The Data Service, an arm of the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), has today published ‘shadow funding calculations’ in the latest version of their funding software.

Version 19.03 of the Learner Information Suite (LIS) software includes a module which produces a spreadsheet comparing a colleges current funding in 2011/12 with new funding rates for 2013/14.

The change in funding rates are based on proposals in the SFA’s A New Streamlined Funding System for Adult Skills publication.

However, the comparisons are limited at the present time. The Data Service have said: “This is a beta release of the 2011/12 shadow funding calculation in the LIS software, in order to give learning providers a very early insight into any possible effects on funding for 2013/14. There are some limitations in this release:

  • This calculation excludes Apprenticeships and Basic Skills provision
  • Only 2011/12 ILR data format can be used and so the tool will show a year to date figure, rather than project future achievements
  • The outputs are at learner aim level and so it does not provide figures by sector or level.
  • The 2011/12 shadow funding calculation will be limited to calculating funding for learning aims starting on or after 01 August 2011. “

The user guide states that based on 2010/11 data 23 per cent of all learning aims are excluded from the shadow funding calcualtions.

There are also other ‘issues’ with the calculations. For example, the user guide states: “We are aware that short learning aims receive large increases in funding. This issue will be resolved in a future release of the software.”

The Data Service have called for assistance in further development of the 2011/12 shadow funding calculation, and said: “the Skills Funding Agency would like to hear your views on this release, in particular any issues that you want to see addressed in future releases of the LIS. Please complete the feedback template to the following email address: FundingSystemsTeam@skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk.”

Click here to download the software

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Would you like to attend a two hour workshop delivered by Nick Linford that will help you use the report and understand the implications of the funding changes? See dates and links to booking below:

28-03-12 : Webinar am ~ Modelling Adult Classroom Funding Changes
29-03-12 : London am Modelling Adult Classroom Funding Changes

29-03-12 : London pm Modelling Adult Classroom Funding Changes

30-03-12 : Webinar am ~ Modelling Adult Classroom Funding Changes

 

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