This business development plan outlines Pathway Group's strategic aims and priorities for 2015-2017. The plan aims to further develop Pathway Group's learning offer, improve employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, raise the organization's profile, embed an enterprise culture, ensure high quality teaching and learning, and make Pathway Group an attractive employer. Key objectives include increasing apprenticeships, commercial income, and partnerships. The plan establishes operational accountability and assesses risks to achieving strategic aims. It provides context on the national skills funding landscape and references the Wolf Review which identified a need for vocational education reform.

1. Business Development Plan
2015-2017
Pathway Groupputting you first

2. Document Control
Action Author Verifier Comments Date
Original Safaraz Ali Alan Hill Creation 06/10/2014
Amendment Safaraz Ali Alan Hill See
Introduction
notes
14/01/2016
Introduction and context
As of 2015 the organisation has undergone significant change as a consequence
of the feedback from an inspection by Ofsted and the successive comprehensive
spending review and its impact on the availability of public funds. Following on
from these was a subsequent need to restructure and re-size the business in order
to create a position of viability with a clear strategy to prepare for growth and
as a further consequence of these changes, diversification of the business into
alternative services has been necessary.
In order to generate a further diversified income stream and to seek a more
balanced mix an additional two divisions, TCI Pathway and Care Training
Partnership, have been created and added to the Pathway Group.
A supplementary planning document,“SFA Vision and Improvement Targets”
has been created alongside an updated SAR and the review of this Business
Development Plan.

3. Contents
1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................1
2. Our Mission, Values and Purpose ........................................................................................2
3. Strategic Aims and Measures of Success..........................................................................3
4. The Context for our Services...................................................................................................17
5. Key Client Groups........................................................................................................................20
6. Key Business Sectors..................................................................................................................21
7. Key Partners...................................................................................................................................21
8. Young Learner Responsive......................................................................................................22
9. Adult Learner & Employment Skills Needs Responsive............................................26
10. Organisational Development and Targets: 2015-17................................................31
11. Quality Assurance, Awards, Accreditations and Memberships..........................32
12. Risk Awareness...........................................................................................................................33
Appendix 1 - Mapping the Learner Journey........................................................................35
Appendix 2 - Little Tariq’s Journey...........................................................................................36
Appendix 3 - Apprenticeship Learner Journey..................................................................37

4. 1. INTRODUCTION
ThisbusinessdevelopmentplansetsoutPathwayGroup’sprioritiesandstrategicaims
for 2015-17 and will be reviewed annually to ensure that we are keeping on track in
being responsive to the local, regional and national skills development requirements
of employer partners and the individual needs of our learners. It is our overall aim
that by the end of 2017, Pathway Group will be firmly established as a leading and
innovative provider focussed on meeting the future skill needs of small and medium
sized employers with a strong track record in facilitating the career paths of all groups
within the community.
Signed:
Safaraz Ali
Director
14/01/16
1.

5. 2. Our Mission, Values & Purpose
2.1 Our Mission
Promoting and encouraging education and training, improving and advancing
employment prospects for individuals and thereby contributing to the success of
small and medium employers.
By the end of 2017, Pathway will be recognised as one of the leading business growth
and employment training organisation in the West Midlands, making a real difference to
people’s lives and to the success of individuals and organisations through high-quality,
employment opportunities and capacity growth support services.
- Safaraz Ali (Director)
2.2 Our Core Values
• Honesty/Integrity
We believe in being honest with the people we come into contact with and treat
everyone fairly whether they are small or large clients. We believe it is important
to keep our promises and deliver on our commitments.
• Customer Focused
We put the customer at the heart of our business operations, planning and
decision making. We aim to deliver a high quality service by putting the
customer at the centre of our business and believe that this is the key to ensuring
long term trading relationships.
• Leadership
We believe in being the best in our field which we know we can achieve if we
strive for excellence in all aspects of business and accept nothing less.
• Passion
Success does not come easily; it comes through hard work, dedication and
passion. We are passionate about our business and are driven to excel in every
aspect of our business.
2.3 Our Aims
Pathway Group:
• Seeks to support businesses & people to grow in the local economy
• Is committed to equality of opportunity for all
• Is opposed to all forms of discriminatory behaviour
• Listens to & values the views of its learners, business partners & employees
• Support community led regeneration & environmental initiatives
2.

