Skills for Growth
Learner Handbook
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Learner Handbook version May 2015
Welcome to Skills for Growth!
We will provide you with the right support to help you complete your programme, to progress and
start your career!
Our courses are designed to meet the needs of each individual and support you in developing the
skills and values you need to sustain full time employment and progress within your chosen
career.
We expect you to demonstrate your commitment to learning and progressing at all times. It is
expected that you will have mutual respect, tolerance, excellent attendance and timekeeping and
that you conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
You can expect a team of staff who are here to support, encourage, guide, coach and educate
you during your time with Skills for Growth. We are dedicated to giving you the best and safest
learning experience possible in every part of your journey with us.
Skills for Growth have a six core values which our staff demonstrate and which we want to instill
in our learners. These are:
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Quality, that you receive an individual and high quality learning experience with us.
Success, for you to succeed and progress as a result of your learning with us.
Resilience, to develop with you the skill, attitude and behaviour required to secure and
sustain employment and progress after you have achieved your programme.
Well-being, your welfare is very important to us and we have support network you can
access if you need to.
Equality, we celebrate and promote equality, diversity and challenge discrimination.
Integrity, we are honest in our work with you, your employers and how we use public
funding.
This Handbook provides you with information on staff, facilities and expectations which will
support your learning; as well as guidance on the various procedures that are in place to ensure
the smooth running of your programme.
In addition, you need to note that your programme is funded through the Skills Funding
Agency/Education Funding Agency and the European Social Fund. You can view a short video
on ESF – what it does, how it helps and benefits available or Education – through this link
http://ec/europa.eu/esf/home.jsp
Please use the learner handbook as a reference throughout your time with Skills for Growth.
Finally, we hope you enjoy your experience with us!
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Learner Handbook version May 2015
What Skills for Growth will do for you:
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Provide you with an induction into your programme and the staff who will be working with
you.
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Provide structured and meaningful training in a safe and positive environment free from
bias and discrimination, treating learners with mutual respect, tolerance and fairness.
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To agree with you and your employer a meaningful, individualised Learning Plan which
will contain meaningful and appropriate targets for you to strive to throughout your
programme of learning.
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Will review your progress every 6-8 weeks and set long and short term targets according
to your Learning Plan, your programme and other development needs
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Provide you with constructive and individual feedback on your progress so you always
know where you are at and what you need to do next.
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To have high expectations and to take pride in your achievements and progression.
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To support, motivate, encourage and guide you to help you successfully complete your
course.
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To model professionalism, values and behaviour you need to develop in order to improve
your employability skills and to be successful.
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Provide safe learning environments which are appropriately equipped and accessible.
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To run monthly exam weeks which will have the focus of functional skills, to provide the
support and encouragement needed to enable you to successfully complete this aspect of
your course.
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Support you by providing access to information resources and career guidance on the
career options available to you in the future.
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Give you, whenever possible, reasonable notice of changes to your teaching
arrangements.
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Give you the right to access plenty of opportunities to feedback on your learning
experiences so we can make changes where needed.
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To give you the space and confidence to discuss difficulties or concerns you might have
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Provide you with information and opportunity to appeal against assessment outcomes if
you feel they are unfair or biased.
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We ensure that all of our staff have DBS checks and are trained in Radicalisation,
Extremist and safeguarding awareness.
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We have a dedicated safeguarding team who are in place to ensure your safety at times
of concern
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Learner Handbook version May 2015
What Skills for Growth expects of you:
Attendance & Punctuality
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Attend all sessions regularly as required.
To arrive at SfG five minutes before your session is due to start.
Poor attendance will result in disciplinary procedures taking place and your employer
being informed.
On your return to SfG you will have an interview with your Tutor to establish reason for
non-attendance and to set targets for improvement.
Medical Appointments
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Should be made outside of training hours so as to not affect your work or learning
experience.
Sickness or Injury
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You must inform SfG and your employer by 9:00am if you are unable to attend our training
centre due to sickness.
Keeping yourself healthy
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Whether you are working or attending with us full time – it will feel different!
Remember to look after yourself – this means sleeping and eating well and not doing
anything to excess since this can have an effect on your performance and wellbeing
If you need help or advice on any health aspect or concerns you might have please speak
with your tutor who will be able to signpost you to one of our many contacts
Follow the links below for further information, advice and guidance
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/healthy-eating/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Alcoholhome.aspx
http://www.talktofrank.com/
Pregnancy
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You must inform SfG as soon as you know that you are pregnant, so that we can carry out
a risk assessment to ensure your wellbeing in the training centre and update your
Individual Learning Plan.
Annual Leave
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Holidays should not be booked before obtaining permission from your employer and SfG
tutor.
Family Emergency or Bereavement
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All requests for leave on training days must be approved through your Tutor and Employer
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Health and Safety at SfG and Work
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You must act with all reasonable care with regard to the health and safety of yourself and
others
Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with, or misuse anything provided in the interests of
health and safety
Know what you have to do to operate in a healthy and safe way.
