Enhanced learning credits: dos and don’ts

Learners should:

• ensure that they understand the regulations (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 898, Part 4, Chapter 3)
• consult education/learning staff and line managers to discuss their personal development plan
• plan ahead, leaving at least five weeks between submitting a claim and needing to book a course
• not commit payment contributions to providers until they receive a claim authorisation note
• be prepared to provide evidence that the intended course is at least at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) level 3 (or equivalent) and that it directly benefits the Service, unless the claim is resettlement-related during last two years of Service
• ensure the provider has approved provider status by checking the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk
• not automatically assume that approved provider status means that the entire portfolio of a provider’s courses meets the level 3 requirement
• ensure the training is delivered by an approved ELC provider if using individual resettlement training cost (IRTC) grant with ELC to fund a level 3 or above nationally recognised qualification
• consult their education, learning, training and/or resettlement adviser if they are unsure as to the best use of funding for resettlement training
• never enrol on a course or commit themselves financially without having first obtained the necessary approval from their own Service and a claim authorisation note from ELCAS
• never enrol on a course with a new provider awaiting ‘approved’ status; wait until this has been achieved; if it takes too long, look on the ELCAS website for an alternative provider
• remember that the scheme operates a strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy; think carefully before submitting a claim
• inform ELCAS if last day in Service alters from that originally stated
• complete and return the evaluation questionnaire on completion of study; if they do not and cannot provide evidence of course completion, future claims will be denied.
   

Education/learning staff authorised to approve ELC claims should:

• ensure the learner fully understands the details of the scheme
• ensure individuals are eligible to claim by seeing their ‘acknowledgement of scheme membership’
• ensure before granting approval that claims meet the higher-level learning criteria
• when in doubt, seek proof – one useful source of information being http://register.ofqual.gov.uk
• not assume that approved provider status covers the entire range of a provider’s courses
• be aware of the new rules permitting the use of ELC or SLC with IRTC to fund the same eligible learning activity in resettlement
• where required, advise Service leavers on the best use of available funding to pay towards learning activities where it meets the criteria of either the ELC or SLC schemes
• advise individuals that the scheme is not retrospective and they should always allow sufficient time between submitting a claim, receiving a claim authorisation note and committing themselves financially
• if in doubt, seek the advice of headquarters education/learning staff
• ensure the scheme works and that the regulations surrounding it are strictly observed – because failure to do so will place the scheme at risk.