Message from Katharine

Please look out for the invite for our next online EPN members network meeting on 8th July. I plan to circulate that next week.

In the meantime, some important updates and invites to digest are below.

RWE Growth and Skills Levy – Transfer Opportunities
RWE can use its unspent Growth & Skills Levy (previously known as the Apprenticeship Levy) to support non-levy paying organisations through Levy Transfer. This allows RWE’s unspent levy funds to be transferred to other employers to fully or partly cover the training and assessment costs of approved apprenticeships and apprenticeship modules. The receiving employer does not repay the funds; instead, the transfer unlocks high‑quality training that might otherwise be unaffordable.

RWE has unspent funds, which we would like to provide Essex and Suffolk businesses with the opportunity to benefit from. I am reaching out to inform you of this so you can promote to your networks should any businesses be interested in applying.

The criteria for selection of partners will be those that meet some or all of the following: Click here to read the criteria

Applications can be made to fiveestuaries@rwe.com, including information in line with the above criteria. There is no fixed deadline for this, however the Levy allocation will be on a first come first serve basis, dependent on suitability.

Taking Teaching Further 2026 Applications
Don’t miss out: the application deadline is 5th July.
Taking Teaching Further 2026: programme guidance – GOV.UK

The link to apply is below:
Taking Teaching Further 2026: registration form

When you click the registration link, you will be taken to a customer help portal.
On this page, click the green “access the customer help portal”
Next, click on the education provider.
This takes you to the DfE sign-in, where you should sign in or create an account.
Once signed in, you will be able to create an enquiry, follow this and enter your details.

On the “what is your enquiry about?” screen, you will see that TTF is listed. Follow this to request initial and any additional places.

Updated Financial Handbook for ITPs published on Aug 26
EPN ITPs:

• Financial handbook for independent training providers – GOV.UK

Remember to save the date for our planned PAL webinar on 21st October to sense-check your understanding of the new Financial Handbook requirements with Rupert Crossland. Invites will be sent shortly.

Apprenticeship Guidance for 26/27
EPN Apprenticeship Providers:

• Apprenticeship funding rules and assessment plan guidance, 2026 to 2027

Adult Skills Fund 26/27 funding guidance updates
EPN ASF Providers:

• Adult skills fund: funding rules
• Adult skills fund: funding rates and formula

Get Essex Working Stakeholder Workshops
As you may be aware, across Greater Essex, the Essex Growth Agency (EGA) are in the process of preparing the Get Essex Working Plan. We are currently gathering evidence for this and have organised three in-person workshops as an opportunity for stakeholders to input into the emerging plan, discuss the evidence of need from research, and how the system can better join up to support residents into work.

Providers are invited as key stakeholders to attend one of 3, in person, workshops

• Workshop 1: XTEND Digital Campus, Canvey Island – 29th June 1300-1600
• Workshop 2: Arise Innovation Hub, Harlow – 2nd July 0900-1200
• Workshop 3: Innovation Centre Knowledge Gateway, Colchester – 2nd July 1400-1700

Please use the link below to indicate which suits you best. Diary holds will go out shortly.

https://survey.sqw.co.uk/s/GetEssexWorkingstakeholderworkshops/

DWP £3000 Youth Jobs effective from 30^th June
You will be aware of the focus from DWP on the Youth Guarantee. Part of the Youth Guarantee is the new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant, which comes into effect from June 30^th.

Please help share this employer-focused flyer with your employer network (particularly SMEs). The flyer includes information on the grant, which is available to those who hire a person aged 18 to 24 who has been looking for work for six months or more.

