Dr Celia Brigg Assistant Director (Skills)

1. The North West Higher Level Skills Pathfinder Dr Celia Brigg Assistant Director (Skills)

2. Development Funding Applications • Application forms & guidance notes in delegate packs, emailed to all delegates on Monday 19th March • Available to download on NWUA website by w/e 23rd March www.nwua.ac.uk/pathfinder • Deadline for completed applications for first round of funding is Monday 30th April 2007 • More information on further rounds of funding available from Specialist Advisor (as available) or a member of the Pathfinder team

3. Application process • Applications for development funding will be assessed by each Sector Panel • Proposals will be assessed against SSC criteria to ensure development funding is driven by employer demand • Additional Student Numbers applications sent to Steering Group for approval • Feedback to providers from Specialist Advisors or Pathfinder team member, opportunity to reapply if unsuccessful

4. AEM Sector Panel • Led by relevant Sector Skills Councils • SEMTA • Skillfast-UK • Cogent • Proskills • Also includes LSC, NWDA, SSPA and Regional Cluster Organisations • Supported by the Pathfinder Project Manager and Specialist Advisor

5. Application Form • Gateway Criteria for all applications • Demand led / Meets a recognised skills gap • Refer to SSC Prospectus, RES, Regional Statement of Learning and Skills Priorities, additional sector research if appropriate • Employer linkages/engagement • Funding can only be allocated to proposals that demonstrate this

6. Application Form • Gateway Criteria for all applications • No displacement • Does not currently exist in region • Can include development of existing provision to be delivered in a new format (e.g. online) to meet employer demand • Learning Outcomes • All Level 4 and above provision but must have accreditation • NVQs 4 & 5

7. Application Form • Gateway Criteria for all applications • Project Management and QA • Detail mechanisms for the management, monitoring and review of new provision • Include diversity and equal opportunites considerations

8. Application Form • Project / Programme Description • Include project objectives, and a full description of how proposal will offer new/adapted provision • Detail any partner institutions • Refer to additional guidance from FDF for the development of Foundation Degrees

9. Application Form • Timescales / Project Milestones • Target audience & identification / Evidence of employer involvement / Anticipated numbers of learners • Funding will only be granted to proposals that show detailed evidence in the development and delivery of new provision • Fully detail all employer contributions, e.g. financial, in kind etc. Include letters of support where possible

10. Application Form • Development Funding Required • Enter a full summary of all costs • Include details of funding from any other sources • Additional Student Numbers • Enter as FTEs • Include number and year required

11. Application Form • Mainstreaming & Sustaining Activity • Areas to consider include plans to maintain and expand employer linkages, strategies to promote demand-led curriculum development, and plans to maintain and expand employer linkages. • HEFCE strategy on employer engagement • Staff Development • Detail staff development needs within institution • Inform other HLSP activity in conjunction with HE Academy

12. NWUA Support for Application Process • Main point of contact between providers and Sector Panel is the Project Manager: • Dr Celia Brigg, Assistant Director (skills) cbrigg@nwua.ac.uk 0161 2348891 • General enquiries: • Virginia Mitchell, Administration Assistant vmitchell@nwua.ac.uk 0161 2340431 • Further information on NWUA website www.nwua.ac.uk/pathfinder