Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025

COMMONS AMENDMENT 1

Clause 12, page 5, line 6, leave out from “force” to end of line 7 and insert “on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint"

COMMONS AMENDMENT 2

Clause 14, page 6, line 4, leave out subsection (2)

NC3

To move the following Clause—
“Report on the impact on T levels
(1) Within one year of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the impact of this Act on T-Levels.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must include—
(a) the involvement of Skills England in the administration of T Levels, including the curriculum and assessment methods;
(b) an assessment of the independence of the accreditation of T-Levels, specifically whether there has been any involvement of the Secretary of State in this process; and
(c) an assessment of the extent to which T-Levels are meeting local demand for skills.
(3) The report under subsection (1) must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

NC4

To move the following Clause—
“Creation of Skills England
(1) A body corporate known as Skills England is established to carry out the functions transferred to the Secretary of State under this Act.
(2) At the end of a year after the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations transferring to Skills England all the functions transferred from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education under this Act.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary of State from transferring more functions to Skills England under other enactments.”

This new clause would put Skills England on an independent statutory footing rather than as part of the DfE. The role of IfATE would be included in that planned for Skills England.

4

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) A group of persons under subsection (3) must include a representative from an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

5

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) When approving a standard under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

3

Clause 5, page 2, line 32, at end insert—
“(6B) When approving a standard under subsection (6), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

2

Clause 9, page 4, line 13, at end insert—
“(c) the impact of the exercise of the relevant functions on the provision of level 7 apprenticeships in England”

6

Clause 12, page 5, line 6, leave out subsections (1) and (2) and insert—
“(1) This Act comes into force at the end of the period of one year beginning on the day on which Skills England is created.”

NC2

To move the following Clause—
“Report on the impact on Higher Education
(1) Within one year of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the impact of this Act on the provision of degree apprenticeships in England.
(2) The Report must include an impact assessment of the removal of apprenticeship levy funding for degree apprenticeships.
(3) The report under subsection (1) must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

1

Clause 9, page 4, line 13, after “England” insert “, including the impact of removing apprenticeship level funding for degree apprenticeships”

NC1

To move the following Clause—
“Draft proposals for establishing new executive agency
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must produce a report containing draft proposals for the establishment of a new executive agency, to be known as “Skills England”, responsible for the powers transferred under this Act.
(2) A copy of this Report must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
(3) Within forty days of a Report under subsection (1) being laid, the Secretary of State must ensure resolutions are tabled, and moved, in both Houses of Parliament to approve the Government’s draft proposals.
(4) If the draft proposals are rejected by either House of Parliament, the Secretary of State must, within a period of six months, lay a report containing revised proposals before Parliament, and, within a period of forty days after laying the revised proposals, table a motion before each House of Parliament to approve the revised proposals.
(5) The Secretary of State may not establish an executive agency to carry out the functions transferred under this Act until it has secured, through a motion under subsection (3) or (4), the consent of both Houses of Parliament.
(6) If a motion under subsection (3) or (4) is approved by both Houses of Parliament, the Secretary of State must make an annual statement in each House of Parliament on the work of the agency.
(7) Within twelve months of a motion under subsection (3) or (4) being passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report evaluating the effectiveness of the “Skills England” governance structure in delivering on the organisation's aims and objectives.”

This new clause requires the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for the executive agency, to be known as Skills England, subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

NC4

To move the following Clause—
“Report on the impact on T levels
(1) Within one year of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the impact of this Act on T-Levels.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must include—
(a) the involvement of Skills England in the administration of T Levels, including the curriculum and assessment methods;
(b) an assessment of the independence of the accreditation of T-Levels, specifically whether there has been any involvement of the Secretary of State in this process; and
(c) an assessment of the extent to which T-Levels are meeting local demand for skills.
(3) The report under subsection (1) must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

NC5

To move the following Clause—
“Report on the impact on Higher Education
(1) Within one year of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the impact of this Act on the higher education sector in England.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

NC2

To move the following Clause—
“Creation of Skills England
(1) A body corporate known as Skills England is established to carry out the functions transferred to the Secretary of State under this Act.
(2) At the end of a year after the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make regulations transferring to Skills England all the functions transferred from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education under this Act.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary of State from transferring more functions to Skills England under other enactments.”

