To maximise the opportunities of the devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB), and to ensure a smooth transition to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s delivery of the AEB from August 2025, we are keen to engage and collaborate with stakeholders.
As part of this engagement, we have created a short survey to gather some initial feedback from anyone that may have an interest in the future of the AEB, to help us decide what our short, medium and long term priorities should be to inform our AEB Strategic Skills Plan. The priorities set out in this plan will help to determine how the AEB will be delivered over the upcoming years.
Share your views in the online survey, which is available here.
Adult Education Budget appointments
Staff have joined York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to oversee the devolution of adult skills funding.
Vicky Wright, who has been working in the skills sector since 2007, is the new Adult Education Budget Implementation Manager. The region’s Adult Education Budget (AEB) supports the delivery of education and training to people aged 19 and over and is moving from central Government to be managed locally. The AEB for York and North Yorkshire is worth around £10.8 million per year.
Vicky said: “Responsibility for the Adult Education Budget in York and North Yorkshire starts in 2025. Before then, we will be working with skills stakeholders across the region to make sure we have a system that works for everyone. The region is best placed to shape an Adult Education Budget which will ensure skills are accessible to all and the needs of our local economy are met.”
Prior to working at the Combined Authority, Vicky was at Calderdale College where roles included managing The Apprenticeship Hub – a regional service offering support for businesses interested in recruiting apprentices.
She added: “Devolved funding for adult education is a huge opportunity for the region. It’s exciting to be part of the journey to bring that to York and North Yorkshire. I look forward to meeting our skills stakeholders and hearing their views on the priorities for the Adult Education Budget.”
Paul Russon has also joined the team, in the role of AEB Data Intelligence Specialist. Paul was previously with The Shaw Trust and has extensive experience of developing and managing data systems within the education sector.
Paul said: “My role is to help ensure systems are in place before the Combined Authority takes responsibility of the AEB in 2025. It’s great to be part of the team as we work with colleagues around the region to prepare for a devolved AEB.”
Join the AEB Team
The Combined Authority is looking for an AEB Commissioning and Contracting Officer. You can be at the forefront of this exciting work to develop skills of York and North Yorkshire residents.
The deadline to apply is Sunday 7 April. For further information, view the job advert here.