6. 2.4 Our Purpose
Pathway Group’s purpose is to engage with employers, Local Enterprise Partnerships
(LEPs),trainingnetworks,localauthoritiesandotherstakeholdersintheimprovement
of people’s employment opportunities and assisting in innovation and growth,
building a stronger and more sustainable communities.
We do this by:
• Helping to close the gap in the skills needs of employers by working in synergy
with with local economic development plans & helping people realise their career
development aspirations
• Working with individual employers to support them in the determination of their
training needs in line with industry standards
• Delivering quality training programmes across the Midlands and North West
region which provide pathways to sustainable employment & business growth
• Identifying&drawingdownfundingsources&othersupportthatmatchemployers
& individual needs
• Working in partnership with other quality education & training providers who
share our values & ambitions
• TCI Pathway Limited will work with SME’s to promote innovation and growth
3. Strategic Aims & Measures of Success
3.1 Operational Accountability Guide
Name Position Abbreviation
Safaraz Ali Director SA
Alan Hill TCI Programme Manager / Non
Executive Director of Pathway
AH
Sajad Ali Quality & Delivery manager SajA
Martin Chandler Operations Manager MC
Ahsan Husain Head of MIS / ILT AHu
William Shaw Head of WP & CTP WS
Shaheed Ladak Contracts & Performance SL
Eddie Cottis Head of Funding & Partnerships EC
Cathy Kubiak HR Manager CK
3.

7. 3.2 Strategic Aims
STRATEGIC AIM 1: To further develop our learning offer for both unemployed
people & those already in employment.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible?
By when?
Risk
Assessment
1.1 To maximise
learning
technologies
within our
delivery; expand
our e-learning
options in line
with FELTAG
and JISC best
practice and
recommendation
• Learners to be
empowered to fully
exploit their own
understanding of
and familiarity of
digital technology
for their own
learning.
• Achieve Grade
1 (Outstanding)
for Overall
Effectiveness;
Outcomes for
Learners; Qualityof
Teaching,Learning &
Assessment
MC
By July 2017
Green
1.2 To embed and /
or contextualise
skills for lifelong
learning in our
delivery
• Ensure Maths,
English & ICT
are integrated
& embedded in
learning materials &
delivery
• Ensure
recommended
assesment tools
are being used
effectively across all
programmes
SajA
July 16
Green
4.

8. • Integrate e-learning
& technologies into
our delivery
• Achieve Grade 1
(Good) for Overall
Effectiveness;
Outcomes for
Learners; Quality of
Teaching, Learning &
Assessment
1.3 To increase
the number of
learners
• On programme 700
live apprenticeship
learners and 750
advanced learning
loans
MC/SL
By July 2016 Amber
1.4 To increase
the numberof
Apprentices
completing &
moving into
sustainable
employment
• 10% above national
average rates
for Apprentices
completing
& retaining
employment
SajA
July 2016 Green
5.

9. STRATEGIC AIM 2: To improve the employment opportunities & related life
opportunitiesofdisadvantagedgroupsthroughqualityInformation,advice&
guidance(IAG)services.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible? By
when?
Risk
Assessment
2.1 To maintain
the quality IAG
provided to
clients accessing
our services on:
• Careers &Pre-
employment
RelatedIssues
• WorkClub
• Advanced
Learning
Loans
• 90% + satisfaction
rates from
customer/client
feedback
MC/WS
By July 2016
Green
2.2 To expand the
number of
staff with or
working towards
relevant IAG
accreditations
• 50% of all staff
to hold or being
working towards
IAG related training
CK
By July 2016 Green
6.

10. 2.3 To increase
networks with
services, partners,
government
agencies and
community
support groups
• Feedback tracking from
referral partners and
clients.
MC
By July 2016
Green
7.

11. STRATEGIC AIM 3: To raise the profile & recognition of the Pathway Group with
LEPs, Training Provider Networks & other strategic bodies as well as funders,
universities, other educational establishments, employers specifically micro
and SMEs through wider participation in networks.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible? By
when?
Risk
Assessment
3.1 Further develop
local networking
by providing
own brand
networking
events and whilst
maintaining
membership
of alternative
networking
bodies,
• Monthly Coffee
& Natter events
promoting
Pathway Group
with Birmingham,
London and
Worcestshire.
SA
By July 2016
Gold
3.2 Further develop
and promote
Pathway Group’s
online profile.
• Improved statistics
from websites
• All keymembers
of staff to have an
“all star”LinkedIn
profile with 500+
connections in order
to promote and
market Pathway
Group.
SA
By July 2016
Green
8.

12. 3.3 Develop
partnerships
with universities
to deliver
programmes
• At leasttwo
universities/
Pathway Group
Partnerships
initiated
SA/AH
By July 2016
Green
3.4 Participate
in consortia
initiatives
to promote
Pathway Group
• Pathway Group
involved in the
delivery of at
least one further
Traineeship contract
EC
By July 2016
Green
3.5 Increase the
number of LEPs
that we are
currently working
with within
the Midlands
to improve
innovative
business growth
• Create 3 new
working
partnerships with
LEPs
AH/EC
By July 2016 Green
9.

13. STRATEGIC AIM 4: To embed an enterprise culture with a lean and agile
perspective throughout the company & to expand our funding base.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible? By
when?
Risk
Assessment
4.1 Provide bespoke
support &
tailor made
consultancy
services to:
• Business
startups
• Micro
businesses
• SME’s
10 business who have
been successfully
supported
AH
By July 2016
Amber
4.2 To source
funding for
provision of
tailored pre-
employment
training tomeet
the specific
skills needs of
local businesses
through
Pathway
Partnerships
To successfully obtain
HE contracts to deliver
training for tailored
pre-employment
training
EC
July 2016
Red
10.

