Compliance essential series: Understanding apprenticeship financial management – Funding, forecasting, costs and budgeting
2026-01-14 10:00 - 2026-01-16 12:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Apprenticeship financial management is complex.

Do you and your organisation know whether your provision is modelled effectively and profitably? Do you meet the compliance obligations for pricing and costs?

Getting your apprenticeship pricing right is essential for DfE compliance but perhaps more importantly for operating a financially sound apprenticeship programme. This three part webinar series is designed for role holders working in finance or operations to understand the funding methodology in apprenticeships, the compliance obligations and benefits of effective implementation.

For example:
How do you measure whether a new apprenticeship standard is financially viable for you to deliver?
Are you clear on what the apprenticeship actually costs you to deliver and where a profit margin can be made?
Can you forecast revenue effectively and identify profitability?
Are you clear on what are eligible and ineligible costs and that you aren’t overclaiming or underclaiming funding?
Are you reporting your training price breakdown correctly to the employer?
How do you recognise the apprentice’s prior learning and reflect this in your costings?
Are you applying the correct training price for your own employees (which must be at cost price)?

Session 1 – The funding model in England and funded components
Session 2 – Apprenticeship costs and pricing
Session 3 – Necessary infrastructure and variables

In the webinar series, we’ll help you to understand:.

The apprenticeship funding model in England
Understand price components of training and assessment
Eligible and ineligible costs, how to identify these at a budget level and implement an effective offer to an employer cost models and options
The importance of effective contracts with employers
The role of employer co-investment and models of collection to ensure compliance
Additional funding components: additional payments and learning support
The impact of prior learning on cost models
Employer-provider variables

You will receive an ‘Apprenticeship costs and budgeting tool’, ‘Revenue forecasting tool’ and a ‘Recognition of Prior learning calculator’ as well as a CPD attendance certificate as evidence of your personal development.

About your session

David Lockhart-Hawkins, SDN’s funding and compliance expert will facilitate this series. After working in the sector for over 20 years, David has supported hundreds of providers to establish effective compliance systems. His in-depth understanding of funding and wider apprenticeship delivery gives him a unique insight into compliance across the organisation.

This series is for anyone involved in the development of apprenticeship budgeting and financial operations. This could, for example, include finance staff, compliance staff, employer-facing staff, business development teams, commercial leads, senior managers / decision-makers.

Note: This programme is a 25/26 update to our previously delivered series on understanding apprenticeship costings.

Effective use of PDSAT and Monitoring Reports
2026-01-15 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The DfE provide a suite of tools and reports to allow providers to conduct regular assurance and data checks to ensure they meet the funding rules and rectify anomalies in the ILR data
At this seminar, we will look in detail at the new Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkit (PDSAT) Online Toolkit, Funding Information System (FIS) and key submission reports
The seminar will explain how the Provider Market Oversight Assurance (PMOA) team utilises PDSAT reports, along with how providers should use them in preparing for a PMOA assurance review
The seminar will provide reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews
The seminar format encourages delegate participation and aims to ensure that attendees get reliable guidance and advice in the planning and usage of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports in your ongoing internal assurance reviews.
As part of the day’s agenda we will:

ensure that your organisation has the knowledge to ensure full understanding of the PDSAT, FIS, FRM and submission reports for the academic year.
improve your understanding of the expectations around the tools and reports available to ensure appropriate control mechanisms are in place to provide assurance on your ILR data.
identify key submission reports and how to use them effectively, including the suite of FRM reports and any recent changes.
Provide guidance on the correction of data errors.

Ofsted Inspection Nominee Training (new framework)
2026-01-15 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Nominee’s arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
The nominee will continue to be at the centre of inspection and will a key person for their organisation.
This event will prepare potential nominees in the FE and Skills sector to carry out their role effectively before, during and after an Ofsted inspection.
As a result of the workshop, delegates will be better able to prepare themselves, their leaders, managers, staff, learners and employees for inspection, and show their provision in the best light.

