Seren Skills Network Ltd

10/02/2026

THE NEW FUNDING AGREEMENT ISN'T JUST A CONTRACT UPDATE. TO US IT IS A STRATEGIC RESET

If you haven't read the new Department for Education Apprenticeships-Provider Agreement yet, now's the time.

Because buried in the clauses are changes that will fundamentally shift how providers operate, and how you are monitored, controlled, and how interventions can happen.

Here's what's changed:

✔️ Growth controls (Clause 7) – DfE now has powers to restrict your delivery based on rapid growth, quality concerns, market impact, or misalignment with skills priorities.

✔️ Dual accountability – The agreement is with both DfE and DWP, reflecting the evolving policy landscape.

✔️ Apprenticeship Units – A parallel delivery model with distinct rules, ILR requirements, and completion windows. Do not miss the eight-week window.

✔️ Cyber Essentials mandate – Certification required annually from 2026/27 onward.

✔️ 24-hour safeguarding notifications – New reporting timelines that demand tighter internal processes.

✔️ Terminology overhaul – EPAOs are now AOs. End-point assessments are now apprenticeship assessments. Apprenticeship Unit learners aren't "apprentices."

THIS ISN'T JUST ADMIN. IT'S OPERATIONAL, STRATEGIC, AND REPUTATIONAL RISK.

And here's the reality: many providers don't have true & accurate visibility of their growth arrangements, provision mix, or compliance positioning to respond proactively.

At Seren Skills, this is exactly what we do.

We help providers scan for risk, identify opportunities, and build infrastructure that moves with the market. Not behind it.

Our support includes:

🔹 Contract and compliance risk scanning – What does the new agreement mean for your specific delivery model ?

🔹 Growth strategy and controls planning – How do you scale without triggering intervention ?

🔹 Dual delivery model implementation – Apprenticeships and Units, with systems that handle both.

🔹 Data and ILR readiness – Real-time reporting capability to stay ahead of expectations.

🔹 Documentation overhaul – Policies, procedures, learner-facing materials. All aligned to the new approach.

🔹 Safeguarding and cyber compliance – Tightening processes before they become findings.
This agreement rewards prepared providers and exposes reactive ones.

If you're still working through what it all means, or you know your systems aren't set up to respond. Let's talk.

We bring deep sector knowledge, a consultative approach, and a focus on building capability, not dependency.

The funding landscape has shifted. Your infrastructure needs to shift with it.

www.serenskills.co.uk

Seren Skills Network is a training consultancy which offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to enhance your workforce.

06/05/2025

Today we went to see the British Ironworks centre the home of the knife Angela and Manchester Bee Monument.

The work they do is so supportive in reducing and raising awareness of knife crime on our streets.

The setting is amazing and work they do mesmerising

The visual impact cannot be underestimated

knife crime

07/03/2025

We’re attending the Women in Leadership Conference hosted by MD2MD, which coincides with International Women’s Day. This conference is a safe space designed to encourage and support women in their progression to, or development in, a senior leadership role.
What a great conference with so many like minded Women committed to inclusivity for all. A lot of positive role models within the room.
Sadly, according to the Global Representation report (Grant Thornton), in 2023 women held just 32% of all senior leadership roles.
It’s essential to recognise the transformative impact of empowering women in the workplace. Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic business advantage. Organisations that prioritize women’s empowerment foster diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and enhance decision-making.
Empowering women begins with creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard. This means providing equal opportunities for leadership roles, ensuring fair pay, and offering mentorship programs tailored to women’s professional growth. When women are supported in their careers, they bring unique insights and skills that contribute to a more dynamic and resilient workforce.
Moreover, empowering women has a ripple effect. It inspires future generations, strengthens communities, and boosts economic growth. Studies consistently show that companies with gender-diverse leadership teams outperform their peers in profitability and innovation. By investing in women, businesses not only uphold their social responsibility but also secure a competitive edge in an increasingly complex global market.