14. 4.3 Ensure thatwe
are developing
an enterprise
culture that
is shared
throughout the
organisation
& values the
potential
contribution
ofeveryoneat
Pathway Group
• Retention of
InvestorsinPeople
SilverAward
• To ensure a lean and
agile organisational
plan
CK/SA
By July 2016
Green
4.4 To generate
commercial
income via
additional two
entities CTP and
TCI.
2016-£150K
2017 - £275K
WS/AH
Green
11.

15. STRATEGIC AIM 5: To make Pathway Group one of the top choices in the sector
where people will want to work and grow professionally.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible? By
when?
Risk
Assessment
5.1 To increase
investment
in staff
development
programmes
which ensure
our staff have
the relevant
knowledge
& skills to
effectively
complete their
roles
• Review training
& development
strategy to ensure
alignment with
company business
objectives
CK
ByJuly2016
Green
12.

16. 5.2 To further
develop a
competency
framework which
supports our
human resources
strategy,
including
succession
planning &
ensuring that
training is
aligned with
company
objectives
• Fully developed
draft competency
framework
• Review training
& development
strategy to ensure
alignment with
company business
objectives
SA/CK
By July 2016
Amber
5.3 To champion
good practice &
celebrate success
• Initiate at least one
celebratory event
per year
SA/CK
By July 2016 Gold
13.

17. STRATEGIC AIM 6: To ensure that the standards of Teaching, Learning &
Assessment are embedded & maintained throughout our provision.
No Objective Measure of Success Who is
Responsible? By
when?
Risk
Assessment
6.1 To increase
investment
in staff
development
which ensures
ourstaffhavethe
relevant & up to
date knowledge
and skills to
effectively
engage &
supportl earners
• All delivery staff to
hold or be working
towards a minimum
of level 5 teaching
qualification
• 90% teaching &
learning staff are
observed & graded2
or above
SajA/CK
By July 2016
Green
14.

18. 6.2 • To highlight
and share
best practice
throughout the
group
Improve overall
timeliness to 65%
To achieve overall
success rates at 10%
above the national
average
SajA
By July 2016
Green
15.

19. 6.3 To ensure
accountability
of all staff by
proving KPIs that
are monitored on
a monthly basis
• Successful
achievement of KPIs
SajA
By July 2016
Green
16.

20. 4. The Context for our Services
4.1 Background
The responsibilities for the provision of education and training for young people up
to the age of 19 and students with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD) up to
the age of 25 was transferred in April 2012 to the Education Funding Agency (EFA) and
executive agency of the Department for Education (DFE). The EFA has been created
as an overarching body to oversee provision for this age group.
Responsibility for education and training for Adults (individuals over the age of
18 and individual with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities over the age of 24)
is given to the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). The SFA in addition has responsibility
for the procurement of provision which is responsive to Employer Needs. In terms
of apprenticeship provision the SFA and the National Apprenticeship Service, the
organization established to oversee apprenticeship provision and to run the national
service to match apprentices with employers.
Much of our work is funded directly or indirectly by the Skills Funding Agency.
The two main drivers for the content of Pathway Group programmes are to
understandandrespondtoindividuallearnerneedsanddelivertrainingprogrammes
which match the skills needs of employers. In the broad sense our four main arms
are ‘Pathway College’ - Apprenticeships + QCF which is our holistic approach to
meeting all the vocational and life skills needs of all of the 14-24 years age range and
‘Pathway2Work’ which includes our Work Programme provision ‘TCI Pathway’ which
works alongside SMEs assisting with development of innovative new concepts and
business growth hacking, and‘Care Training Partnership”that specialises in Health &
Social care training delivery. Pathway Group takes full account of the wider context of
government policies and thinking at a national level including the strategic planning
role of LEPs and sector based organisations.
Pathway Group service delivery footprint currently extends to the following regions:
WestMidlands,EastMidlandsandtheNorthWest.Weanticipatethatthisgeographical
spread will widen to encompass at least one further region as well as increasing in
overall client reach over the period of this business development plan.
17.

