Usage of sub-contractors
All subcontracting activity will comply with the DfE’s Subcontracting Standard.
iSales Academy will itself aim to deliver learning and training provision within the remit of its Strategic Objectives wherever it is able or in a position to readily develop the ability. However, the iSales Academy will consider sub-contracting its provision where the education rationale meets one of more of the following aims:

  • There is an unmet learning and training need within its local area that cannot meet using its own resources.
  • There is an opportunity to develop its provision in a manner which demonstrably compliments and strengthens its core business as communicated by its Strategic Plan.
  • Enhances the opportunities available for learners.
  • Fills gaps in niche or expert provision or provides better access to training facilities.
  • Supports better geographical access for learners; or
  • Offers an entry point for disadvantaged groups.

However, provision will only be sub-contracted where:

  • The value of the subcontracted provision is under £20k unless approval is obtained from the Corporation.
  • The value of any subcontracted provision is less than 25% of any DfE funding stream.
  • Due diligence has been undertaken that demonstrates that the sub-contractor can reasonably be expected to deliver provision in accordance with iSales Academy’s quality standards.
  • iSales Academy and sub-contractor have consistent values regarding the provision of education and training.
  • Contractual arrangements are in line with funding body requirements.
  • The managing director has approved the sub-contract.

iSales Academy’s Contribution to Improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning
Where necessary, iSales Academy will provide advice, support and training across a wide range of areas to enable effective and high-quality provision to be delivered, including:

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Safeguarding
  • Health and Safety
  • Compliance with Legal and Financial Requirements
  • Administration
  • Learner Support

In addition, upon receipt of the necessary information from the sub-contractor, iSales Academy will prepare and submit Individualised Learner Record to the DfE to draw down funding to enable the sub-contracted provision to be delivered.

The contract between iSales Academy and a subcontractor will:

  • Include clear information concerning price, programmes to be delivered and contract duration.
  • Require the subcontractor to provide all Due Diligence and other information necessary as part of requirements to enable a full assessment and review of the quality of provision by iSales Academy or the Funding Agencies.
  • Require compliance with iSales Academy key policies, especially regarding safeguarding and sexual harassment.
  • Contain clear provisions that enable iSales Academy to terminate the contract where the subcontractor has not delivered in accordance with requirements.

Support provided to subcontractors
The following support will be provided to each subcontractor:

  • The managing director will manage the relationship with the subcontractor.
  • The IQA/quality manager will ensure that the quality of subcontractor’s delivery meets its expectations and to support the continuous improvement of the subcontractor’s provision.
  • iSales Academy will undertake a regular and substantial programme of quality assurance checks on the education and training provided by subcontractors, including visits at short or no notice, and face-to-face interviews with staff and learners. These checks include whether the learners exist and are eligible, and involve direct observation of initial guidance, assessment and delivery of learning programmes.
  • iSales Academy will ensure that all the subcontractor’s delivery meets the Department for Education’s Funding Rules.
  • iSales Academy will ensure that any Apprenticeship provision delivered by subcontractors meets all of the required standards and specific DfE funding rules.

Fees Retained
The funding that is retained by iSales Academy will be related to the costs of the services provided. This will include funding for contract management. These services, and the levels of funding being retained for them, will be clearly documented and agreed by all parties in a formal contract. The rates of such retained funding will be commercially viable for both sides and will be negotiated and agreed in a fair and transparent manner. The fees charged for the services provided may be different for each subcontractor and will take into account of previous track record, success rates, types of customers to be engaged, types of provision to be undertaken and contract duration. The fees retained will be proportionate to the actual services being provided.

iSales Academy will typically retain between 15% and up to 20% of funding. The percentage applied to each subcontractor is determined by:

  • The level of support needed by the sub-contractor in relation to the services provided by iSales Academy as outlined above.
  • The funding required by the sub-contractor to enable sustainable and high-quality provision to be delivered.

iSales Academy will retain the right to clawback funding in the event of any under delivery, and/or non-compliance with DfE rules and requirements.

Payment Terms
iSales Academy will pay the sub-contractor in accordance with the terms specified in its contract. As a minimum these terms will state that:

  • Payment will only be made in relation to provision which is stipulated in the contract.
  • Supporting documentation is made available for the payment, which would satisfy the requirements of a funding body audit.
  • The total value of payments will be restricted to the contract’s maximum contract value.
  • Payments will be made to the subcontractor within 30 days of a valid invoice complying with the above points.

Communication to Sub-contractors
This policy is to be circulated to each sub-contractor for review and consideration prior to the agreement of any contract between it and iSales Academy. Any proposed changes to the policy will also be circulated to sub-contractors for the purposes of consultation no less than 30 days prior to the adoption of any changes.

iSales Academy will ensure before each subcontract relationship is agreed that each subcontractor is aware of:

  • The reason for subcontracting.
  • The services iSales Academy will provide when subcontracting to and the associated costs when doing so, including a list of specific costs for managing the subcontractor, specific costs for quality monitoring activities and specific costs for any other support activities offered by iSales Academy to the subcontractor.
  • How each cost is reasonable and proportionate to delivery of the subcontracted teaching or learning and how each cost contributes to delivering high quality learning.
  • The fees retained to manage subcontractors.
  • Payment terms between iSales Academy and subcontractors, timing of payments in relation to delivering provision and timescale for paying invoices and claims for funding received.

Timing of Policy Review
In accordance with DfE Funding Rules, this policy will be reviewed at least annually. Should the DfE Funding Rules or Financial Memorandum change following the Policy’s publication in such a manner as to contradict this Policy, the DfE’s position will take precedence.

Publication
This policy will be published on the iSales Academy public website at www.isalesacademy.co.uk
This Policy was approved by the managing director of iSales Academy on 9 September 2025.