The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority Employment and Skills Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, to discuss several key areas related to adult skills funding and provision. The agenda includes reports on the management of in-year adult skills funding, proposals for the Post-16 Capacity Capital Fund, and the acceptance of funding for a FE Teacher Industry Exchange programme focused on construction skills. Additionally, the board will receive an update on changes to the National Adult Skills Funding Rules and their impact on Greater Lincolnshire.

Budget Management of In-year Adult Skills Funding

A report is scheduled to be presented outlining an approach for the operational management of in-year adult skills budgets. This includes how any additional funding received from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or the Department for Education (DfE) for expenditure within the same financial year will be handled. The report details progress made with the first year of the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Course for Jobs (FCFJ), and Skills Bootcamps. It also covers the award of new engineering funding, which is proposed to be integrated into the Skills Bootcamp budget, and the submission of an Expression of Interest for £429,000 in funding for Construction Skills Bootcamps. Recommendations include noting progress, approving the inclusion of new engineering funding into the Skills Bootcamp budget, approving the acceptance of Construction Skills Bootcamp funding if awarded, and delegating the management of these budgets to the Director of Strategy and Operations in consultation with the Mayor.

Post-16 Capacity Funding

The board is set to receive a report seeking approval to deliver the Post-16 Capacity Capital Fund. This fund, historically managed by the Department for Education (DfE), aims to increase capacity within statutory 16–19 education providers where learner numbers are projected to grow and existing accommodation is insufficient. The funding is intended to support the development or enhancement of teaching and learning spaces, primarily for further education colleges and sixth form colleges. The report details a proposed allocation methodology based on projected growth in the 16–17 population, which has been developed in consultation with local colleges. The recommendations include approving the delivery route for the fund and delegating authority to the Director of Strategy and Operations, in consultation with the Mayor, to sign any necessary funding agreements.

FE Teacher Industry Exchange - Construction Skills

A report is scheduled to be presented regarding the FE Teacher Industry Exchange programme for Construction Skills. This initiative, rolled out by the DfE, aims to address construction sector skills shortages by establishing a brokerage function between employers and further education (FE) providers. It will facilitate the placement of industry professionals in FE settings and enable FE teaching staff to undertake placements within industry to update their technical knowledge. Greater Lincolnshire has submitted a proposed delivery plan to the DfE and has received confirmation that the plan has been accepted, with a grant award expected. The report seeks approval to accept the funding, which is up to £416,972.73 until 2028/29, and to endorse the proposed delivery route, which involves a collaborative partnership of FE providers coordinated by a designated Lead College.

Update to the National Adult Skills Funding Rules

The board will receive an update on recent changes to the National Adult Skills Funding Rules and their impact on Greater Lincolnshire. A direction has been issued to all strategic authorities to adopt national rules for learner eligibility, ensuring a consistent approach across England from 1 August 2026. This direction is in accordance with section 114A of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. The Greater Lincolnshire Funding Rules have been revised to align with these national residency eligibility rules. The report asks members to note the direction to adopt these national rules and to note that the local funding rules have been updated accordingly.