Regional Funding Advice

Duration: 18 November 2008 to 18 November 2008

The Government published guidance on the Regional Funding Advice (RFA2) process in July 2008. The advice is available to download from the HM Treasury website.

As part of the Regional Funding Advice, the Government welcomed advice on regions’ skills priorities as part of the overall package of regional funding advice, although the adult skills budget was not included in the RFA funding envelope.

The Regional Skills Partnership was responsible developing the skills contribution to the advice and ensuring consultation with employers. The overall advice was coordinated by The South West Regional Development Agency.

A draft Skills Chapter was then developed by the RSP Board for consultation. Also, review the RFA section of the Regional Assembly website.

The draft of the region’s proposed Regional Funding Advice, was submitted to Ben Bradshaw, the Regional Minister, on 28th February. The draft can be downloaded here.

The draft was considered by the Regional Assembly Executive Committee, the Strategic Leaders Board and the RDA Board between 13th – 16th February. It was hoped that many of the contributions and suggestions received from stakeholders across the region over the last few months would be considered, but it was recognised that some further refinement would be needed before final submission.

Stakeholders have been keen for us as a region to be clear about what further assistance we might need from government in order to deliver sustainable growth. The current draft suggests some specific ‘asks’ (page 2) of government and we would welcome any views as to whether these are the right ones.

Furthermore, stakeholders have asked that the region demonstrates its full commitment to a low carbon future, and to expressing the region’s ability to innovate. Within this draft are ‘some big ideas’ (page 2). These will undoubtedly need further testing with stakeholders but are included as a means of expressing our innovative spirit. We would welcome any comments on these, or alternative suggestions.

The Final Regional Funding Advice [.pdf 574KB] was agreed and submitted to the Regional Minister, Ben Bradshaw on 28th February 2009 and can now be downloaded at southwest-rfa.info. Supporting evidence, with links to all documents mentioned in the Advice, can be found on the evidence base page of this site.

The Advice was considered by the Regional Assembly Executive Committee, the Strategic Leaders' Board and the RDA Board during February and final amendments agreed before submission to the Regional Minister.

The completed document will be reviewed by Government over the next few months and a final response provided before the summer recess.

Please forward any comments to the RFA team. Should you experience any difficulties in downloading the document please email the RFA team.

Consultation Process
The following consultation process underpinned the development of the advice.

1. Regional Skills Partnership Board consultation on scope - 21 October 2008.

2. Local Authorities were invited to articulate sub regional priorities.

3. College Principals Consultation 3rd November, organised by GOSW.
Download [.pdf 28KB]

4. A Skills Consultation event held on 18 November at Sandy Park. This was attended by over 40 delegates representing a range of organisations including Sector Skills Councils, employer representative bodies, local authorities, local Employment and Skills Boards, colleges and training providers and strategic partners. The agenda included presentations by Jim Neilson, Director, SW Regional Skills Partnership, on the RFA process, Jackie Vosper, Skills Development Manager, LSC, on the LSC Priorities for the Region and Chris Evans, Director of SLIM, on the evidence base and the key issues for delegates to consider in looking at the draft RFA. Notes from the event are also available for download.

5. An invitation to comment in writing to Sector Skills Councils 20 November.

6. The Regional Skills Partnership Board Away Day 27 November 2008 to consider the draft advice.

7. One further stakeholder consultation is planned for 16th January.

The final advice will be sent to Government at the end of February 2009.
For further information contact Chris Evans at SLIM.