Agenda item

Pursuant to Minute No. 33 of a previous meeting held on 27^th November, 2007, Alison Leone, Principal Officer, Student Support presented the submitted report which gave an update on Transition of Higher Education Student Finance Delivery.

In November 2007, a report to the Cabinet Member, Lifelong Learning, outlined plans for the Government’s transformation and centralisation of the Student Finance Service in England.

In April 2011, all higher education financial support cases being administered by the Local Authority will be transferred to Student Finance England and the Local Authority will cease all Higher Education Student Support Functions.

The purpose of the submitted report is to inform the Cabinet Member of the transition arrangements made by the service since the last report and the implications of these for members of staff and service delivery.

The report set out issues concerning Centralisation and Transition Planning.

Implications for the Student Support team in Rotherham and Local Service Delivery are as follows:-

(i) Case Load

·        In 2009/10 we expect to receive approximately 2500 applications from continuing students.

·        In 2010/11 we expect a further decrease in the number of applicants to approx 1500.

·        From April 2011 the SLC will become responsible for all applicants, new and returning and all local functions will cease.

(ii) Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)

The existing information, advice and guidance (IAG) service provided by Rotherham will be replaced by on-line information and a telephone advice line provided nationally by the SLC. The SLC has appointed Regional Consultants to develop IAG materials and engage with partner organisations including schools and universities.

Locally, IAG should also be provided by the new Connexions service provider as part of the Quality Standards for Young People’s Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG). In Rotherham, 3 newly appointed graduates to the Aim Higher programme will also provide advice and guidance to schools on the HE finance application process.  The SLC intends that students should not be prevented from applying for support by a lack of access to advice and guidance.

(iii) Staffing

From April 2009, staffing levels will be reduced by 1.5 FTE posts to reflect the reduction in case load and government funding.

The section expect to be able to retain sufficient staffing levels to carry out the LA’s statutory duties until March 2011. However, if there is an unexpected loss of skilled staff which puts at risk the section’s ability to carry out these duties, a reciprocal contingency arrangement has been made with three neighbouring authorities (Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield).   Subject to need and capacity, each of the South Yorkshire Authorities may be able to offer help with part of another authority’s caseload. Staff would remain in the employment of their home authority with payment made by the ‘borrowing’ authority for staff time and expenses.

The following risks and uncertainties were outlined:-

• Loss of local customer service to residents of Rotherham Borough, especially Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG).
• Loss of personalised local service to vulnerable customers such as students with disabilities who are currently dealt with by named senior staff.
• Redeployment/redundancy of student support service team.
• Local skill shortages in Student Finance as current team members seek alternative employment during the transition period.
• Performance and stability of current national on-line computer system, ‘PROTOCOL’.
• Future location of further education finance scheme within the Authority.
• Loss of Rotherham’s local partnership role in the co-ordination of EMA advice and guidance.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the sad loss of local service delivery and the implications of this for Rotherham students.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the implications for local service delivery during the transition period be noted.

(2)               To note that the report informs future service, budget and workforce planning.

(3)  That the report be referred to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services.