On Internal Women’s Day, let’s recommit to breaking barriers, challenging biases, and creating pathways for women to thrive. Together, we can build workplaces where women have the opportunity to succeed and lead.

Emma Wasike, Hannah Lloyd
in leadership

28/02/2025

We are excited to share a testimonial from AM2PM, who we have had the privilege of working with and continue to work with.

Their feedback highlights the success we achieved together and reflects the positive impact of our services.

Below, AM2PM shares their thoughts on our work together:

"We started working with Seren Skills Network in February 2023 to help us become a training provider to offer apprenticeships in England and be registered on the Department for Educations apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

This really eased any pain points, they guiding us through the process to a very successful outcome in a short space of time.

Since then, we’ve worked on several projects together and have had the pleasure of collaborating with different members of the team.

Each one has been not only highly knowledgeable and professional, but also approachable and easy to work with, making for a great working relationship.

From supporting apprentices transfers and staff development to helping us transition to full APAR status.

Seren Skills Network has become our ‘go-to’ for consultancy services."

(Neil Dunn - AM2PM Training)

12/02/2025

As we approach the six-year anniversary of Seren Skills Networks’ incorporation (12/02/2019), we have taken a moment to pause and reflect.

We hope you like this as much as we do.

15/01/2025

Compliance to the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s (ESFA) Apprenticeship Funding Rules is vital to your operations, business, business continuity and survival.

Read our blog aimed at all on the apprenticeship register, but mainly for new providers.

Entering the apprenticeship marketplace is an exciting milestone, especially if you’ve just been approved to deliver apprenticeships as a new provider on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register. However, compliance to the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s (ESFA) Apprenticeship Fu...

25/07/2024

When you complete a course with us, you will learn a range of skills that will take your career to the next level 📈

Here is exactly what you will learn when you become a Level 3 Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare learner with us:

🐶 Caring for canines. You will learn how to care for canines by understanding whelping and puppy development, canine first aid and much more.

🎓 How canines learn, by learning dominance theory, canine learning theories and reinforcement and punishment in canine training.

✅ Canine behaviour. You will learn how to understand canine body language, recognise stress in canines and so much more.

These aren't the only things you will learn, if you would like to find out more, please get in touch.

19/07/2024

Are you passionate about understanding and working with animal behaviour?

You are in the right place! 🤩

Our Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practice is ideal for anyone looking to advance their career with dogs.

This higher national diploma will shape you into a skilled and knowledgeable canine behaviour practitioner.

From managing aggressive behaviour to fostering development and growth in dogs, you’ll acquire a comprehensive skill set 🐶

Begin your path to a rewarding career now!

18/07/2024

There are endless possibilities when you complete a course with us.

So, discover the opportunities that await after completing the Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour, and Welfare.

This comprehensive course covers everything about canine behaviour and welfare, paving the way for many of our learners to become behaviourists in veterinary clinics 🏥🐶

Designed to open up a world of opportunities in canine care, this qualification sets you on a path to limitless career growth 📈

Don't wait any longer! Visit our website and sign up today!

27/06/2024

The Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour Practitioner aims to equip you with a comprehensive grasp of canine welfare, behaviour, and training 📝

By teaching you the essential knowledge and skills whilst allowing you to gain hands-on experience, means that you will be ready to pursue a career as a proficient Canine Behaviour Practitioner.

To find out more, get in touch at 01278 551 161 📲

25/06/2024

Is it a career goal of yours to work and analyse animal behaviour?

Well, we have the course for you…

Our Level 5 Diploma, Canine Behaviour Practitioner, is the perfect route for someone who wants to progress in their career with canines.

Our Level 5 Diploma is a higher national diploma designed to mould you into a well-rounded canine behaviour practitioner.

You will gain a wealth of knowledge, from understanding canines with aggression to nurturing growth and potential in canine development 🐶

Your opportunities are endless after completing this course.

Let’s start your journey towards a successful career today!

www.serenskills.co.uk/courses