Breaking Down the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions) Act 2025 Amendments

The UK government is tweaking some existing laws following the dissolution of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). Here's what you need to know about these changes and why they're happening.

The Big Picture

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has been abolished. Its responsibilities have been shifted to the Secretary of State, and a new executive agency named Skills England will take on many of its roles. To align with this change, several existing regulations need updating to remove references to the now-defunct IfATE.

Key Changes in the Legislation

1. Amendments Across the Board: The legislation updates references in several regulations, including those related to student support, trade union facility time, apprenticeship provisions, and union subscription deductions.

2. Technical Tweaks: The focus is on replacing mentions of IfATE with the Secretary of State and adjusting terminology from "approved standards" to "published standards" in relevant regulations.

3. No Policy Shift: These changes don't introduce new policies but ensure that the legal framework reflects the transition of responsibilities from IfATE to the Secretary of State and Skills England.

Why These Changes Matter

The amendments are crucial for maintaining a coherent and up-to-date legal framework that accurately reflects the current structure and oversight of apprenticeships and technical education in England. By removing references to a non-existent body, the legislation prevents confusion and ensures clarity in the roles and responsibilities within the sector.

Impact Assessment

• No Significant Impact: As these changes are purely technical, they don't impose new requirements on businesses, charities, or the public sector. Therefore, a detailed impact assessment wasn't deemed necessary.
• Business As Usual: The adjustments ensure that the existing system operates smoothly without altering its functionality.

No Consultation or Guidance Needed

Given the technical nature of these amendments, no public consultation was conducted. Similarly, no new guidance will be issued, as the changes don't affect the day-to-day operations or compliance requirements.

Monitoring and Review

The government has no plans for ongoing monitoring or review of these amendments, as they are confident all necessary updates have been made following the 2025 Act.

In summary, these legislative tweaks ensure that the regulatory framework for apprenticeships and technical education remains accurate and functional after the disbandment of IfATE, without altering existing policies or imposing new burdens on stakeholders.