Recognising and responding to harmful behaviours
2026-01-20 09:30 - 13:30 | Online
How confident are your staff in spotting and responding to harmful behaviours in line with their safeguarding responsibilities?
We’re excited to be teaming up with our friends at Psych-Logical to host this interactive online workshop on recognising and responding to harmful behaviours.
In this interactive, half-day course, we’ll explore how to recognise concerning behaviours and respond appropriately — especially in the context of PREVENT, exploitation, and harmful sexual behaviour.
Taking place on Tuesday 20 January 2026 (9.30am-1.00pm), this session will help you:

Spot behavioural indicators that may point to safeguarding concerns
Understand the psychology of grooming and the process of radicalisation
Build effective intervention strategies — to protect yourself and others
Approach difficult conversations using trauma-informed techniques
Identify referral routes and key support agencies

This is a practical course. Through real-life scenarios and peer discussion, you’ll come away with a clear plan of action and greater confidence in your duty of care.
You can book onto this workshop for £150+vat.
You will receive a CPD attendance certificate after the session, as evidence of your personal development.
Facilitators and speakers
Led by Louise Willis-Keeler, this session will be facilitated by safeguarding and behavioural specialists at Psych-Logical. Psych-Logical works with government, education providers and others to prevent mental health in children and young people, and is working closely with education providers as they deliver support and training to young people remotely.
Why SDN?
SDN works with partners, such as Psych-Logical to bring together top-quality specialists to support the FE and skills sector. We’ve worked with 1,000 training providers and over 5,000 practitioners over the last few years – allowing us to share practical insights and support you to take action.
Feedback from previous event attendees
“With just the right approach and pitch-perfect pace, Lou achieved the impossible by keeping all of us interested and actively involved with plenty of engagement opportunities. Lou has fantastic knowledge and warm and friendly style. We all came away feeling like it was time very well spent. Highly recommended.”
“Lou was really engaging, warm and creating a safe space for discussion and collaboration. The tasks where we made the characters were interesting and enjoyable.”
“The session was very informative and gave me new ideas to implement. Lou is an excellent trainer, extremely knowledgeable and approachable and used break out rooms well.”
Price and payment
To keep costs down, payment for the webinar series must be made online via credit card (book below). If you are a Local Authority, and unable to book via card, please email us on: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk.
Terms and conditions
The Terms and Conditions (including our refund policy) for SDN events and webinars can be found here. When you make a booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (including those who request a booking via email and invoice)
Any questions, please email the SDN events team: events@strategicdevelopmentnetwork.co.uk.

Preparing for an Apprenticeship Audit
2026-01-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The responsibility for identifying irregularities in the claims process, in part rests with the DfEs Provider Risk and Assurance Team who have been instrumental in recovering millions of pounds from providers through the extrapolated clawback process.
In addition, the DfE undertake desktop Financial Audits on your monthly returns with a view to identifying errors, inconsistencies and potential overclaims.
At this important seminar we will talk through the audit requirements of the apprenticeship model, giving you tips and advice to ensure that your paperwork is robust and that you are prepared for the audit review.
The seminar will cover:

The DfE Audit Process and what you can expect
The Sample Testing Process, error reporting and the potential consequences of
getting it wrong
The key documentation you will need to have available and the importance of
ensuring its compliance with the funding guidance and audit requirements
The importance of using PDSATs and key Funding Monitoring Reports;

Professionally Speaking 2026: Exploring learner behaviour and the power of physical activity
2026-01-21 16:00 - 17:30
Across all settings, behaviour remains a topic that consistently tests educators’ resilience and creativity. Low-level disruption, emotional regulation, disengagement, and the growing pressures on learner wellbeing have all been widely reported.

In Professionally Speaking 2026, we will be joined by Professor Kelly Mackintosh of Swansea University who will explore this pressing challenge and the potential role physical activity can play in supporting positive behaviour and wellbeing.

Professor Mackintosh, an expert in physical activity for health, will:

explore the evidence linking physical activity to improved behaviour and emotional regulation

share practical examples of how registrants can embed movement into the day

offer new ideas to create calmer, more inclusive, and engaging learning environments

Following the keynote presentation, attendees will also have the opportunity to share their own experiences, and put questions directly to Professor Mackintosh in a live Q&A.

Whether you work directly with learners and young people, or in a supporting or policy role, this session will provide valuable perspectives on how physical activity can contribute to positive behaviour and wellbeing across all education settings.

It promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that blends research insight with practical, real-world relevance. So don’t miss out, secure your free ticket now.

More about the speaker

Professor Kelly Mackintosh is an expert in children’s physical activity for health, with a particular focus on how schools can help young people build active, healthy habits for life.

