Scope
This statement covers apprenticeship provision subcontracted by Cranfield University during the 2026/27 funding year. It applies to apprenticeship activity funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered through approved subcontracting arrangements.
Context
This statement is a mandatory requirement of the funding rules. Our approach has been developed in line with the funding rules and subcontracting standards.
Principles
Cranfield University’s mission is that “We work in partnership with business, academia, governments and other organisations to develop and deliver applied research and innovative education in science, technology, engineering and management” (Cranfield University, Ambition 2027).
We deliver most of our apprenticeship provision directly. Subcontracting is only used where there is a clear educational rationale, a requirement for specialist expertise, or where it enhances opportunities and outcomes for apprentices and employers. The University remains responsible for the employer relationship, apprentice experience, quality assurance and compliance of all subcontracted provision.
Use of Subcontractors
Cranfield University's current subcontracting activity supports the delivery of Functional Skills English and Mathematics for apprentices where required by funding rules or requested by employers and apprentices. This enables apprentices to benefit from specialist expertise and additional support where needed. The University does not subcontract the delivery of whole apprenticeship programmes and retains responsibility for the substantive delivery of each apprenticeship standard.
Reasons for Subcontracting
Cranfield University uses subcontractors to:
- Provide specialist expertise in Functional Skills delivery.
- Support apprentices who require English and/or Mathematics qualifications.
- Improve access and participation for learners requiring additional support.
- Enhance apprentice achievement and progression.
- Ensure apprentices receive high-quality provision from experienced specialist providers.
The University undertakes robust due diligence before entering into any subcontracting arrangement and monitors subcontracted provision throughout the contract period. This includes review of learner progress, quality of teaching and learning, apprentice and employer feedback, compliance activity, safeguarding arrangements and overall performance.
Where performance does not meet expected standards, improvement actions will be implemented and monitored. Where necessary, alternative arrangements will be secured to protect apprentices and employers.
Due Diligence
All subcontractors are subject to a formal due diligence process to assess quality, capability, financial stability, safeguarding arrangements, compliance and capacity to deliver apprenticeship provision. Cranfield University will only contract with organisations that meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship Funding Rules and are deemed to deliver high-quality provision by Ofsted.
Policy Review
This statement is reviewed annually and updated as required to reflect changes in apprenticeship funding regulations, guidance and University practice.