Meg Hillier | FE Week

Outgoing ESFA chief takes “personal responsibility” for Learndirect decisions

The outgoing head of the ESFA has claimed personal responsibility for the decision not to terminate Learndirect’s adult education budget contract after its ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating. Although the DfE’s permanent secretary Jonathan Slater denied at the same meeting that the UK’s largest training provider had been given special treatment, Peter Lauener insisted it had been […]

Learndirect and DfE scandal referred to NAO by Public Accounts Committee chair

The Learndirect scandal is expected to face a National Audit Office investigation following a request from the Public Accounts Committee, FE Week can reveal. In a series of events that will be familiar to FE Week readers, the largest training provider in the UK has been afforded special treatment by the DfE and retains all […]

Public Accounts Committee wants broader success measures for apprenticeships

A much broader range of success measures is needed for apprenticeships – accounting for progression to higher pay and qualifications, and how well emerging industries are being catered for – MPs have warned in a new report. The Public Accounts Committee published its findings this morning on issues with the reform programme, ahead of the […]