Based at Swansea University, her research explores how physical activity can influence behaviour, well-being, and learning, and how simple, evidence-based changes within education settings can make a lasting difference.

Professor Mackintosh has led and contributed to a range of innovative projects, including the Children’s Health, Activity, and Nutrition: Get Educated! (CHANGE!) Project, which aimed to improve primary school children’s well-being through better physical activity and eating behaviours. Her work has also explored creative approaches to engaging learners, from after-school interventions that combine active video games with multi-skills training, to high-intensity, military-ethos programmes designed to boost motivation and confidence.

Working collaboratively across disciplines, she has partnered with computer scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals to develop new ways of encouraging movement, including social goal-sharing technologies in a project entitled ‘Mission Possible’ and physical activity-based interventions supporting young people with long-term health conditions such as cystic fibrosis and asthma.

Professor Mackintosh has won several awards and is recognised internationally for her contributions to physical activity research, evidenced as a top 1% researcher in her area.

Her ongoing research continues to highlight the crucial role of physical activity not just in improving health, but in supporting behaviour, focus, and overall well-being among children and young people.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-01-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections commenced at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
The guidance given in the seminar will be inciteful and reflects both inspector training and involvement in inspections.

Effective Self Assessment Report Writing
2026-01-26 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections commenced at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
At this seminar we will consider the implications of the new framework on the format, structure and content of the SAR and the implications for quality improvement planning.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection
2026-01-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Online

Understanding 2025/26 Apprenticeship Funding Rules
2026-01-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The apprenticeship funding rules and requirements are updated annually and impact on the paperwork and processes which providers need to adopt.
At this easy-to-follow seminar, which is suitable for beginners as much as it is for seasoned apprenticeship professionals, we will look the funding rules, regulations and guidance impacting on apprenticeships.
The seminar format encourages delegate participation and aims to ensure that attendees get reliable guidance and advice.
As part of the day’s agenda we will:

Ensure that your organisation has the knowledge to fully comply with the funding rules and requirements for 2025/26.
Improve your understanding of the expectations around initial assessment, programme planning, prior learning, negotiated price expectations, the adjustment of programme content and duration, the evidence pack requirements and apprenticeship audit expectations.
Discuss funding bands, the timing of payments, co-investment, incentives, learning support, care learners and English and maths.

Led by an experienced member of the Solvendis Audit, Data and Compliance team the seminar will be of particular relevance to independent training providers, employer providers, universities and colleges.

Compliant Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience
2026-01-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The apprenticeship funding rules continue to focus on Recognising Prior Learning and Experience, underlining the importance of identifying learners starting points.
Our audit review work continues to identify a recurring weakness with many providers failing to fully implement the DfE funding rule requirements around negotiated price calculations and the recognition of prior learning and experience.
At this focused workshop, we will:

review DfE apprenticeship funding rules and expectations for RPLE;
Consider and identify, in a simplified form, eligible and ineligible costs and how to record them;
consider the initial assessment process and the impact prior learning and experience has on the cost, content and duration of an apprenticeship programme;
Talk through the strategies which a provider can employ to successfully implement the RPLE funding requirements.

Skills Northwest - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event
2026-01-29 09:30 - 15:00 | Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Rd, Liverpool L9 5AS, L9 5AS
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Show Northwest) in Liverpool is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.
Taking place at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from across the Northwest Region including Liverpool, Merseyside, Lancashire, Cumbria, Blackburn, Preston, Halton, Wrexham, Warrington, Chester and Blackpool.
Be there. Be inspired!
Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.
Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.
Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.
Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.
Your students will be able to access information on future study options.
Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+
Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?
What are your options?

