§ Ms ShortTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria she has laid down against which training and enterprise councils are expected to assess their providers and award and maintain approved training organisation status; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinRelations between training and enterprise councils and the Employment Department are governed by the TEC operating agreement. Under the 1993–94 agreement, TECs are required to contract only with training providers that: obtain and maintain approved training organisation status under criteria published by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, a copy of which is being placed in the Library; or have an alternative system approved by my right hon. Friend, as of equivalent or greater assurance and effectiveness.
From April 1994, the Employment Department will require TECs to operate new arrangements in the way they contract for, and manage services and products which the Department funds. The new requirements have been approved by my right hon. Friend and a copy will be placed in the Library.