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Approved providers and preferred suppliers – the differencesTo clear up any confusion concerning the difference between learning credits – enhanced learning credits (ELC) and standard learning credits (SLC) – and the individual resettlement training cost (IRTC) grant, it is important to understand that they are used in different ways. Learning credits are primarily about funding nationally recognised qualifications, and Service people must meet the requirements of the individual scheme criteria to qualify. The IRTC grant is available to eligible Service leavers to purchase resettlement training. Under certain circumstances individuals can claim either ELC or SLC in addition to IRTC during resettlement, and both these grants may be authorised by the same line manager and education/learning/resettlement adviser.
It is now permissible to use either ELC or SLC, together with IRTC, to pay for the same learning activity where the activity meets the requirements of the ELC or SLC scheme. The process of claiming remains unchanged and claims should continue to be submitted in accordance with current learning credit or resettlement policy. In effect, these grants continue to be independent of each other, but it makes sense, where there is advantage to the Service leaver, to use all available funding during resettlement. If using IRTC with ELC to pay towards a nationally recognised qualification, an ELC approved provider must be used. Approved providers are organisations that have met the MoD’s criteria to be permitted to run courses that qualify for ELC funding (at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework). They are on a list maintained by the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) and only such providers may be used if ELC are to be claimed. A provider not on the approved provider list may apply to ELCAS for ‘approved’ status if it has someone wishing to undertake ELC-funded training with it – this may take some time, so needs to be done well in advance, before potential customers start a course. Preferred suppliers are organisations that have been assessed by the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) as being suitable training providers for people undertaking their resettlement programmes. Although Service leavers are encouraged to use preferred suppliers, they may use the IRTC for any resettlement programme approved by their line manager and resettlement specialist. Individuals who have registered for ELC can make use of them for up to ten years after leaving the Services using approved providers. There is no similar facility with the IRTC. Some approved providers will also be preferred suppliers, although some will not be. Individuals therefore need to ensure they are looking at the right list. The basic guide is:
Travelling expenses may be claimed for attending authorised ELC provision subject to the regulations contained in JSP 752 (Tri-Service Regulations for allowances) Chap 4 Section 1 Para 04.0132.b and local budget approval. No claims for subsistence are allowable.
Where ELC is being used in conjunction with IRTC and/or Graduated Resettlement Time, it may be permissible to claim both subsistence and travel in accordance with JSP 752 Chap 3 Section 1 Para 03.0138 and Chap 4 Section 1 Para 04.0132.e. In such cases, the validity of such claims is to be assessed against the criteria laid down in JSP 534 (the Tri-Service Resettlement Manual). |
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