Frequently Asked Questions

The ALPHI network is the primary means of communication for the Learning and Skills Council with their contracted providers.  The network provides a mechanism for dialogue on issues with the LSC.  The ALPHI website will now be the means for providers to post questions to the LSC.  This will ensure that all questions are answered swiftly, consistently and will allow all members access to the answers.

To ask your own question please use your the Ask LSC form.

Question:  In relation to the delivery of SfL within T2G, if the SfL is to be embedded, and as the tests are the same as the Key Skills tests, what qualifications does an Assessor need to hold?

Answer from LLUK:
If the focus is on key skills then the assessor does not need to be a sector specialist.
If the focus is on the SfL then they would require sector specialism.

If SfL are embedded then the focus would be on the main subject and not on the literacy and numeracy element so no sector specialism required.

For T2G where the focus is on workplace skills and not on the literacy and numeracy then again as above but should have access to a sector specialist.

There are no hard and fast rules, very much dependant on the focus of the training being delivered.
If you are running National SfL tests then you would need the sector specialism, whereas although the KS tests are the same this is only part of a qualification so you don’t need the specialism.

If you are advertising training as SFL then you need to be SfL trained, if KS not required by good practice would be to have access to a sector specialist.

Question: 'What Health & Safety checks must be carried out on an employer's premises when placing a learner'   

Answer:    The 'Standards for Health & Safety' are the procurement standards set out by the LSC, for all employers to be assessed against prior to funding/placing learners with them in work based learning. The LSC 'Standards for Health & Safety' booklet (this publication along with many other guidance publications are available to download from the LSC Safe Learner website www.safelearner.info or free in hard copy from 0870 900 6800) defines minimum standards only and can be added to depending on the requirements of the particular sector involved. Funded organisations' should ensure that any current checklists/assessments in operation at least match the standards laid down and that they are adopted on a risk assessed approach to each learner. Those assessing employer's suitability should also be competent to do so, with a benchmark standard in terms of H&S competence of ENTO unit HSS6/HSS8 to be achieved.

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