21. 4.2 Wolf Report
Professor AlisonWolf, in her review of vocational education, recommended that study
programmes be introduced to offer students breadth and depth and without limiting
their options for future study or work. The Department consulted on proposals
for study programmes and in July 2012 published its response and its plans for
implementation.
She identified a significant disparity between the UK’s labour market needs and the
14-19 years curriculum with many young people not being effectively prepared
to enter employment or higher education and for employers to be more directly
involvedatalocallevel.
Since September 2013, new 16 to 19 study programmes have been introduced,
supported by changes to post-16 funding. All students in full or part-time education
aged 16 to 19 are now expected to follow a study programme tailored to their
individual needs, education and employment goals, including students with learning
difficulties and/or disabilities.
The implementation ofWolf’s recommendations has also had significant implications
for 14-16 years provision in schools with new opportunities for partnerships and
collaboration between schools and vocational training providers.
4.3 Richard Review
The ‘Richard Review of Apprenticeships’, published in November 2012, looked at
how Apprenticeships in England can meet the needs of the changing economy
and recommended placing control of Apprenticeships more firmly in the hands of
employers . The Government has accepted the more employer-focused approach
recommended by Doug Richard and has announced a number of trail-blazers with
full implementation of the new approach completed over the period 2015/16 and
2016/17.
This approach includes:
• Redefining Apprenticeships: they should be targeted only at those who are new to
a job or role that requires sustained & substantial training
• Focusing on the outcome of an Apprenticeship:What the Apprentice can do when
they complete their training & freeing up the process by which they get there
(Trusted, independent assessment is key)
• Recognised industry standards should form the basis of every Apprenticeship
18.

22. • All Apprentices should reach a good level in English & Maths before they can
complete their Apprenticeship
• Government funding must create the right incentives for Apprenticeship training.
The purchasing power for investing in Apprenticeship training should lie with the
employer
• Greater diversity & innovation in training (with employers & government
safeguarding quality)
Thesechangesareintendedtomakesurethatapprenticeshipsbecomemorerigorous
and more responsive to the needs of employers through introducing:
• Higher expectations on English & Maths
• An increased emphasis on assessment at the end of an Apprenticeship
4.4 Traineeships
Traineeships are a recent Government backed initiative for 16-24 years old young
people who have been unsuccessfully applying for Apprenticeships or a job due to
a lack of skills and experience. They will become an important addition to Pathway
Group’s Pathway Progression Plus brand.
Traineeships are available for young people aged 16-24 and for young people with
Learning Difficulty Assessments up to academic age 25.
The core target group for Traineeships will be young people who:
• Are not currently in a job and have little work experience, but who are focused on
work or the prospect of it
• Are 16-19 and qualified below Level 3 or 19-24 and have not yet achieved a full
Level 2
• Providers and employers believe have a reasonable chance of being ready for
employment or an Apprenticeship within six months of engaging in aTraineeship.
Traineeships provide the opportunity for young people to develop the essential
skills and workplace experience that help provide the work readiness that employers
regard as essential. Help in raising the young person’s English and Mathematics
proficiency is for those who need it as well as a quality work experience placement
with an employer.
19.

23. A young person’s traineeship will be complete at the earliest of:
• The young person moving into employment, an apprenticeship or further
education & training
• All elements of the young person’s agreed traineeship programme being complete
• The young person reaching six months on the programme
4.5 UK Employment Sectors Skills Development
In 2006 Lord Leitch set out ambitions to make the UK a world leader in skills by 2020.
Eight years on many of the principles in the Leitch Report are still visible in current
Government policy, including through the economic and industrial strategy papers
published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) regarding
increased employer engagement in the integration of employment and skills training
and raising the levels of Mathematics and English in the workforce.
A further dimension is the need for a greater focus and level of investment in
employment sector specific training, including Apprenticeships. Pathway Group has
a particular interest in contributing to this agenda in the occupational sectors of
Administration, Health & Social Care and Logistics & Transport.
5. Key Client Groups 2015 - 2017
• Young people age 16-23 years through Apprenticeships, Traineeships & the Work
Programme
• Young Offenders, ex Offenders and those‘At Risk’:Transformation & Rehabilitation
• 24+ Adults (unemployed) including Work Programme & Work Club clients
• Disadvantaged communities and families
• Employed People: Re-skilling/ Up-skilling
• Small & Medium Sized Employers
• People setting up Businesses including Social Enterprises
• Local Enterprise Partnerships
• SME’s with innovation growth (H2020/Smart Grants)
• Health & Social Care providers
20.

24. 6. Key Business Areas
• Schools Partnerships: Vocational Training, Work Experience & Careers Advice.
• NEET Provision
• Traineeships
• Apprenticeships
• Work Programme
• Careers Advice & Work Club
• Recruitment & Consultancy Services for SMEs
• Customised Skills Needs Responsiveness: Skills Support including
Pre-employment, Pre-Redundancy/Re-skilling Training for SMEs
• Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) Provision
• Higher Education partnerships including FE Teacher New Qualifications
• Meeting the Education & Training Needs of Offenders
• Innovation and Business Growth (H2020 and Smart Grants)
• Specialist Health & Social Care Training
• LEP ERDF Funding
• Localised Funding (Big Lottery)
7. Key Partners include:
• Advance Personel Management
• Aston University
• BCU
• Birmingham City Council
• Birmingham Employment Skills &
• Training (BEST) Network
• Birmingham LEP
• Birmingham Metropolitan College
• Black Country LEP
• Black Country Training Group
• Chesterfield College
• Coventry & Warwickshire LEP
• D2N2 LEP
• The Derbyshire Network
• Doncaster College
• Ealing, Hammersmith & West
• London College
• People Plus
• Greater Birminghamand Solihull LEP
• Intraining
• Keele University
• Leicester City Council
21.
• Leicester & Leicestershire LEP
• Oxfordshire LEP
• New College Nottingham
• North Hertfordshire College
• Pera Training
• Staffordshire County Council
• Stoke & Staff LEP
• Stokeon Trent College
• The Manchester College
• Vision West Notts
• Walsall Council
• Warwickshire College
• Worcester University