This new clause would put Skills England on an independent statutory footing rather than as part of the DfE. The role of IfATE would be included in that planned for Skills England.

NC3

To move the following Clause—
“Framework for Skills England
The Secretary of State must—
(a) ensure that in performing its functions, Skills England has regard to—
(i) the need to ensure that education and training is of an appropriate quality;
(ii) the need to ensure that education and training within the remit of Skills England represents good value in relation to financial resources provided out of public funds;
(b) ensure that Skills England performs its functions efficiently and effectively;
(c) give notice in writing to Skills England when setting out other matters to which it must have regard when performing its functions;
(d) publish, in such a manner as they think fit, any notice under paragraph (c), and lay a copy of it before both Houses of Parliament;
(e) require Skills England to prepare, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, an annual report which includes—
(i) a description of what Skills England has done during the year, including a description of what Skills England has done as a result of any notice given by the Secretary of State under paragraph (c);
(ii) such other provision as the Secretary of State may direct;
(f) lay a copy of the annual report under paragraph (e) before both Houses of Parliament.”

3

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) A group of persons under subsection (3) must include a representative from an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

4

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) When approving a standard under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

5

Clause 5, page 2, line 32, at end insert—
“(6B) A group of persons under subsection (6) must include a representative from an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

6

Clause 5, page 2, line 32, at end insert—
“(6B) When approving a standard under subsection (6), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

7

Clause 9, page 4, line 13, at end insert—
“(c) the impact of the exercise of the relevant functions on the provision of level 7 apprenticeships in England”

8

Clause 10, page 4, line 32, at beginning insert—
“Subject to subsection (6),”

9

Clause 10, page 4, line 34, at end insert—
“(6) For 6 months after the day on which this Act is passed, a statutory instrument to which subsection (5) applies may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

NC1

To move the following Clause—
“Draft proposals for establishing new executive agency
(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must produce a report containing draft proposals for the establishment of a new executive agency, to be known as “Skills England”, responsible for the powers transferred under this Act.
(2) A copy of this Report must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
(3) Within forty days of a Report under subsection (1) being laid, the Secretary of State must ensure resolutions are tabled, and moved, in both Houses of Parliament to approve the Government’s draft proposals.
(4) If the draft proposals are rejected by either House of Parliament, the Secretary of State must,within a period of six months, lay a report containing revised proposals before Parliament, and, within a period of forty days after laying the revised proposals, table a motion before each House of Parliament to approve the revised proposals.
(5) The Secretary of State may not establish an executive agency to carry out the functions transferred under this Act until it has secured, through a motion under subsection (3) or (4), the consent of both Houses of Parliament.
(6) If a motion under subsection (3) or (4) is approved by both Houses of Parliament, the Secretary of State must make an annual statement in each House of Parliament on the work of the agency.
(7) Within twelve months of a motion under subsection (3) or (4) being passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report evaluating the effectiveness of the “Skills England” governance structure in delivering on the organisation's aims and objectives.”

This new clause requires the Secretary of State to bring forward proposals for the executive agency, to be known as Skills England, subject to the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

1

Clause 12, page 5, line 6, leave out from “force” to end of line 7 and insert “on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint”

This amendment provides for the substantive provisions of the Bill to be brought into force by regulations made by the Secretary of State.

2

Clause 14, page 6, line 4, leave out subsection (2)

This amendment removes the Lords’ privilege amendment.

11

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on green skills
Six months after the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report assessing how they plan to carry out the functions transferred to them under this Act to support development of medium- and long-term green skills needed in order contribute to—
(a) the achievement of the targets set under Part 1 of the Climate Change Act 2008,
(b) the achievement of the targets set under Sections 1 to 3 of the Environment Act 2021, and
(c) the adaptation to current or predicted impacts of climate change identified in the most recent report under section 56 of the Climate Change Act 2008.”

12

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on delivery for national, regional and local priorities
Six months after the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report —
(a) determining the scope and level of investment of the growth and skills levy to meet national, regional and local priorities,
(b) assessing the co-ordination of local skills improvement plans in meeting those objectives, and
(c) assessing to what extent the functions transferred to them under this Act support those areas which do not have a devolution deal.”

