Issue details

Multiply is a three-year, c.£4.5m, initiative to upskill residents with low levels of numeracy. The project enters its second of three funding years April 1, 2023. The proposed idea of extending contracts for existing providers will mean that Multiply provision can, seamlessly, continue through to the end of financial year 23/24, without reapplying through a competitive grant funding process.

Adopting this approach for the forthcoming financial year will allow providers, who have only just begun mobilising provision, opportunity to continue and develop their practice. Such an approach is not uncommon with the DfE and other Combined Authorities and is commonly applied to other DfE funding streams such as Skills Bootcamps.

The benefits to extending the contracts will allow the current level of momentum to continue, and therefore breaks in learning will be minimised reducing the risk of losing vulnerable adults engaged with Multiply outreach. The consistency of providers will ensure seamless progression between levels as learners progress from entry level to level one or level two. Providers will be able to retain the staff that are currently involved in the Multiply delivery and who are on fixed term contracts This will reduce the risk of staff redundancy and reduce the loss of delivery momentum.

Current contracts offer a fair and balanced approach to the regional commissioning of Multiply provision and this will be maintained. It provides opportunity for deeper and sustainable development of teaching materials, resources and techniques and continuity will improve provider confidence in the Multiply initiative.