Issue - meetings

This report sets out the strategic direction of York Learning and presents a one year service / business plan for the academic year commencing in September 2019. 

Resolved:  That the York Learning Strategic Plan 2019/20 attached as Annex 1 to the report be approved.

Reason:     To provide a sound governance arrangement for York Learning Services.

The Executive Member considered a report which provided an overview of the York Learning service and some of the opportunities and challenges it faced, and sought approval for the 2019/20 Strategic Plan for the service.  The Plan, attached as Annex 1 to the report, set out detailed actions to achieve the ambitions of the service over the academic year beginning in September 2019.  Influenced by a rigorous self-assessment process, it had already been through an internal service consultation with senior managers.

Officers at the meeting drew attention to a number of matters identified within the Plan, in particular:

·        The £50k grant received from Shine for work on the Social Mobility Project (p.8 of the agenda papers)

·        Action being taken to mitigate a funding shortfall on the 16-18 full time learning programme and continuing issues with the Apprenticeships offer (p.11)

·        Progress on agreeing a strategy for future collaborative working with North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) (p.13)

·        The need for further funding to book venues for future jobs fairs (p.13).

In response to questions from the Executive Member, it was confirmed that:

·        Developing the service’s Information and Guidance (IAG) and Wellbeing offer (p.11) would help learners find places on the right courses, by providing a pathway for charities and individuals to access specialist advice.

·        Partnership working with NYCC had proved a positive step, enabling both organisations to benefit from shared resources.

Resolved:  That the York Learning Strategic Plan 2019/20 attached as Annex 1 to the report be approved.

Reason:     To provide a sound governance arrangement for York Learning Services.