3

Clause 4, page 2, line 14, at end insert—
“(4A) In subsection (7), after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa) information about matters that the Secretary of State takes into account in deciding whether it would be more appropriate for a standard to be prepared by the Secretary of State than by a group of persons for the purposes of subsection (3A);”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to publish information about the matters that will be taken into account in deciding whether it would be more appropriate for a standard to be prepared by the Secretary of State than by a group of persons.

6

Clause 5, page 2, line 38, at end insert—
“(5) In subsection (10), after paragraph (a) insert—
“(aa) information about matters that the Secretary of State takes into account in deciding whether it would be more appropriate for an apprenticeship assessment plan to be prepared by the Secretary of State than by a group of persons for the purposes of subsection (6A);”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to publish information about the matters that will be taken into account in deciding whether it would be more appropriate for an apprenticeship assessment plan to be prepared by the Secretary of State than by a group of persons.

7

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on exercise of the Secretary of State’s functions
(1) Within the period of six months beginning with the day on which section 3 comes into force, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament and publish a report about the exercise of the relevant functions.
(2) The report must include information about—
(a) which of the relevant functions are being exercised through an executive agency known as Skills England, and
(b) the impact of the exercise of the relevant functions on apprenticeships and technical education in England.
(3) In this section “the relevant functions” means the functions conferred or imposed on the Secretary of State by sections 1 and 4 to 7 and Schedule 1.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament and publish a report about the exercise of functions conferred or imposed on the Secretary of State by this Bill. The report must be laid and published within six months of the abolition of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

9

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Creation of Skills England
(1) A body corporate known as Skills England is established to carry out the functions transferred to the Secretary of State under this Act.
(2) At the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must transfer to Skills England all the functions transferred from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education under this Act.
(3) Nothing in this section prevents the Secretary of State from transferring more functions to Skills England under other enactments.”

This amendment would put Skills England on an independent statutory footing rather than as part of the DfE. The role of IfATE would be included in that planned for Skills England.

10

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Framework for Skills England
The Secretary of State must—
(a) ensure that in performing its functions, Skills England has regard to—
(i) the need to ensure that education and training is of an appropriate quality;
(ii) the need to ensure that education and training within the remit of Skills England represents good value in relation to financial resources provided out of public funds;
(b) ensure that Skills England performs its functions efficiently and effectively;
(c) give notice in writing to Skills England when setting out other matters to which it must have regard when performing its functions;
(d) publish, in such a manner as they think fit, any notice under paragraph (c), and lay a copy of it before Parliament;
(e) require Skills England to prepare, as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each financial year, an annual report which includes—
(i) a description of what Skills England has done during the year, including a description of what Skills England has done as a result of any notice given by the Secretary of State under paragraph (c);
(ii) such other provision as the Secretary of State may direct;
(f) lay a copy of the annual report under paragraph (e) before Parliament.”

1

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) A group of persons under subsection (3) must include a representative from an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

2

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) When approving a standard under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

4

Clause 5, page 2, line 27, at end insert—
“(6B) A group of persons under subsection (6) must include a representative from an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

5

Clause 5, page 2, line 27, at end insert—
“(6B) When approving a standard under subsection (6), the Secretary of State must have regard to the reasonable requirements of—
(a) industry, commerce, finance, professions and other employers regarding education and training, and
(b) persons who may wish to undertake education and training.”

15

Clause 11, page 4, line 22, leave out “on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint” and insert “at the end of the period of one year beginning on the day on which Skills England is created”

13

Clause 9, page 4, line 11, at beginning insert “Subject to subsection (6),”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Addington ensures that all new statutory instruments made in the six months following the passing of the Act must follow affirmative procedures.

14

Clause 9, page 4, line 13, at end insert—
“(6) For 6 months after the day on which this Act is passed, a statutory instrument containing (alone or with other provisions) regulations under this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Addington ensures that all new statutory instruments made in the six months following the passing of the Act must follow affirmative procedures.

8

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Reporting requirements for the Secretary of State
Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the use of their powers under this Act and their effect on—
(a) the identification of skills gaps and how to address them;
(b) the provision and funding of training to meet the skills needs of employers;
(c) the development of occupational standards;
(d) work with regional and local bodies to improve the skills of the workforce in England;
(e) the uptake of apprenticeships;
(f) the provision of employability and new technical education qualifications;
(g) progress made, if any, on the establishment of new arms-lengths bodies responsible for discharging relevant duties relating to skills.”

