Southwark Adult Learning Service: Data Management & Quality Assurance
What Southwark Council needed
Southwark Adult Learning Service first contacted us off the back of a relatively poor Ofsted inspection report in 2009 which highlighted, in particular, that their data processes had scope for improvement. And, that they could be doing more with their data to inform strategic decision making.
They were looking for a third party to bring structure to their internal data processes, support the team with analysis, and provide robust support and challenge for their subcontracted partners.
They wanted an organisation which would be well placed to support them through the subsequent inspection, in order to demonstrate considerable progress to the regulator.
What we did
We first reviewed the processes for collecting, entering and validating the data around their adult learning provision. We made recommendations and implemented updates to processes to ensure structure and scheduling was added to the tasks, especially around the statutory data submissions to the funding body.
We then built a customised and flexible reporting infrastructure based upon their legacy data collection system to provide the reporting and insights which senior leaders needed to make better decisions about the sorts of provision which best meet the needs of their local residents. The system also allows ad-hoc analysis of data to respond to enquiries from councillors and the public, as well as delivering on requests from Ofsted inspectors.
We implemented a new management framework around the subcontracted partners, ensuring their data collection and validation was done in a timely fashion.
We also implemented robust annual monitoring visits to check compliance and discuss actions to better meet the council targets in terms of learners recruited and progression.
We have run various ad-hoc projects for the Service since we started working together, including the procurement of a modern cloud management information system to replace the legacy software used. And we offer support and guidance on the mix and balance of provision, especially with a view to maximising the funding drawn down for particular courses.
We have worked with Southwark Adult Learning continuously since this first engagement in 2009, and we are embedded as a core part of their team, not just as an arms-length service provider.
The impact of our work
The Ofsted inspection after we were first commissioned, and all conducted since, have resulted in a Good outcome for the Adult Learning Service, when data was cited as a particular strength. We have met with inspectors on each occasion to discuss the processes we set up around data management, and the strategic use of data across the Service and received positive feedback on the approaches taken. We have maintained a strong working relationship with the team at Southwark, and been closely involved in the onboarding and skilling up of new staff members, including a new head of Service.
Southwark are well regarded by the funding body and, with our support and guidance, have secured additional funding for various programmes and initiatives during this period.
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“Credit to you and the wider Mime team for your crucial role in our consistently “Good” inspection judgements, the continuity of public funding allocation, and the Green audit ratings. Thank you for your continuing excellent professional support. Being there- available, accessible and helpful- makes all the difference. The greatest of Mime’s many qualities is dependability. Please extend my thanks to Mime team“
Dolly Naeem – Head of Service, Southwark Adult Learning