25. 8. Young Learner Responsive
8.1 14-16 Years Learner Responsive Business Priorities
Pathway Group will continue to forge strong partnerships, including employers, with
schools including local schools partnerships, free schools and academies to provide
careers advice and part time vocational learning programmes for 14-16 year olds
whichimprovethetransitionprocessforstudentstopost16learning.Thispartnership
work will be inclusive of learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LLDD)
and will take account of changes in Government legislation in this area which places
the individual students more at the centre of the planning process.
Vocational learning programme areas (subject to viable groups) will include:
• Administration
• Business Services
• Health and Social Care
• Customer Services
• Logistics
Pathway Group is actively considering providing alternative full time education
opportunities for students aged 13+ years where this is appropriate to individual
needs and complements and enhances existing local provision.
8.2 16-24 Years Learner Responsive Business Priorities
Pathway Group is a leading specialist training provider for the 16-24 years age group
offering a range of learning opportunities tailored to meet individual needs backed
up with practical and pastoral support and guidance. We will be seeking to extend
this provision during 2015-17 in terms of learner choice always striving to identify
available support including financial support e.g. bursaries to widen learner access.
Our programmes include:
8.2.1 Youth Contract - in Partnership with the Birmingham Employment Skills &
Training (BEST) Network
TheYouthContractisanEducationFundingAgency(EFA)fundedprogrammeoffering
three
22.

26. threeyearsmentoringsupportfor16-17yearoldNEETs(notinemployment,education
or training). The advice and support that can be offered covers such areas as mental
health, money/debt advice and re-engagement with education, training, or where
appropriate, work with a training element. The target group includes young people
who are the hardest to reach. (This contract ended in July 2015)
8.2.2
Functional Skills and Free Standing Mathematics Qualifications are seen as ‘interim’
or‘ steppingstone ’qualifications on the journey towards achievement of a GCSE.
Individual schools’and colleges’performance in enabling students who do not hold
a GCSE A* - C on arrival to secure a GCSE A* - C will be reported in the performance
tables, and may feature in future minimum standards requirements.
23.

27. 8.2.3 ADVANCE Programme: in Partnership with the Birmingham Employment
Skills & Training (BEST) Network
ADVANCE is a ‘Three Step’Youth Opportunity Programme geared to exploring new
horizons for young people (14 - 24 year olds) who are not in employment, education
or training (NEETS). The advice and support offered covers such areas as life style and
heathissuesmoney/debtadvice,ex-offendersupport,substancemisuse,overcoming
barriers through learning difficulties or disability and exclusion from learning. The
three step ultimate aim is to direct NEETs to develop themselves, to connect to
opportunities and secure the job they want. (this programme ceased in June 2015)
8.2.4 Apprenticeships
Pathway Group is a specialist provider of Apprenticeships and its portfolio includes
a Skills Funding Agency (SFA) direct contract. We are partnered by an extensive
network of employer partners. Our Apprenticeships are an integrated programme
of learning that combines on the job practical skills with off the job underpinning
knowledge. They are opening doors to a bright new future for young people and
are both challenging but rewarding providing the relevant skills and knowledge to
gaining that critical first step towards a long-term career and enabling progress in the
industry.Asemployees,apprenticesearnawageandworkalongsideexperiencedstaff
to gain job-specific skills and training towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Pathway Group choices include Apprenticeships involving:
• Supporting Teaching & Learning Level 2 - 3
• Team Leading Level 2
• Management Level 3
• Health & Social Care Level 2 - 3
• Child Care Apprenticeship Level 2 - 3
• Children & Young People Level 3
• Warehousing & storage Level 2
8.2.5 Traineeships
Pathway group is seeking opportunities to contribute to innovative partnerships
delivering the Government funded Traineeship programme. A Traineeship is an
education and training programme with an added bonus of work experience.
Traineeships are aimed at young people aged 16-23 years and help them gain the
necessary skills and experience that employers are looking for and prepare young
people for their future careers by helping them to become‘work ready’. It is in essence
work preparation training and includes English and Maths assessments along with a
highqualityworkexperienceplacement.Traineeshipscanlastfromanythingbetween
six weeks to a maximum of six months with the content tailored to the
24.

