Scope
Description
The funding for the Social Worker apprenticeship training costs will come from the apprenticeship levy pot rather than a service budget. This levy is an accumulation of 0.5% of the councils pay bill paid into this government levy pot every month. It currently stands at £2.8m and can only be spent on apprenticeship training. Monies not spent within 24 months will automatically expire. The cost of the social worker apprenticeship training would be paid from the levy and will help minimise funds expiring so it would be prudent for the Council to enter into a contract as soon as possible for the next available term date which is September 2025.
There is a set funding band for each individual apprenticeship and for the Social Worker apprenticeship it is set at 24k. The standard programme includes the Level 6 BSc in Social Work. However, the University of Brighton are the only local provider offering the opportunity to gain a level 7 MSc Social Work Degree for those with a first degree whilst also studying the apprenticeship in Social Work at level 6. This is at a reduced duration of 2 years rather than 3 years so a significant reduction for both the learner, and the service. This will be reduced in price accordingly and offered at £19,677 pp so saving the council £4,323 pp from the levy pot for those taking this route.
If the Council were to support staff to qualify outside of the apprenticeship route this would cost between £15,700 and £28,605 per apprentice depending on the qualification and this would be payable from council budgets rather than the levy pot so a total saving of £90,000-£171,000.
By offering both the level 6 BSc (3years) and level 7 MSc (2years) pathways within the apprenticeship, the Council are offering maximum flexibility and the most efficient route to qualify and will satisfy our people promise in giving staff the opportunity to do their best and promotes our responsibility in offering progression and wider opportunities to our staff supporting the following aims:
1. Recruiting and rewarding well, with flexible paths for progression
2. Great performance supported by the right development
It is also supporting the local area so not only minimising travel costs and carbon footprint but is keeping funding within the city.
The University of Brighton are an approved provider on our Supplier List, have a "Good" Ofsted rating, an "Excellent" 4* apprentice rating and "Good" 3* employer rating on the Institute for Apprenticeships website and an 89% achievement rate.
The contract will be monitored by the Apprenticeship Team through
• Bi-monthly progress updates
• Bi-monthly contract meetings with UoB
• Quality feedback reviews
In summary, offering local provision for the Social Worker Level 6 programme who offer flexibility of both L6 and L7 pathways with proven quality of delivery will ensure maximum support and accessibility for our staff to upskill to become social work qualified. It will help address the shortage of qualified Social Workers, maximising savings for the Council and ensuring optimal usage of the apprenticeship levy funds.
Contract 1. Social Worker Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme
Supplier
Contract value
- £144,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
22 July 2025
Contract dates
- 1 September 2025 to 1 September 2028
- 3 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85300000 - Social work and related services
Contract locations
- UKJ - South East (England)
Key performance indicators
| Name | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|
| Apprentice progress | 6 months |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
Brighton University
Mithras House, Lewes Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 4AT
Brighton
BN2 4AT
United Kingdom
Email: university@brighton.com
Region: UKJ21 - Brighton and Hove
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Social Worker Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme
Contracting authority
Brighton and Hove City Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNNH-3312-CQGT
Hove Town Hall, Norton Road
Hove
BN3 3BQ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ21 - Brighton and Hove
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government