Consultations

LLUK: Lifelong Learning UK is currently reviewing the National Occupational Standards for Learning and Development.  The Standards were last updated by ENTO in 2001 and the suite will be reviewed to ensure they are 'fit for purpose' and still reflect the functions for which they were written.  As part of this review the current qualifications including the Assessor and Verifier awards are also being reviewed.
 
A period of open consultation on the draft new Standards and the proposed new qualification structure is shortly to open from 16 November to 4 December 2009.  During this period there will be a number of opportunities for those that use these Standards to provide feedback.
Press release ~ Click here for more information and to register your interest in the open consultation.
 
OFT: The OFT has launched a review of compliance levels across the debt management industry. The aim of the compliance review is to gain a deeper insight into the evolving practices of debt management firms.  The review will inform any subsequent revision of the OFT's debt management guidance and could lead to the OFT taking formal action to stop any identified consumer harm. 
 
The closing date for completion of the questionnaires is 25 January 2010.  The OFT anticipate publishing a report of the review in Spring 2010.
Press release ~ OFT: Debt Management Compliance Review 2009
 
DCMS: A re-classification of the production arms of certain television producers in the nations has been proposed in a consultation (closes on 2 February 2010), by Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw.  The proposals would classify more television production companies as independent producers and are designed to help encourage content production throughout the UK.
 
The proposed change, set out in the ‘Digital Britain’ report earlier this year, would give production companies which are wholly owned by Channel 3 broadcasters independent status, and enable them to supply content under the quotas. The BBC, Channel 3 companies, Channel 4, Five and S4C have to ensure at least 25% of the total programming they broadcast is made by independent production companies.
Press release ~ Consultation on potential reclassification of production companies owned by Channel 3 licence holders ~ Digital Britain
 
DfT: A consultation (closes on 30 December 2009) on a new distribution of £223m funding for the popular free bus pass that ‘will be fairer for councils’, has been announced by the Department for Transport. Following the extension of the concessionary travel scheme in April 2008 to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England, the Government provided additional funding to councils who administer the scheme, taking the total amount spent to around £1bn every year.
 
However, following concerns that some councils have received too much money, whereas others not enough, the Department for Transport is re-considering how the money is distributed.
Press release ~ Local Authority special grant funding in 2010/11 for the national bus concession in England ~ DfT – Concessionary Bus Travel
 
DCSF: Teachers & others will now find it easier to take young people out & about as Schools Minister Diana Johnson has launched a consultation (closes on Monday 8 February 2010) on simple & straightforward guidance to cut red tape.  

The Health and safety of learners outside the classroom (HASLOC) guidance provides straightforward advice and useful information for teachers & visits organisers planning off-site activities.
 
Taking on board feedback from schools & local authorities, the guidance is now much shorter (condensing 4 documents published in 1998 and 2002 into 1) and is designed to be read as & when needed.  It builds on the Quality Badge Scheme for providers, launched earlier this year, which cuts the paperwork that schools and others will need before organising visits to ‘badged’ organisations & venues.
Press release ~ Health and safety of learners outside the classroom (HASLOC) guidance consultation ~ Quality Badge Scheme for providers ~ The Staying Safe Action Plan ~ TeacherNet, Health & Safety on VisitsFive Steps to Risk Assessment ~ School trips – health and safety in the workplace ~ Teachernet, Education outside the Classroom Manifesto
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