A review of the transition of local authority provision of adult learning/education services into a social enterprise; South West Learning and Skills (SWLS)
This project's focus was on reviewing the effectiveness of a company established to enable adult learning services across the region to assist with consortium bids, to act as a sub-contractor for local authorities who wished to reduce their exposure to providing adult education services, and to act as a prime contractor where appropriate. The review was designed in a way intended to incorporate perspectives of local stakeholders, with Local Authority Adult Education Service heads leading consultations with their communities. The review explored key questions such as how to make the transition from local public service delivery to a social enterprise, how to identify appropriate leadership, management governance and financial models, and how to secure new business for the company when it had no track record.
While gaining the agreement from local authorities to transition into the SWLS was achieved, the process was constrained by a lack of financial history and no record of delivering services. This was identified as evidence that the model adopted by the SWLS would need to change to progress further. A lack of distinction between the SWLS and its members was highlighted as a problem in registration as a new training organisation. The review also highlights the need for dedicated resources and a clear financial model to secure external contracts. Data was gathered through document analysis.