36A

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on green skills
Six months after the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report assessing how they plan to carry out the functions transferred to them under this Act to support development of medium- and long-term green skills needed in order contribute to—
(a) the achievement of the targets set under Part 1 of the Climate Change Act 2008,
(b) the achievement of the targets set under sections 1 to 3 of the Environment Act 2021, and
(c) the adaptation to current or predicted impacts of climate change identified in the most recent report under section 56 of the Climate Change Act 2008.”

36B

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to consult pan-regional partnerships
Before exercising their powers under this Act, the Secretary of State must consult pan-regional partnerships, local skills improvement partnerships, mayoral combined authorities and other relevant employer related groups about the introduction and number of new technical education qualifications.”

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Schedule 1 be the first Schedule to the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Schedule 2 be the second Schedule to the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Schedule 3 be the third Schedule to the Bill.

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause- "Establishing an arm's-length body (1) Within three months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a draft Bill to establish an arm's-length body responsible for the powers transferred under this Act. (2) The arm's-length body must be called “Skills England”. (3) The Chief Executive of Skills England must report to the Board of Skills England. (4) The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education must continue as an independent body for the accreditation of technical educational qualifications.”

After Clause 8, insert following new Clause – "Report: skills metrics Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed and every year thereafter, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the effect of this Act on the- (a) identification of need by sector, level of qualification and region; (b) creation of a clear taxonomy of skills; (c) earnings of those who have qualified doing technical education qualifications by sector, level of qualification and region; (d) money spent by the government and what it was spent on by sector, level of qualification and region; (e) number of new technical education qualifications created by sector, level of qualification and region; (f) new trainees who qualified since the passing of this Act and where they are now working by sector, level of qualification and region; (g) ways in which standards have met employer needs.”

1

Clause 4, page 2, line 3, at end insert—
“(3ZA) A group of persons in subsection (3) may be an organisation that is the representative body for a sector.”

24

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: approval of new technical education qualifications
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on mechanisms for employers to apply for the approval of new technical education qualifications and to appeal the removal of any technical education qualifications.”

This amendment clarifies the route employers will take to approve new technical education qualifications.

25

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: timetable for creation of end-point assessments
On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the timetable for the creation of end-point assessments.”

This places a duty on the SoS to consider the creation of end-point assessments because the impact assessment indicates there will be delays as the powers are transferred.

3

Clause 4, page 2, line 3, at end insert—
“(3ZA) Membership of a group of persons described in subsection (3) must include representatives from—
(a) employers,
(b) mayoral combined authorities,
(c) local skills improvement partnerships, and
(d) sector representative bodies.”

The “group of persons” consulted regarding standards must include those listed.

26

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: timetable for approval of new technical education qualifications
On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the timetable for the creation of new technical education qualifications.”

This amendment places a duty on the Secretary of State to consider the approval of new technical education qualifications because the impact assessment indicates there will be delays as the powers are transferred.

4

Clause 4, page 2, leave out lines 4 to 6

This amendment removes the Secretary of State’s power to prepare standards without external input.

27

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to consult local skills improvement partnerships
Before exercising their powers under this Act, the Secretary of State must consult local skills improvement partnerships, mayoral combined authorities and other relevant employer related groups about the introduction and number of new technical education qualifications.”

28

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on delegation of transferred functions
The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, lay a report before Parliament that sets out—
(a) any plans they have for delegating the transferred powers for approving and updating technical standards to sectoral industry bodies;
(b) the relationship that exists, or the relationship they plan on creating, between any executive agency designated to carry out functions transferred under this Act, including “Skills England”, and the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to lay a report before Parliament on the onward delegation of certain of the transferred powers. “Skills England” refers to the proposal for an executive agency of that name in the new clause amendment in the name of Lord Storey “Draft proposals for establishing new Executive Agency”.