28. needs of the young person:
• Work preparation training ensures young people are ready & have confidence to
take the first step in their career, such as an Apprenticeship
• English&Mathssupporttoimproveyoungpeople’sliteracy&numeracy,ifrequired
• A meaningful work experience placement which provides insight & experience of
the world of work
8.2.6 Information, Advice & Guidance
Pathway Group offers Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) services on an impartial
and free basis because we are glad to help everyone develop as lifelong learners and
achieve their potential in their career of choice.
Pathway Group is accredited as a Matrix standard provider of IAG on learning and
career development for both service users and employees. This means that Pathway
Group IAG services have been externally assessed and found to be of the high
quality that meets the Matrix benchmark requirements in terms of our leadership
and management; resources; service delivery and commitment to continuous quality
improvement.
8.2.7 Key Actions 2015-17
• Increasing provision for NEETS & ensure all eligible students can access a
competitive & adequate bursary
• Reviewing & developing of curriculum to meet learner & industry needs
• Promoting employability skills (including Functional skills for all learners)
• Increasing year on year: Rates retention & achievement
• Actively promoting new areas of provision including ESF supported provision
• Ensuring suitable provision for LLDD & work with partners & parents
• Supporting schools to develop expertise to ensure effective completion of 139a
assessments (students with special needs)
• Increasing partnership working with SME’s to promote innovation and business
growth
• Actively promoting sector specific commercial training in Health & Social care
25.

29. 26.
9. Adult Learners & Employment Skills Needs Responsive
9.1 Work Programme
The Government’s Work Programme launched by the DWP in 2011 provides work
experience and training for up to two years to help people find and stay in work.
Work Programme clients are likely to:
• Have been getting Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than 3 months; or receiving
• Employment & Support Allowance & in the Work-Related Activity Group

30. Pathway Group entered into a contract with prime contractor Intraining when the
Work Programme was introduced in June 2011 - and was awarded a certificate as a
recognition of achievement in 2012 and in 2013 was presented with a trophy for its
performance as an end-to-end subcontractor for Walsall and Birmingham.
Clients taking part in the Work Programme with Pathway Group will receive varied
support tailored to their individual needs. We make sure that we understand what
support clients need, and we help in overcoming barriers that sometimes inhibit
unemployed people from returning to work e.g. health issues, housing, legal
problems, debt, a skills gap – even childcare.
ImportantissuesforPathwayGrouparethatweareabletopracticeourethicofplacing
the client in the centre of the process through providing support which is bespoke to
that client – and also, of course, that we continue to sustain contractual compliance
and our successful track record in recruitment, retention and achievement.
9.2 Work Club
A Pathway Skills for Employment Training Programme targeting unemployed clients
whohavefounddifficultiesinjobsearchand
making headway in finding employment in
today’s highly competitive environment.
This is a pre-employment programme
planned around individual clients’needs.
Our specialist team work with clients
to deliver a tailored training solution,
designed to increase chances of obtaining
employment by achieving the qualifications
required to up-skill or re-skill and other
essential employability skills.
The programme has been developed in
partnership with employers, is free to
anyone who is unemployed and looking to get back to work or has been made
redundant or been out of work for a long period.
27.

31. 9.3 Supporting SME’s & Business Sector Partnerships
Pathway Group is a specialist supporter of SME’s, micro businesses and business start-
ups contributing to their success by promoting and encouraging the education and
training of the workforce to meet the specific skills development requirements of
individualemployers.Thissupportcanstartwithmanagingtheemployer’srecruitment
and selection process and pre-employment training in the relevant locality.
A key feature in the development of Pathway Group services to employers in the
period 2015-17 is the diversification of the range of employment sectors in which we
are involved in skills training – including higher level skills training to meet business
requirements and industry standards.
Pathway Group through its Pathway2Work brand is already engaged with LEPs,
local authorities and business groups in customised skills development initiatives in
locations including Birmingham and Walsall.
The Greater Manchester programme is in partnership with The Manchester College
led consortium. Pathway Group has been successful in its bid as a delivery partner to
deliver ESF Skills Support in the Greater Manchester Area for small and medium sized
businesses. We are focusing especially on the Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham,
Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan areas.
Pathway Group is currently providing (often fully funded) skills development support
to businesses in sectors including:
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Business Administration
• Customer Service
• Education (including FE Teacher Qualification & Teaching Assistants)
• Health and Social Care (including Adult Care & Child Care)
• Information Technology & Communications
• Logistics, Transport, Warehousing
28.

