Arwyn Watkins CEO NTfW

1. Arwyn Watkins CEO NTfW

2. “A Level Playing Field” • Workshop Structure: • “A Level Playing Field” 30 Minutes • ESW Development DfES 15 Minutes Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

3. “A Level Playing Field” • Meaning: • Fair competition, where no advantage is shown to either side. Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

4. “A Level Playing Field” • Origin • This phrase clearly alludes to the requirement for fairness in games which are played from end to end and where a slope would give one team and advantage, e.g. football. The figurative use of the phrase isn't especially old and the first record I can find of it is from the Tyrone Daily Herald, January 1977: • "Our philosophy is that we have no problem competing with the mutual savings banks if they start from the level playing field," Bolger said. [John Bolger, lobbyist for the US Bankers Association] Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

5. “A Level Playing Field” • The Introduction of a fees policy(maybe put in place for over 25,s) if this happens how can we ensure that the whole Network work together in a collaborative model and set the same level of fees based on each programme. Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

6. “A Level Playing Field” • Transformation Policy has resulted in a reduction in the number of commissioned contract holders with WBL 4 on the horizon and the Mergers activity taking place in FEi’s this could reduce even further. Should we be collaborating more at this time and if so how? Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

7. “A Level Playing Field” • No more Traineeships- learners staying on in school and or schools/colleges providing this provision – what can WBL providers do? Is it feasible to work collaboratively to set up academies similar to schools? Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

8. “A Level Playing Field” • Reduction in funding so we need to reduce our costs how can we do this? • Is there an appetite to establish Task and Finish groups to • standardise documentation and resources? • Share staff or even hold a data base of supply staff available? Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

9. What do you and don’t you want from the Federation? How and how much should we pay? Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org

10. Should we seek to have formal discussions with CollegesWales and NIACE Dysgu Cymru under a transformation agenda? Developing the Network to Deliver Excellence in Vocational Skills Datblygu’r Rhwydwaith i Gyflawni Rhagoriaeth mewn Sgiliau Galwedigaethol www.ntfw.org