29

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“National skills priorities
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria for national skills priorities, related to the functions transferred under this Act to any executive agency, including “Skills England”, to be delivered by—
(a) the Department for Education,
(b) the Department for Health and Social Care,
(c) the Department for Business and Trade,
(d) the Department for Energy and Net Zero,
(e) the Office for Students, and
(f) Mayoral Combined Authorities.”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to lay a report before Parliament on national skills priorities related to the functions transferred under the Act. “Skills England” refers to the proposal for an executive agency of that name in the new clause amendment in the name of Lord Storey “Draft proposals for establishing new Executive Agency”.

7

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria describing the circumstances in which they would exercise their power to prepare a standard under subsection (3A).”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to publish criteria for the circumstances under which they would use their power to prepare a standard.

30

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Functions related to the qualifications system
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must—
(a) outline how they will reduce the complexity of the qualifications system as it relates to the functions transferred under this Act, and
(b) set out what oversight there will be for the transferred functions related to the qualifications system, including the relationship between any body set up to carry out the functions, any regulatory framework, and sectoral industry bodies.”

31

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Duties of any agency established to carry out transferred functions
(1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay a report before Parliament outlining any direction given to any executive agency established to carry out the functions transferred under this Act to increase participation in an apprenticeship programme which would previously have been managed by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education amongst—
(a) 18 to 24 year olds,
(b) individuals from areas of high deprivation, and
(c) sectors where skills challenges are most acute.
(2) The report under subsection (1) must also cover the role of any executive agency established to carry out the functions transferred under this Act in—
(a) determining the scope and level of investment of the growth and skills levy to meet national, regional and local priorities, and
(b) the co-ordination of local skills improvement plans in meeting those objectives.”

32

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Establishing Skills England alongside IfATE
(1) Within three months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must establish a new executive agency responsible for the powers transferred under this Act.
(2) The executive agency must be called “Skills England”.
(3) The Chief Executive of Skills England must report to the Board of Skills England.
(4) The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education must continue as an independent body for the accreditation of technical educational qualifications.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to set up an executive agency called Skills England to be responsible for the powers transferred by this Bill, but keep IfATE as an independent accrediting body alongside. It is connected to amendments in Baroness Barran’s name to oppose the questions that Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 8 stand part of the Bill.

33

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Establishing an arm’s-length body
(1) Within three months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a draft Bill to establish an arm’s-length body responsible for the powers transferred under this Act.
(2) The arm’s-length body must be called “Skills England”.
(3) The Chief Executive of Skills England must report to the Board of Skills England.”

This amendment aims to require the Secretary of State to publish primary legislation to set up a body to exercise the functions transferred by this Bill, ideally sitting under DBT to ensure there are strong business links.

10

Clause 5, page 2, line 24, at end insert—
“(6ZA) Membership of a group of persons described in subsection (6) must include representatives from—
(a) employers,
(b) mayoral combined authorities,
(c) local skills improvement partnerships, and
(d) sector representative bodies.”

The “group of persons” consulted regarding apprenticeship assessment plans must include those listed.

11

Clause 5, page 2, leave out lines 25 to 27

This amendment removes the Secretary of State’s power to prepare apprenticeship assessment plans without external input.

34

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: interaction with regulators
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the effect of this Act on the powers exercised by regulators including Office for Students and Ofqual.”

This amendment seeks to clarify the role of existing regulators in working with the Secretary of State or any new executive agency.

35

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: strategic priorities
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the processes used to decide which sectors will receive new technical education qualifications.”

36

After Clause 8, insert following new Clause—
“Report: skills metrics
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed and every year thereafter, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the effect of this Act on the—
(a) identification of need by sector, level of qualification and region;
(b) creation of a clear taxonomy of skills;
(c) earnings of those who have qualified doing technical education qualifications by sector, level of qualification and region;
(d) money spent by the government and what it was spent on by sector, level of qualification and region;
(e) number of new technical education qualifications created by sector, level of qualification and region;
(f) new trainees who qualified since the passing of this Act and where they are now working by sector, level of qualification and region;
(g) ways in which standards have met employer needs;
(h) investment in and utilisation of skills by employers;
(i) reduction of complexity in the qualifications system;
(j) delivery of the objectives of the post 16 education and skills strategy;
(k) sufficiency of careers information, advice and guidance;
(l) delivery of the government’s apprenticeship programme and any increased participation amongst—
(i) 18 to 24-year olds,
(ii) individuals from areas of high deprivation, and
(iii) sectors where skills challenges are most acute.”