Which University?
Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!
What’s a T-Level?
How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?
What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+
Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?
Do you need to find out more about what comes next?
There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!
General Visitors
Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?
With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!
Exhibiting at our events
If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?
Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

Learning Support Claims – Getting it Right
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learning support funding is available to meet the costs of putting in place reasonable adjustments, as set out in section 20 of the Equality Act 2010, for apprentices who have a learning difficulty or disability.
The funding is additional to the Total Negotiated Price but clear processes, procedures and evidence must be in place to support Learning Support and Exceptional Learning Support funding claims.
At this specialist workshop delegates will:

Gain an understanding the funding rules in respect of Learning Support (LS) and Exceptional Learning Support (ELS)
Discuss how to identify, assess and document LS and ELS needs
Be guided on how to evidence the delivery of LS and ELS
Understand Progress Review and off-the-job expectations around LS and ELS
Consider how to Identify and claim the costs of providing LS and ELS through the ILR and Earnings Adjustment Statement
Consider the importance of recording and retaining the evidence of the end-to-end LS and ELS process

Developing a Robust Apprenticeship Training Plan
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The training plan outlines how the apprentice will be supported to successfully achieve the apprenticeship. It must be signed by the apprentice, their employer and the provider and all parties must retain a current signed and dated version.
A compliant training plan is a complex document and during the course of our audit work, we regularly see examples of non-compliant training plans or poor practice.
At this seminar we will consider:

What a training plan is for and why it is important
What must be included within the Training plan to meet the Funding Rules requirements
The different delivery models and their impact on off-the-job training requirements
How to create a robust training plan & schedule
The effect of RPLE on the training plan
Documenting functional skills within the training plan
The requirements in updating the training plan

Skills Northeast – The National Apprenticeship & Education Event – Newcastle Civic Centre
2026-02-03 09:30 - 15:00
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Northeast) in Newcastle, is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.
Taking place at The Civic Centre in Newcastle this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from the Northeast Region including Newcastle, Gateshead, North & South Tyneside, Sunderland, Northumberland, Durham, Cleveland and Middlesborough.
Be there. Be inspired!
Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.
Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.
Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.
Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.
Your students will be able to access information on future study options.
Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+
Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?
What are your options?

Which University?
Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!
What’s a T-Level?
How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?
What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+
Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?
Do you need to find out more about what comes next?
There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!
General Visitors
Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?
With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!
Exhibiting at our events
If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?
Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-02-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key Outcomes Of The Day

Understand the implication of Keeping Children Safe in Education
and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

QAR – Understanding and Calculating Achievement Rates
2026-02-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
The calculation of the QAR (Qualification Achievement Rate), pass and retention rates are seen by many as the absolute definition of dark arts in the FE and Skills sector. At this focused workshop we will reveal all enabling managers, MIS and Compliance staff to understand QAR and make accurate QAR calculations for your organisation.

The workshop will be practical in nature and will give delegates:

A clear understanding of the principles of QAR and the business rules applied by the DfE
Worked examples of how the hybrid year-end impacts the QAR calculation
An understanding of the impact planned and actual end dates have on QAR outcomes
Guidance on how to benchmark your QAR performance against sector norms for the Standards you deliver
Review and practical application of pass and retention rates
How to effectively forecast future years using the data and tools available
Linkage to the Accountability Framework and benchmarking data

The workshop will also provide guidance on the strategies which can be adopted when planning and delivering programmes

Skills Cymru / Wales - The National Apprenticeship & Education Event
2026-02-10 09:30 - 15:00 | Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Rd, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ
About the event

The National Careers Event (Skills Show Wales) in Cardiff, is the perfect event for school and college students from year 10+ as well as young adults to find out more about apprenticeships at all levels as well as the educational pathways available to them.

Taking place at Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff City FC) in Cardiff this event welcomes visitors and exhibitors from the Wales Region including all of Wales, Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea, and Wrexham.

Be there. Be inspired!

Our events bring together thousands of Students aged 15+ from schools, sixth forms & colleges, parents, guardians & individuals together with Top UK Employers, Universities, Colleges & Training Providers. Our events provide those all-important face-to-face conversations in a fun and interactive setting.

Teachers and Careers Leaders of age 15+ Students

Your students will meet businesses face to face; discover apprenticeships & how to access apprenticeship programmes as well as other career routes into work.

Your students will get up to date careers advice and guidance on a wide range of future career paths.

Your students will get the opportunity to engage with universities, colleges, top UK employers & training providers.

Your students will be able to access information on future study options.

Your students can discover career opportunities and work experience placements.

Aged 15+

Are you leaving school, sixth form or college?

What are your options?

Which University?

Do you need apprenticeship advice? Learn more about intermediate to degree level!

What’s a T-Level?

How does an apprenticeship work with a training provider?

What can the regional colleges offer you?

Parents and Guardians of a child, or children, aged 15+

Are they leaving school, sixth form or college?

Do you need to find out more about what comes next?

