Welcome to the March edition of Innovate's updates and the first in this new format, which we hope you find much more pleasing on the eye!

In the whirlwind of announcements which have been made recently, we wanted to take this opportunity to offer reassurance that we will be continuing to provide the products and services you are used to receiving from Innovate with no intention for this to change any time soon. 

For the apprenticeship standards which have been announced for defunding, we will continue to support our partners who deliver these apprenticeships and will continue to assess apprentices on these standards. It comes as a disappointment to all involved who have seen the benefit these apprenticeships have had for so many individuals and employers. 

If you have any questions at all about reform, changes to assessment or anything where you feel Innovate would be able to support you through the transitions - please do not hesitate to reach out. Our Client Relationship Team are here to help and ensure our calm, consistent approach to assessment continues.  

Policy Roundup

Apprenticeship Reform Update – What You Need to Know

The Government has announced a major shake-up of apprenticeships, with £1bn of new investment aimed at boosting opportunities for young people (16–24).

What’s changing?

• New “apprenticeship units” (from April 2026):

Short, flexible training programmes (1 - 16 weeks) in areas like AI, construction and engineering. These are designed to be quicker to deliver, with providers responsible end-to-end. We’re keeping a close eye on these, and they are likely to be used for up-skilling workers who are not already on an apprenticeship programme.

• Foundation apprenticeships expanded:

Now available in hospitality and retail, these 8-month Level 2 programmes focus on younger learners. Employer incentives of up to £2,000 are available, though demand has been mixed so far.

• New Level 2 Administration Assistant (from August 2026):

A popular entry-level route now targeted at 16 - 24-year-olds. We’re currently reviewing how this can fit into our offer. Please get in touch if this is something you would be interested in offering.

• Some standards being withdrawn:

A number of higher-level leadership and management programmes are being phased out, with funding for new starts ending in December 2026. Existing learners will continue unaffected.

Our view

The direction is clear: more focus on younger learners, shorter training options, and stronger employer incentives. We’re actively reviewing what this means in practice and will keep you updated as the detail becomes clearer, helping you to prepare your business for operational challenges and new opportunities.

Operational changes/reminders

Reminder: Reasonable Adjustment Request Process.

From 1st April 2026 all Reasonable Adjustment requests must be submitted through Proficient. Any forms received via email will be rejected and will be redirected to Proficient. A guidance document and supporting video are available within the Guidance category of Support Materials on Proficient, named:

• Reasonable Adjustment Process for Providers - Apprenticeship Assessment

• VIDEO: How to submit a Reasonable Adjustment request on epaPRO

Standards Updates

Level 4 Improvement Practitioner v1.3

All support materials are now available on epaPRO. This includes the Specification, Client Summary, Assessment Criteria Content, Assessment Method Grading Descriptors, Mock EPA Records, Log Locator and Project Locator

Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care – all versions

Update to Observation Plan and Guidance V3 – now includes Apprentice details and signatures for apprentice and employer. V2 can be submitted at gateway until 31 March 2026

Level 2 Trade Supplier

Update to support materials has new KSB references but content and assessment methods remain unchanged.

Portfolio of Evidence Grid (V5) should be submitted at gateway and will be the only version accepted from 1 May 2026

Level 2 Health and Social Care Foundation Apprenticeship

Update to Assessment Specification V3 and Mock Assessment Record V3 to clarify assessment of portfolio of evidence prior to Q&A

Level 3 Customer Service Specialist v1.1, v1.2 and v1.3

The Apprentice Guidance – Work based Project has been reviewed and updated

Previous Standard Versions

The standard versions currently approaching the gateway deadline within the next 6 months are:

Level 3 Customer Service Specialist v1.0

Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker v1.3

Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care v1.0

Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor v1.1

What is new in Proficient (the new name for epaPRO)

Released
Launch of Proficient, updates to branding and interface. Proficient is the new name for epaPRO. Nothing about how you use the system should change, other than some visual improvements.

Testing

• Reporting: Ability to save updates to an existing saved report.

• Permissions: Changes to layout and a search option has been added

• Audit Logs: Added to various screens within the assessment and planning areas

Your thoughts?
We work closely with Skilltech, the company behind epaPRO, so if you have any feedback please do let us know so that we can help to shape future improvements to the platform.

New Qualifications

This month we're excited to be able to share two new qualifications. If you would like to know more about these, please do get in touch.

Level 3 Certificate in Foot Health Care 610/6998/X

• Open for registrations 1^st March 2026

• 125 Guided Learning Hours, 170 Total Quality Time, 17 Credits

• Assessed through Portfolio of Evidence

• Registration fee £72

This qualification develops the knowledge, skills and competence required for learners to work as Foot Care Assistants by promoting an awareness of common foot disorders and causes, treatments and the scope of practice at this level. The knowledge, understanding and skills gained in this qualification will equip learners to be occupationally competent as a Foot Care Assistant so that they are confident to perform basic manual nail cutting and filing, identify common conditions and, where necessary, make referrals to senior colleagues and other professionals.

Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care 610/6982/6

• Open for registrations 1st April 2026

• 406 Guided Learning Hours, 580 Total Quality Time, 58 Credits

• Assessed through Portfolio of Evidence

• Registration fee £102.75

Updated following a review of the qualification specification by Skills for Care, this qualification has been approved by Skills for Care and replaces 610/0510/1 which closes for registration on 31^st March 2026.