14

Clause 5, page 2, line 27, at end insert—
“(6B) On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria describing the circumstances in which they would exercise their power to prepare an apprenticeship assessment plan under subsection (6A).”

This amendment would require the Secretary of State to publish criteria for the circumstances under which they would use their power to prepare apprenticeship assessment plans.

16

Clause 7, page 3, line 15, leave out “may at any time” and insert “must”

This amendment requires that independent third parties carry out examinations of standards of apprenticeship assessment plans.

38

Clause 9, page 4, line 1, after “Act”, insert “and listed in Schedule 3”

This amendment restricts the Secretary of State's power to make consequential provision to only those Acts listed in Schedule 3.

39

Clause 9, page 4, line 2, leave out paragraph (b)

This amendment removes the Secretary of State's power to make consequential provision in relation to future legislation.

42

After Clause 12, insert the following new Clause—
“Repeal
This Act is repealed at the end of the period of one year beginning on the day on which this Act is passed.”

This intends to avoid delay in creating Skills England by reverting powers to IfATE if there is a delay.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 8 stand part of the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 2 stand part of the Bill.

Baroness Barran gives notice of her intention to oppose the Question that Clause 3 stand part of the Bill.

Clause 4, page 2, line 3, at end insert - “(3ZA) Membership of a group of persons described in subsection (3) must include representatives from – (a) employers, (b) mayoral combined authorities, (c) local skills improvement partnerships, and (d) sector skills councils.

Clause 4, page 2, leave out lines 4 to 6

Clause 5, page 2, line 24, at end insert- “(6ZA) Membership of a group of persons described in subsection (6) must include representatives from – (a) employers, (b) mayoral combined authorities, (c) local skills improvement partnerships, and (d) sector skills councils.”

Clause 5, page 2, leave out lines 25 to 27

LORD ABERDARE

The above named Lords give notice of their intention to oppose the Question that Clause 6 stand part of the Bill.

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause- "Report: Approval of new technical education qualifications Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on mechanisms for employers to apply for the approval of new technical education qualifications.”

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause- "Report: timetable for creation of end-point assessments On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the timetable for the creation of end-point assessments."

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause- "Report: timetable for approval of new technical education qualifications On the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the timetable for the creation of new technical education qualifications."

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause- “Duty to consult local skills improvement partnerships Before exercising their powers under this Act, the Secretary of State must consult local skills improvement partnerships, mayoral combined authorities and other relevant employer related groups about the introduction and number of new technical education qualifications."

23

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Reporting requirements for the Secretary of State
Within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the use of their powers under this Act and their effect on—
(a) the identification of skills gaps and how to address them;
(b) the provision and funding of training to meet the skills needs of employers;
(c) the development of occupational standards;
(d) work with regional and local bodies to improve the skills of the workforce in England.”

22

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on implementation of schemes for individuals with disabilities or special educational needs following transfer of powers
Six months after the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report detailing how they have carried out the functions transferred to them under this Act concerning schemes previously administered by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education involving individuals with a registered disability or special educational needs.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to publish a report within six months of the Act’s passage detailing how they have continued schemes for individuals with disabilities or special educational needs, currently administered by the IfATE, once the powers have been transferred.

5

Clause 4, page 2, line 4, after “standard” insert “in consultation with the relevant industry skills and standards setting body”

This amendment ensures that apprenticeship standards are informed by consultation with industry skills and standard setting bodies in the absence of IfATE.

8

Clause 4, page 2, line 10, after “persons” insert “including a person from the relevant industry skills and standards setting body”

This amendment ensures that any group of persons preparing an apprenticeship standard must include the relevant industry skills and standard setting body in the absence of IfATE.

12

Clause 5, page 2, line 25, after “plan” insert “in consultation with the relevant industry skills and standards setting body”

This amendment ensures that apprenticeship assessment plans are informed by consultation with industry skills and standard setting bodies in the absence of IfATE.

15

Clause 5, page 2, line 32, after “persons” insert “including a person from the relevant industry skills and standards setting body”

This amendment ensures that any group of persons preparing an apprenticeship assessment plan must include the relevant industry skills and standard setting body in the absence of IfATE.

