Decision details

(i)  To accept a grant of £0.96M from the European Social Fund via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the Solent Apprenticeship Hub and approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, revenue expenditure for the delivery of the programme until December 2021;

(ii)  To approve the contribution of £0.29M from Southampton City Council, as part of a total match funding of £0.96M, towards the project from existing staff time.  Individual organisations contributions are detailed in paragraph 10 of the report;

(iii)  To approve the Council to act as Lead Accountable Body for the administration of the grant funding for the Solent Apprenticeship Hub which totals £1.91M across the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area; and

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Director of Growth, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Aspiration, Schools and Life Long Learning, to undertake such actions necessary to enable the successful delivery of the Solent Apprenticeship programme, including procurement of services.

To enable Southampton City Council to receive funds to manage the delivery and implementation of the Solent Apprenticeship Hub across the Solent area.

Southampton City Council has a role in ensuring the provision of services to improve the economic and social well-being of its residents, and the surrounding area.

The projects will contribute to the Council’s key outcomes regarding:

•  Southampton has strong and sustainable economic growth

•  Children and young people get a good start in life.

Not to receive funding from ESF programme. If funding is not received, delivery, support and co-ordination of the Solent Apprenticeship Hub will not be possible within Council resources, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and residents will not receive additional support to increase apprenticeship provision.

Not to lead on the delivery and management of the Solent Apprenticeship Hub. This could reduce Southampton’s benefit from the project. If these recommendations were not agreed it would result in loss of resourcing and provision of apprenticeship training opportunities in Southampton for local residents and young people.