Adult Skills Fund
As part of York and North Yorkshire’s devolution deal, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority will be taking responsibility for the region’s Adult Skills Fund. The Adult Skills Fund, previously know as the Adult Education Budget, supports the delivery of education and training to people aged 19 and over. It aims to engage adults and provide them with the skills needed for entering and sustaining work, an apprenticeship / traineeship, or other further learning.
Background information
The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) is a key commitment of York and North Yorkshire from the devolution deal, with the Combined Authority taking responsibility for the ASF commencing August 2025.
The ASF provides funding to support the engagement of adults, aged 19 and over, to equip them with the skills needed to progress to employment, apprenticeships or other learning.
This provision is currently delivered by learning providers such as local authorities, further education colleges and independent training providers. It has been administered by the Department for Education / Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Devolution of the ASF will see the Combined Authority become the commissioner of ASF learning provision.
Links
Supporting documents
- York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Adult Skills Fund Strategic Skills Plan 2025 – 2028
- Adult Skills Fund Audit Plan 2025 – 2026
- Adult Skills Fund Funding and Performance Management Rules 2025 – 2026
- Adult Skills Fund Performance Management Framework 2025 – 2026
News stories and events
‘Upcoming webinar: Adult Skills Fund Procurement – Key Information’ – YNYCA news story, 30 January 2025
‘Adult Skills Fund procurement: December update’ – YNYCA news story, 16 December 2024
‘Adult Skills Fund webinar resources’ – YNYCA news story, 4 December 2024
‘Skills plans launched’ – YNYCA news story, 14 October 2024
‘Report will help shape York and North Yorkshire Adult Education Budget’ – YNYCA news story, 30 July 2024
‘York and North Yorkshire Adult Education Budget Survey launched’ – YNYCA news story, 25 March 2024
The Joint Devolution Committee approved arrangements for Adult Education Budget Implementation Funding at a meeting on 24 July 2023. Read the meeting papers.