32. Thesecustomisedup-skillingprogrammesarecomplementedbyourApprenticeships
and Work Programme in facilitating workforce development whilst we continue
to develop and expand support to business in terms of raising ‘horizontal’ skills -
the generic skills that employers consistently rate as critical in terms of workforce
flexibility. These include:
• Progression from Level 2 to Level 3 in English & Mathematics
• ICT Skills
• Leadership & Management Skills
Additional business services include:
• Support to fledgling business“start-ups”
• Promoting, recruiting & supporting apprentices to meet individual employer’s
specific business needs
9.4 Pre-Employment Training, Up-Skilling & Pre-Redundancy Training
Pathway Group will continue to develop and expand its pre-employment training
provision targeting priority groups and areas of socio-economic disadvantage. A
good example of this approach is our current programme in North West Birmingham
where the ‘Just the Job’ project funded by Birmingham City Council is helping
unemployed residents in the Soho, Lozells & East Handsworth neighbourhoods to
moveintoemployment.Theprogrammeconsistsofintensiveinformation,adviceand
guidance, followed by personal coaching, job matching, local employer engagement
and post-employment support.
The delivery model is transferable to other parts of the UK where there are similar
challenging issues. It involves:
• Helping clients to become active, inspired and engaged with others
• Clients being encouraged & motivated to undertake self-evaluation to help them
understand & reflect on the issues impacting on their life chances & then to move
forward in a new direction
• Post-employment support and client tracking which is undertaken for a minimum
of 13–26 weeks to either encourage the sustainment of employment or assist in
securing successful consequential employment
Pathway Group sees this type of programme as an important complement to the
capital programme investment component of urban regeneration
29.

33. PathwayGroupwillalsodelivervariantsofthispre-employmenttrainingmodelwhich
in many cases is free to the employer – in the selection, recruitment and workforce
pre-employment skills development which is locally delivered to meet individual
business skill requirements.
Pathway Group also provide bespoke training packages to re-skill and/ or up- skill
employees including those at risk of redundancy as well as pre-redundancy training
to prepare and adapt employees to move on to new and different employment
opportunities.
9.5 Non-Accredited Adult Learning
Pathway Group is also a provider of non-accredited adult learning and has formed a
new partnership with Staffordshire Council’s Adult and Community Learning (ACL)
Service in the provision of non-accredited Adult and Community Learning courses
in that county. The ACL Service has identified a number of non-accredited courses as
priorities and Pathway Group are able to support individuals to get closer to the job
market. The range of support provision includes:
• Personal & Community Development Learning (PCDL)
• Wider Family Learning (WFL)
• Family English, Maths & Language (FEML)
This provision helps build confidence amongst learners which is often a key issue
for those returning to learning after a significant break and can be a precurser to
accessing accredited learning provision. (Programme ceased June 2015)
9.6 Pathway Enterprise: Self Employment
As a further option for adults, Pathway Enterprise can offer clients including the long-
term unemployed an alternative option to employment and a fresh start in terms of
starting their own enterprise/ micro-business or launching as a sole proprietor.
Pathway Enterprise will advise and help in a number of different ways including:
• Registration as self-employed/ setting up a company
• Identifying initial training needs & sourcing training delivery & funding
• Benchmarking
• Finding premises
• Contract & related business procedures
• Making the right contacts
• On-going training needs
30.

34. 9.6 24 Plus Advanced Learning Loans
Pathway Group is pleased with the launch of the 24+ Advanced Learning Loans
application system, introduced by the Student Loans Company and view this as an
important part of our business offer going forward.
The loan targets those aged 24 or over (with no upper age limit) for qualifications that
are at a Level 3 or 4. It is available for all UK residents who want to take up a course in
an approved college or training organisation.
The unique selling points of these loans are that applications will not need to undergo
a credit check and the loans are not means-tested.
Loan repayments will only start in April 2016, and will only be applicable for
applicants earning more than £21,000 a year.
10. Organisational Development & Targets: 2015-17
10.1 Organisational Culture & Human Resources
Our assumption is that social enterprises will
continue to operate in a changing environment
and that the continuing growth and success of
Pathway Group will be contingent on our ability to
adapt the ways that we work to meet both external
and internal challenges . External challenges may
include changes in the direction of government
policy although the strong likelihood is that weight
will continue to be given to the role of employers
in determining vocational training content. Internal
challenges are likely to include changes in key
personnel as a result of career progression and other
circumstances.
The organisational response will need to be based on a culture of adaptability and
flexibility in our working practices including our staff development strategy including
succession planning.
A further key issue is flexibility including cross-team work and sharing expertise
and knowledge. This concept of sharing will be extended to sharing expertise and
knowledge with our partners.
31.