There’s a lot to discover – all visitors attend our regional events for FREE and get the opportunity to engage with both national and regional businesses to find out more about all career options and pathways available to them. Talks by businesses, interactive engagement like competitions, virtual reality and have a go sessions to get involved with!

General Visitors

Are you looking for a new job or training opportunity?

With over 40+ regional and national businesses at each event – find amazing job opportunities!

Exhibiting at our events

If you’re an employer or provider and would like to discuss showcasing your opportunities, then why not exhibit at one or more of our events?

Contact the Events Team exhibit@nationalapprenticeshipevents.co.uk or 0800 023 5407

Governance – Establishing an Effective Board
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
Ineffective governance has been one of the most commonly occurring Ofsted criticisms of providers deemed to be ‘Inadequate’ or who ‘Require Improvement’.
At this important workshop delegates will consider:

the different models of governance that exist in Post-16 education
the traits of an effective board
terms of reference, agenda and the importance of good minute writing
the importance of independent scrutiny challenge and support
how you ensure that your Board has the right skills/knowledge mix

The seminar is for apprenticeship and other education and skills providers who are looking to establish (or re-establish) an effective governing board. As part of the resource pack, delegates will be given a draft terms of reference, a skills matrix tool and a minuting template.
The focus of the seminar will be on the governance of training providers delivering apprenticeship and other DfE funded activity.

Fraud Awareness Training (For Staff in Education)
2026-02-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Governments’ Counter Fraud Strategy and DfE Provider Financial Handbook require providers to ensure that there is a level of fraud awareness across the organisation. In this engaging workshop, with content written specifically for Post-16 training providers, we will:

Consider the guidance which providers are being required to follow
Discuss the impact on roles right across the organisation
Share examples of wrong-doing/ irregularity which have occurred in our sector and what we can learn from them
Consider some of the practical steps we can take to increase our level of protection
Discuss how we can embed fraud awareness into apprentice/ learner engagement thus strengthening learner personal development

Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
2026-02-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
A provider’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a critical role in its approach to safeguarding its learners, training its staff, providing support and guidance and taking responsibility for referral decisions – as well as dealing with Ofsted! Although legislation focuses on the protection of children and vulnerable adults, providers have a responsibility to protect all learners.
This course will provide information about what the role involves and is designed for staff new to the role and for those wanting to update their knowledge. It includes direct delivery and a range of scenario-based activities to consider.
Key outcomes of the day:

Understand the implications of Keeping Children Safe in Education and revised Ofsted expectations
Know the likely roles of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Be able to recognise and respond to disclosures sensitively and efficiently
Know how and when to share information with other organisations
Implementing safer recruitment strategies including the use of DBS checks
Know how to deal with allegations that involve staff
Know the key policies, statute and inspection guidance that underpin the Prevent duty
Making referrals under the Prevent Duty

The programme will be delivered by a member of the Solvendis Quality Improvement and Inspection Team and serving inspector.
All delegates will receive a Solvendis certificate of attendance which documents the training content.

Level 3 Award in Education and Training (Fast Track)
2026-02-23 10:00 - 2026-03-10 12:00 | Online
We are pleased to be able to offer an effective response to the need to develop the teaching and training skills of staff working in Post-16 education.
The programme will focus on those aspects of training so essential in ensuring sound learning. Participants will benefit from a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in the education and training sector. They will develop their teaching and training skills through a clear understanding of inclusive teaching and learning, and be able to plan, deliver and evaluate learning which meets the needs of all learners.
Participants attend for 4 workshop days, which include a microteach, and assignment completion. Assessment will be via portfolio, assignment and observation.
Dates of attendance are 23 & 24 February and 9 & 10 March 2026 (all days 10.00 – 4.00).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £62 awarding body registration fee – maximum delegate number 12.

