Decision details

The report seeks approval to replace the current Lifelong Learning Skills and Communities (LLSC) Management Information System (Aqua) which is used to capture and report learning provision covered by Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Education Funded Agency (EFA) contracts, with a hosted system that can cover all of the requirements.

Whilst the system will be primarily used by Sheffield learners, it would also contribute to Sheffield City Council (SCC) management and/or delivery of sub-regional, regional or even national programmes through or on behalf of partners.

The Director of Lifelong Learning, Skills and Communities approves the procurement for a replacement of the current management information system (Aqua) as set out in the report.

An external review of the current LLSC management information system (Aqua) which is used to capture and report learning provision covered by SFA and EFA contracts, advised that the current system was no longer fit for purpose and should be replaced with a hosted system that can cover all of the SFA and EFA requirements.

A new hosted system will enable more efficient gathering, storage and interrogation of information.

In house Council delivery

The Council is not in a position to deliver the system as outlined in the report.

Not to fund the MI system

If the Council did not fund this MI system, the LLSC team would continue to be using a system that had been identified as not fit for purpose.