The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Employment and Skills Board was scheduled to discuss the implementation of the Adult Skills Fund, an updated Careers Action Plan, and the devolution of Post-16 Capacity Funding. The meeting's report pack outlined approaches for managing these funds and developing local skills initiatives.

Implementation of the Adult Skills Fund

The meeting was scheduled to receive a report on the approach for the day-to-day management of the Adult Skills Fund, including the Free Courses for Jobs Fund. The aim was to ensure that decisions regarding the fund's performance could be made swiftly to maintain effective training delivery. The report outlined a proposed approach for allocating funds to grant-funded providers, which accounts for approximately 84% of the total available budget. A further portion of the budget was earmarked for procurement, allowing other training organisations to bid for funding. The report also suggested that grant-funded providers would be given the freedom to reallocate their budgets to deliver training at higher levels where demand exists, without needing immediate approval from the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA). This flexibility is intended to remove barriers to engaging employers and learners. The report noted that Lincolnshire County Council would deliver the programme on behalf of the Authority, leveraging their expertise in managing large programmes.

Careers Action Plan

A report was scheduled to be presented regarding an updated Careers Action Plan for endorsement. This plan was initially developed by officers from North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and Lincolnshire County Council in preparation for the GLCCA's formation. The updated plan addresses changes in local and national activity, aiming for a more place-based and industry-led approach to Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) for both adults and young people. The report highlighted the importance of good careers education for better attainment and outcomes, particularly for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It also noted the upcoming merger of the National Careers Service with Jobcentre Plus to create a single, integrated Jobs and Careers Service under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the uncertainty regarding the influence Strategic Authorities like the GLCCA will have on this new service. The proposed actions included aligning careers provision with Adult Skills Funding activity, continuing to support the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, and developing a more place-based and industry-led approach to careers education. This would involve creating a centralised Labour Market Information resource and increasing business engagement for workplace experiences.

Post-16 Capacity Funding

The Board was scheduled to receive a briefing on the devolution of the Post-16 Capacity Capital Fund and the GLCCA's new role in managing it. This fund, previously managed by the Department for Education (DfE), aims to provide sufficient capacity to accommodate 16 to 19-year-olds for learning. The funding is intended to support the creation of additional teaching space in statutory 16 to 19 providers, such as further education colleges, sixth form colleges, and 16-19 academies, where demographic increases in learners necessitate it. The report indicated that the fund would be devolved to the Authority once the Devolution Bill, then progressing through parliament, received Royal Assent, which was anticipated in May 2026. The GLCCA is expected to receive approximately £9,970,417 in capital grant funding from now until 2029/30. The report suggested that officers would engage with colleges to prepare a fair and transparent process for allocating these capital funds once devolved. The recommendation included delegating authority to the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Mayor, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the DfE.

The meeting also included provisions for public question time and chairman's announcements. A confidential item regarding the Local Skills Improvement Plan was also on the agenda, which would be considered with the press and public excluded.