Safer Recruitment in Apprenticeship and Post-16 Settings
2026-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Effective Safeguarding arrangements must embrace the importance of a Safer Recruitment Strategy/Policy and the need to ensure the implementation of that policy when recruiting.
The purpose of the Safer Recruitment Policy is to ensure that applicants who are at risk of abusing children and vulnerable adults are identified and rejected at the application stage.
At this important workshop we will focus on:

the development of an appropriate Safer Recruitment Policy for Apprenticeship and Post-16 providers
the role and responsibilities of the Board, Senior Staff and the DSL for establishing compliant procedures
the establishment of an effective selection and induction process
Ofsted’s expectations of providers and how providers should be responding
Disclosure and Barring Service requirements and the relevance of a Single Central Register

Governance – Effective Board Reporting
2026-02-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
Ineffective governance has been one of the most commonly occurring Ofsted criticisms of providers deemed to be ‘Inadequate’ or who ‘Require Improvement’.
At this important workshop we will look at Board reporting and how to ensure its effectiveness, including:

the Solvendis ‘What, When and Why Guide to Board Reporting’ for an apprenticeship provider
the importance of KPIs in the Board reporting process
striking the balance between too much and too little detail
the importance of reporting trends and not merely numbers to the Board
the use of slide decks as a means of sharing key performance updates

For providers looking to establish (or re-establish) a new Board, it is suggested that delegates attend our workshop on ‘Establishing an Effective Board’ before attending this workshop.

Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection (new framework)
2026-02-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
This seminar will have new content which focuses on the revised expectations of Providers arising out of the implementation of Ofsted’s new inspection framework.
New style inspections will commence at the beginning of November, incorporating report cards and a revised grading structure.
The guidance given in the seminar will be inciteful and will reflect both inspector training and early inspection involvement.

Effective Apprenticeship Progress Reviews
2026-02-24 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
The essential requirements for an apprenticeship, at any level, include the need for high quality Progress Reviews. Not only are they a contractual requirement, but Progress Reviews also support the effective measurement of progress through the curriculum.
This event will help providers, especially those responsible for curriculum quality/quality of education to understand what is required and why.
Clear links between the importance of measuring apprentices progress and the
requirements of Ofsted and the DfE are explored and explained, helping you to focus on delivering high quality education.
Key Outcomes Of The Day
At this important workshop delegates will explore and discuss:

What is ‘Progress’?
What is the purpose of a Progress Review?
What does an effective Progress Review look like?
What to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of Progress Reviews
How the the inspection framework and Quality of Education link to effective Progress Reviews
Understanding the link between apprentices starting points and recognising progress.
Using Progress Reviews to support apprentices progress, using effective target setting

Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
2026-02-26 10:00 - 2026-03-03 16:00 | Online
This Level 3 accredited qualification is designed to develop delegates practical assessing skills helping them to become effective assessors in a range of Post-16 contexts both in the workplace and in the classroom.
We anticipate that delegates will already be working in post-16 education as a teacher/ trainer/assessor or coach. Delegates may have a strong vocational background and will have moved into teaching/ assessing as a secondary career.
Through participation in this important strand of the Solvendis Teaching Excellence programme you will complete three modules to help you develop and craft your assessment skills.
Delivery will be led by an experienced member of the Solvendis Teacher Training Team with all workshops being conducted online via Teams or Zoom.
Workshop Dates and Times: 26 Feb & 3 March 2026 (10.00 – 4.00 online).
Delegate fee £455 (plus vat) plus £78 awarding body registration fee – maximum 12 delegates.

Higher Level Learning in Safeguarding and Prevent (4.0)
2026-03-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Solvendis Higher Level Learning programme in Safeguarding & Prevent will be of interest and of practical use to Designated Safeguarding Leads and to staff who have a particular responsibility for ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of their learners.
Attendance at this high-level workshop will further develop the knowledge and skills of those staff in the FE and Skills sector with significant safeguarding responsibilities. The Solvendis programme will focus on those issues most likely to affect learners in the post-compulsory education sector.
Following participation in this programme, delegates will:

be confident in what effective internal reporting should look like and the importance of the interface with governance
understand, and thus help to overcome, factors which may inhibit the disclosure of abuse
understand the relevance and applicability of key documents to adults in training and skills settings
be confident in conducting risk assessment on those who are not required to hold DBS checks
reflect on themes from case reviews and consider how this learning can inform their organisation’s procedures
consider a range of safeguarding-related learning resources for use with learners, staff and those responsible for governance
understand the importance of the role of DSL in relation to improving adult learner outcomes

The session will invite consideration of a range of safeguarding related responses drawn from the wide inspection and governance experience of the Solvendis team and examples of good practice arising from these responses. As a result, delegates will be confident in constructing a clear action plan to ensure an excellent safeguarding culture in their organisation.
