Apprenticeships and Skills Oversight Group

Terms of Reference and Membership 2024-25

Constitution

The Board of Governors has established a Sub-Group of the Board called the Apprenticeships and Skills Oversight Group. On behalf of the Board of Governors, the Apprenticeships and Skills Oversight Group provides Board level oversight of the University’s apprenticeships provision.

Membership

The Apprenticeships and Skills Oversight Group membership shall be appointed by the Board of Governors and must consist of members with no executive responsibility for the management of the University.

The membership of the Group may comprise of a combination of independent and co- opted members. The Staff and Student Governors will be members of the Group. The maximum membership of the Group shall be six members.

Quorum

A quorum shall be 50% of the total appointed membership, plus one member.

Attendance of members is mandatory. Where a member cannot attend a meeting, they must arrange to send a Deputy and inform the Officer accordingly.

Attendance at Meetings

The Dean for Executive Education and Skills (and Nominated Ofsted Lead), Heads of

School and representatives from each area of provision covered within the scope of Ofsted, the Education and Skills Funding Agency and Office for Students shall be invited to attend meetings of the Group. Representatives from other departments e.g. planning, will be invited if appropriate.

Frequency of Meetings

Meetings will be scheduled three times each academic year typically in November, March, and July.

Authority

The Group is authorised by the Board of Governors to investigate any activity within its duties. It is authorised to seek any such information it requires from any employee, and all employees are directed to co-operate with any request made by the Group. The Group and its members are subject to the Standing Orders of the Board of Governors in respect of all aspects of the Group’s operation.

The Group will review its Terms of Reference at least every four years. Amendment of the Terms of Reference requires approval of the Board of Governors.

Duties

The Apprenticeships and Skills Oversight Group fulfils its role primarily by receiving and considering reports at a strategic level relating to all aspects of the University's apprenticeships provision, including the quality of the learner and employer experience, the outcomes for learners, and the overall financial management and sustainability; and reporting back to the Board of Governors as appropriate. The duties of the Group shall be to:

A. Receive and consider reports relating to the University's compliance with its statutory responsibilities relating to the apprenticeships and adult skills provision within inspection scope including, but not limited to:

1. Quality of Education
2. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
3. Funding monitoring
4. Risk analysis
5. Key Performance Indicator targets, progress, and outcomes
6. Learner & Employer Satisfaction
7. Safeguarding and associated policies and procedures viii. Subcontractor performance (where appropriate)
8. All policies related to the provision.

B. Receive and consider the Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and associated Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) on behalf of the Board of Governors.

C. Receive and consider reports relating to the institutional governance structure for the University’s apprenticeships and skills provision in the context of Ofsted, Education and Skills Funding Agency and Office for Students requirements.

D. Review the strategic plan for apprenticeships and skills provision and monitor progress against its objectives.

E. Receive assurance that the University complies with the requirements of the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers and Register of End Point Assessment Organisations (for integrated degree apprenticeship programmes).

Reporting Procedures

The minutes of meetings of the Group will be circulated to all members of the Board of Governors.

Review and Effectiveness

A systematic evaluation will take place at the end of each academic year aimed at assessing the efficiency and impact of the group in achieving its objectives. This will involve collecting and analysing data to provide insights for improvements to assist attendees with decision making, accountability, and continuous development activities.

Officering Arrangements

A member of the Governance Team will undertake the role of Officer to this Group.

 

(The Apprenticeship and Skills Oversight Group Terms of Reference was approved on 27 March 2025)

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