieved in 24/25 and/or 25/26. Does that have the potential to cause market disruption?	Further information to be provided.
Will this fund be applicable to companies with immigrant staff?	Yes, if they meet the eligibility/residency funding rules for 2026/27.
On reflection as a potential new provider, and a small organisation (charity) it's quite daunting to know that investment is only for 1 year without knowing what the risk level of not getting funding beyond that point. It's not enough time to add to our offer and be sustainable. Is the hope that once the initial year of transition is over, that longer term procurements might be available? And/Or if you're a partner who delivers well in Year 1 does that make it easier to apply the following year, or does it make no difference in practise? However, I do like that only having 1-year grants for 26/27 (applying winter 2025) means we could decide were not ready yet, but can work towards being in a better position for next year. I assume the hope is agencies will be able to apply for 27/28 in 2026	Approved Provider List will be open for new applications, but will only be evaluated if new funding available or increase/replace provision.
It was stated ''ensure an agile commissioning approach that meets local needs'' what will this look like?	It is a flexible and responsive approach to meet local needs.
How will this impact on college provider funding allocation and ensure that duplication of offer doesn’t occur?	This will be addressed through delivery plans and evidenced by place-based approach.
ASF adult allocation will be calculated based on 23/24 allocated spend/funding allocation – this will be used to calculate 26/27 allocation. Grant agreements will be provided at the start of the year. Local authority will discuss with provides who have grant allocation funding already to ensure it is meeting need and potential for collaboration. Grant allocation will be created using delivery targets – detail for this isn’t currently available. Will this be done with the providers so targets are sensible and measurable?	Discussions will take place regarding sensible targets/KPIs.
Underperformance/overperformance needs communication with the Authority. Where underperformance/issues of delivery or meeting allocation are not discussed with the LA, the authority will look to redistribute/change allocations – looking for clear communication and strong relationship. Over delivery up to 10%, under deliver will revert to base line delivery (actual). Does this mean that any under delivery will be reallocated to another provider/contract for in year spend? Or rolled over into the following year?	Performance management guidance will be available to all delivery partners. Reallocation will depend on several factors including responsive to local needs in specific areas, performance and outcomes.
On reflection as a potential new provider, and a small organisation (charity) it’s quite daunting to know that investment is only for 1 year without knowing what the risk level of not getting funding beyond that point. It’s not enough time to add to our offer and be sustainable. Is the hope that once the initial year of transition is over, that longer term procurements might be available? And/Or if you’re a partner who delivers well in Year 1 does that make it easier to apply the following year, or does it make no difference in practise? However, I do like that only having 1-year grants for 26/27 (applying winter 2025) means we could decide were not ready yet, but can work towards being in a better position for next year. I assume the hope is agencies will be able to apply for 27/28 in 2026.	Further information to be provided.
26/27 Procurement of independent training providers will be conducted by the Hull City council procurement processes?	Yes, Hull City Council.
Does HEYCA intend to use the Crown Commercial DPS in the longer term for ASF procurement and has there been any consideration on Crown Commercial charging 1% of all successful ASF bids as a top slice for using the DPS?	No.
DWP delivers the Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), which is one of our core back-to-work initiatives. The Government expect to achieve 80,000 SWAP starts in the year and our slice of that is 2,000 starts. Most SWAPs are delivered by a network of FE colleges and training providers that has grown organically in response to local demand. These providers typically access Adult Education Budget (AEB) funding to support delivery.	Providers will apply through the open and competitive tendering process.