Decision details

To report on the outcome of consultation into proposals to outsource the Council's adult education service to Mid Kent College.

84/2008 The Cabinet agreed that Medway Council should relinquish responsibility for adult education and allow the Learning and Skills Council to outsource to another provider following a procurement process.
85/2008 The Cabinet agreed that any lease arrangements, if / where applicable, support the continued use of current adult learning delivery points in Rochester and Gillingham and that authority to enter into the leases and any ancillary agreements be delegated to the Assistant Director, Housing and Corporate Services.

Outsourcing of Medway's adult learning service is likely to secure a service which is at least as good as that provided currently at less revenue cost. There could also be benefits to users if an alternative provider were able to offer a wider range of activities, and to staff if the alternative provider were a large organisation with more opportunities for career progression.