35. 10.2 Non-Human Resources, Estates & Facilities
Additional investment in ICT is a major priority.This applies both to the application of
ICTanddigitaltechnologytothelearningprocessincludingextendingthecurriculum
and also in the context of the further development of our management systems and
processes.
Pathway Group has acquired a new facility in Tyseley, Birmingham which will be
multi-purpose including its new administrative base as well as an additional facility
at Lichfield Street, Walsall. This reflects the significant current and anticipated longer
term growth in its business.
11. Quality Assurance, Awards, Accreditations & Memberships
11.1 Quality Assurance Framework
Quality Performance will continue to be measured quantitatively in terms of the
retention, achievement and success rates (including timely completions) of students
compared to national benchmarks, progression/destinations, and qualitatively by
learner and other stakeholder feedback.
We have robust methods of collating data re: equality and diversity and monitoring
and interpreting this data to inform our business practice and actions and targets for
the period to 2017 will be agreed and monitored on an annual basis.
Our approach to quality assurance sits within a wider framework of values and
policies including Pathway Group Equality and Diversity strategy which provides a
context to ensure that we are promoting equality and diversity for all learners and
employees. Thepolicyinvolvesidentifyingandremovingbarriersthatinhibitaculture
of inclusiveness. It recognises that some groups or individuals may have experienced
discrimination in society and is committed to challenging discrimination in all aspects
of its work. It recognises that the diversity of the population is a great strength and
aims to recruit and support individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Improvement and standards in Teaching and Learning are paramount to Pathway
Group and as such the Teaching and Learning policy will be integral to improving
the quality of service and support provided to learners. We have set up minimum
standards that are aligned to the OFSTED grading system and these standards will
be observed and reported on periodically to ensure consistency and maintenance of
delivery and support standards.
32.

36. 11.2 Awards, Accreditations & Memberships
Pathway Group holds a range of external quality marks and memberships which
provide evidence of the quality of its competencies and management systems
including:
• Investors in People (Silver Award)
• Matrix Standard
• ISO9001 Certification
• City & Guilds Approved Centre
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
• EDEXCEL (Pearson)
• SQA
• Skills Active Endorsed
• Recruitment & Employment Confederation Member
• Employment Related Services Association (ERSA)
• British Association for Supported Employment(BASE)
• 3SC
• Enable
• Fair Train
• Mindful Employer
• Positive about Mental Health
• Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
• Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
12. Risk Awareness
Currently five issues stand out for Pathway based on the messages from the Skills
Ministers office. Pathway will consider these five areas in planning future activity.
Five key areas:
1. Reduction in Funding: However, additional funding has been put into some of
the growth supporting areas such as the Regional Growth Fund and industry sector
development as well as higher Apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship Grant for
EmployersbutApprenticeshipfundingremainsintransitionandlocalgrowthfunding
threadbare. A couple of things to look out for here include the impact of the new EU
funding and the review of the funding of online delivery.
33.

37. 2. English & Maths: Movement towards GCSEs as the“single gold-standard for literacy
and numeracy at level 2.”
3. Other Qualification Reform: Much of the rest of the qualification system remains
under change following the landmark Wolf, Richard, Whitehead and McLoughlin
Reviews. Collectively these are beginning not only to streamline the qualification
offer but also the standards and assessment design process increasingly around
employment/employer needs. Currently the Apprenticeship Trailblazers are being
used to road test the new design process but things to look out for include the SFA’s
review of the qualification offer at Entry and level 1, developments in the regulatory
process by Ofqual, an update this summer on progress in the McLoughlin Review, the
introduction of Technical levels and the Technical Baccalaureate measure from this
autumn and the recommendations coming out of the feasibility study this year into
providing a single access point to qualification databases.
4. Technology: The recent FELTAG Report recommended that at least 10% of publicly
funded learning programmes should be online rising to 50% by 2017/18. A tall order
perhaps but the Government remains keen to exploit the potential for technology in
FE not just in learning but in admin, monitoring, advice and guidance.
5. Quality & Accountability: The Government has set out arrangements for 16-19
accountability - the development of the three new outcome measures of progression
within learning, destinations and earnings.
34.

38. 35.
Appendix 1 - A Typical Learner Journey for an Unemployed Client
Initial Assessment PERSONAL ACTION PLAN
Stage 2: Re-Orientation & Job Readiness Programme
Functional Skills
Support
• English
• ICT
• Maths
• Vocational ESOL
Job Search
Workshops
• Assertiveness
• Confidence
building
• Stress
management
• Job search skills
• Interview
techniques
• CV writing
Localised/Vocational
Training- QCF including:
• Childcare
• Health & Social Care
• Business Admin
• Logistics
• Transport
• Warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Education
Pastoral
Support
• Healthy Living
• Lifestyle Issues
• Relationships
Stage 3: Pre-employment Interventions
Specialist advice on:
• In to work benefits
• Welfare benefits
• Debt management
Client Tailored Training/
Mentoring
• Mentoring scheme
• Intensive 1-2-1
• Coaching Sessions
Mentoring Support
• IAG
• 1-2-1 support programme
• Post employment support
Stage 4: Job Outcome
Stage 5: Post-employment Support
Stage 1: Engagement

39. Appendix 2 - Little Tariq’s Journey
36.

40. Appendix 3 - Apprenticeship Learner Journey
37.

41. NOTES
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
38.

42. Pathway Group
Amington House, 95 Amington Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B25 8EP
Tel: 0800 955 0870 / 0121 707 0550
Email: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk
Web: www.pathwaygroup.co.uk
Pathway Collegeputting you first
Pathway Groupputting you first