Updates from ECP Safeguarding
Strengthen Safeguarding with the ECP’s Safeguarding Hub
The ECP Safeguarding Hub brings together training, resources and ongoing support into one connected system, helping organisations manage safeguarding more consistently across the year. Designed to support both delivery and oversight. It provides flexible online access, alongside practical tools for tracking learning, monitoring compliance and supporting staff development. With statutory training, additional CPD modules, progress tracking, reporting and regular safeguarding updates. The Hub offers a streamlined, practical approach to strengthening safeguarding practice and maintaining compliance.
👉 Explore the Hub and sign up to see how it can support your setting’s safeguarding approach

FREE lunch & learn | Clear, Accurate, Defensible: Safeguarding Record Keeping Made Simple
Are your safeguarding records clear, accurate, and able to stand up to scrutiny? Our FREE 25‑minute webinar will give you practical, no‑nonsense guidance to strengthen your recording practice. From understanding what makes a defensible record to confidently separating fact, observation and opinion. Designed for busy professionals across all sectors, this short, focused session will help you protect children, adults, staff and your organisation through stronger recording. Join us on Monday 6th July or Thursday 9th July, or register to receive the recording and take immediate steps to improve your practice.
👉 Register today to secure your place

Latest briefing | Children & Social Work Act
One of the most significant safeguarding reforms in a generation is now law, and its implications for practice cannot be ignored. Our latest briefing clearly sets out what the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 means for professionals across education, social care, health and policing. From strengthened multi‑agency safeguarding arrangements and clearer expectations on information sharing, to new duties around children not in school, kinship care and support for care leavers. This is essential reading for leaders and practitioners who need to understand not just what has changed, but what must happen next in systems, culture and day‑to‑day practice.
👉 Read the full briefing to stay informed and take confident, proactive steps in response

EGA Weekly Funding Bulletin
Last week’s bulletin highlights opportunities across R&D and innovation, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, skills development, and social impact. See bulletin here.

An opportunity for smaller providers working in adult vocational skills provision stands out: application deadline 20^th July: 
VocTech Together Support Programme from Ufi (not available for schools, colleges or universities):

Have a great weekend.

Many thanks,
K

Apprenticeship Funding Rules

Version 1 of the Apprenticeship funding rules were released this week. Alongside this, DWP is launching a wide review of apprenticeship subcontracting this summer. As part of the review, the government has committed to a consultation, scheduled to take effect from 2027. Please read more here.

Report Reveals High Training Demand

The Open University 2026 Business Barometer is an annual temperature check of employer confidence in skills and the economy. This year’s findings show that 76% of employers feel that economic uncertainty has made recruitment or training more difficult in the past month and 42% believe the skills shortage will get worse in the next five years.  For the full report, please click here.

SWAPs Briefing

Are you thinking about offering Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)? These programmes connect skills development with real job opportunities, bringing together customers, providers and employers through the DWP. Join an online briefing session on Wednesday 8th July, 10.30-11am, to explore delivery approaches and funding options. Please click here to register.

Apprenticeship Seekers Survey

Have you recently supported somebody looking for an apprenticeship?  Amazing Apprenticeships has launched a survey to learn more about what matters most when choosing and searching for an apprenticeship and their application experience. The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will enter a prize draw to win one of five £25 Amazon vouchers.  Please share the survey with your networks.

Prevent Network Meeting

DfE’s Regional Prevent Coordinators will host a national online event on Tuesday 30th June 2026 10.30am-12.30pm for Further Education organisations. The session will provide updates on current Prevent issues, with opportunities to join regional breakout discussions. Attendees can engage with local coordinators, access shared resources and receive a certificate for CPD participation. To reserve a spot, please click here.

NAW 2027 Planning Webinar

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2027 will take place from 8–14 February, marking its 20th anniversary. Join Amazing Apprenticeships and colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions on Thursday 25th June, 3:30–4:15pm to hear practical tips to get you started. Please click here to register.

NavigATE Webinar Series 

The NavigATE webinar schedule, running from September 2026 to June 2027, has been announced!  Designed for teachers, careers professionals and anyone supporting aspiring apprentices. The series helps develop an understanding of apprenticeships, applications, SEND support and employment options. To explore and share the series, please click here.