Policy Commitment
Learn Devon operates within Devon County Council’s (DCC) Performance and Partnerships Directorate and is governed through robust, transparent arrangements that ensure high standards, accountability and continuous improvement. This governance framework directly supports Council and Directorate priorities, meets regulatory expectations, and responds to community needs.
Strategic Governance Approach
Learn Devon’s governance model ensures:
- Integrated Oversight: The Head of Employment and Adult Skills provides leadership and reports directly to the Deputy Director, Economy and Skills, and the Performance and Partnerships Directorate Leadership Group. This ensures Learn Devon’s strategy aligns with DCC’s wider economic, skills and community priorities.
- Regular Performance Reporting: Performance is monitored through:
– Quarterly reports to the Quality and Performance Review Meeting (QPRM).
– Monthly review within the Employment and Skills Leadership Team.
- Accountability and Quality Assurance:
– The Director of Performance and Partnerships signs off key strategic documents, including the Accountability Statement and the annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
– The Head of Employment and Adult Skills approves operational delivery plans, informed by recommendations from the Senior Manager, Teaching and Learning and the Senior Management Team.
- Alignment with Ofsted Requirements: Governance arrangements fully meet the standards set out in the Education Inspection Framework, ensuring clear accountability, challenge and strategic direction at all levels.
- Delivery of DCC Corporate Priorities: Through this governance model, Learn Devon contributes to:
– A Prosperous and Inclusive Devon – by supporting residents to gain skills for employment and progression.
– Resilient, Healthy, and Connected Communities – through accessible learning across rural and coastal areas.
– Efficient and Effective Council Services – by maintaining clear governance, performance reporting, and accountability across all adult learning activity.
Corporate Support and Compliance
Learn Devon governance draws on DCC’s established corporate policies and expert services to maintain full compliance and high standards in all operational areas:
- Human Resources: HR support and procedures follow DCC’s HR framework for recruitment, workforce planning, staff development and performance management.
- Health and Safety: The service adheres to DCC corporate H&S procedures, including premises safety, risk assessments, accident reporting and compliance monitoring.
- Safeguarding and Prevent: Learn Devon is supported by DCC’s Safeguarding and Prevent Team to uphold statutory responsibilities and promote learner welfare.
- Information Governance: All data collection, storage and processing meet DCC and funding body requirements, guided by DCC’s Information Governance Team and in line with UK GDPR.
- Procurement: provide guidance on sub-contracting and commissioning activities.
Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure Learn Devon’s governance remains effective, compliant and responsive to emerging strategic, regulatory and community needs.
Approved by: Keri Denton
Director of Performance and Partnerships
Review Date: 11/11/2025