21

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Draft proposals for establishing new executive agency
(1) Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay a document before Parliament with draft proposals for the establishment of a new executive agency responsible for the powers transferred under this Act.
(2) The executive agency in the document must be called “Skills England”.
(3) Forty days after the document has been laid, the Secretary of State must table a motion for resolution concerning the document in each House of Parliament.
(4) If the draft proposals are rejected by either House of Parliament, the Secretary of State must lay a document with revised proposals before Parliament within a period of six months and table a motion for resolution concerning the document in each House of Parliament after forty days.
(5) The Secretary of State may not establish an executive agency to carry out the functions transferred under this Act until draft proposals for the executive agency, following the procedure in subsection (3) or (4), have passed a motion for resolution in both Houses of Parliament.
(6) If such an executive agency is established, the Secretary of State must make an annual statement in each House of Parliament on the work of the agency.”

20

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: engagement with other bodies
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report explaining how they have engaged with the following bodies when discharging the functions transferred to them by virtue of this Act—
(a) the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council;
(b) the Migration Advisory Committee;
(c) sector skills councils and industrial partnerships;
(d) employer representative bodies;
(e) education and training providers;
(f) Mayoral combined authorities;
(g) Government departments;
(h) the Scottish Government;
(i) the Welsh Government;
(j) the Northern Ireland Executive;
(k) trade unions.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to report on how they have engaged with the various other bodies involved with the functions being transferred from IfATE, all of which play an important part in delivering those functions effectively.

2

Clause 4, page 2, line 3, at end insert—
“(3ZA) Within six months of the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria for selecting membership of a group of persons described in subsection (3).”

This amendment, and a similar amendment to Clause 5, requires the Secretary of State to publish criteria for selecting members of a “group of persons”, which is not otherwise defined. The 2009 Act states that the “group of persons … must have been approved by the Institute”.

6

Clause 4, page 2, line 6, at end insert—
“(3B) Within six months of the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria describing the circumstances in which they would exercise their power to prepare a standard under subsection (3A).”

This amendment, and a similar amendment to Clause 5, requires the Secretary of State to publish criteria clarifying the circumstances in which they would use the power to prepare an apprenticeship standard, rather than using a group of persons.

9

Clause 5, page 2, line 24, at end insert—
“(6ZA) Within six months of the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria for selecting membership of a group of persons described in subsection (6).”

This amendment, and a similar amendment to Clause 4, requires the Secretary of State to publish criteria for selecting members of a “group of persons”, which is not otherwise defined. The 2009 Act states that the “group of persons … must have been approved by the Institute”.

13

Clause 5, page 2, line 27, at end insert—
“(6B) Within six months of the day on which the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2024 is passed, the Secretary of State must publish criteria describing the circumstances in which they would exercise their power to prepare an apprenticeship assessment plan under subsection (6A).”

This amendment, and a similar amendment to Clause 4, requires the Secretary of State to publish criteria clarifying the circumstances in which they would use the power to prepare an apprenticeship assessment plan, rather than using a group of persons.

19

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: effect on other Government departments
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the impact of this Act on the remits of all government departments.”

The amendment requires the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a report detailing the impact of the Act on the remits of all government departments.

37

Clause 9, page 3, line 35, leave out subsection (2)

This amendment removes the power for consequential changes to be made by delegated legislation to Acts other than those specified in the provisions of the Act.

40

Clause 9, page 4, line 11, at beginning insert “Subject to section (Regulations),”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Addington ensures that all new statutory instruments made in the six months following the passing of the Act must follow affirmative procedures.

41

After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause—
“Regulations
For six months after the day on which this Act is passed, a statutory instrument containing (alone or with other provisions) regulations under this Act may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament.”

This amendment and another in the name of Lord Addington ensures that all new statutory instruments made in the six months following the passing of the Act must follow affirmative procedures.

18

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Report: functions transferred to the Secretary of State
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report, explaining how they have discharged the functions transferred to them by virtue of this Act.”

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to lay a report before Parliament at regular intervals detailing how they have used powers transferred to them by virtue of the Act.

17

After Clause 8, insert the following new Clause—
“Review: Chief Skills Adviser
Within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a review of the impact of this Act on the case for creating the role of Chief Skills Adviser, with responsibility for advising Government and reporting to Parliament on the state of skills needs in the economy.”