You must report any health and safety issues and concerns to your employer or tutor
You must co-operate on health and safety matters
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English, Maths and ICT
These form part of every programme that we deliver as they are skills that everyone needs
wherever they work and in all parts of our lives.
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We will use your initial assessment and further diagnostic testing to ensure that you are
given the right support and training needed to support you
Will provide you with a log on to our BKSB on line skills builder
Your tutor will track your progress on BKSB
If you hold qualifications that exempt you from functional skills – you need to provide copy
certificates within 12 weeks of you commencing programme.
You will receive separate delivery for each of the functional skills you have to take.
You will also have functional skills integrated into the vocational aspect of delivery
If you hold any statements which allow you access to additional support it is important that
you bring this in within 12 weeks on programme. Without this evidence we are unable to
seek approval from the Awarding Body in order to access the support you are entitled to.
You will be booked onto the relevant exams during exam week – this will be notified to
you at least 10 days -2 weeks before and will be done once you have made the progress
necessary to make you test ready.
Special arrangements for ad hoc exams will be made on a case by case basis.
Results for the tests will be communicated by your tutor within 48 hours of receipt.
Learner Support
If you feel that you need support in relation to your learning, or something that is affecting your
learning, employment or work experience, please speak with your tutor or Team Manager.
Your learning, safety and welfare is very important to us while you are on programme and we
have links with various organisations and support agencies that we can link you with.
If you fall pregnant whilst on your training programme it is important that you let your tutor know
asap so we can organise a risk assessment to be carried out to ensure that you are working
safely whilst on SFG or your employer premises.
If you have an issue relating to your employment – it is important that your first point of reference
is your employment contract and ACAS or Citizens Advice Bureau if you have a concern or an
employment related question. See links to their websites below. It is essential that you check
your concern out with these organisations since they have the most up to date legal information
that you need in relation to Employment Law. Please remember SfG are NOT Employment Law
specialists.
http://www.acas.org.uk
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
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We can give you support with any part of learning on your programme. We also have a team of
counsellors who work with us who you may be able to access if you are in need of counselling
support and are awaiting your appointment through your GP. Please speak with your tutor or
another member of staff if you have concerns.
Behaviour at SFG
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Keep a positive and professional attitude at all times
Speak appropriate English (no swearing)
Be considerate and behave responsibly
Dress smartly and appropriately
Be respectful and tolerant to everyone
To listen when others are talking and not over talk
If you have a problem – talk about it to your tutor – don’t give up – most things can be
dealt with – don’t walk away without talking about it
Do not use your phone during training sessions at any time - have your mobile phone
switched off or on silent
If you are expecting an urgent call – speak with your tutor
Make appointments outside of training hours (where possible) All your appointments will
need to verified by your tutor/employer.
Treat the training centre and resources with respect
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Study Programme and Traineeship: Principles of Work
If you are on one of our Study or Traineeship Programmes – you will also need to be aware of
and commit to the following principles of work and learning;
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Commitment:
You demonstrate dedication to the programme, attend all sessions on time and strive for
progression to be your number one goal.
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Dress code:
You always take pride in your appearance and dress appropriately for the workplace.
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Resilience:
You demonstrate the ability to overcome and recover from difficult situations in order to
experience success in the workplace.
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Participation
You always take pride in your work and take every opportunity to demonstrate
professional conduct.
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Respect:
You have excellent self-control and always try to make others feel comfortable and
appreciated
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Learner Handbook version May 2015
E Safety
It is important to keep yourself safe when using ICT, the internet and social media.
All use of the internet at SFG is monitored and logged and anything of concern will be reported.
It is important that everyone is aware of the risks of online extremist and terrorist groups.
It is also important to be aware of your digital footprint and how this might impact on your future
career. Your digital footprint can be seen from your on line activity, comments, opinions,
photographs etc and anyone can access this from friends and parents to future employers. This
will be covered during your training with Skills for Growth.
Learners at Skills for Growth are expected to:
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be responsible for the resources accessed and that language used is appropriate, polite
and sensible
only use ICT at Skills for Growth for learning purposes
only open email attachments from known sources
only open or delete personal files
not deliberately browse, download or upload material that could be considered offensive
or illegal – to report to a member of staff anything accidentally accessed
not give out personal information such as name, phone number or address
not sending or share with anyone material that could be considered as threatening,
bullying, offensive, unsafe or illegal
to keep passwords safe and do not share
not agree to meeting anyone unknown via the internet
to not try and bypass the internet filtering system
to report anything of concern to your tutor or to one of the Safeguarding Team
http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/14_plus/help/Contact-social-sites/ - information on Social Media
Sites – Rules and how to get something removed.
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ - information and advice on safe use of the internet
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/Need-advice/Digital-footprint/ information on your digital
footprint
Disciplinary Procedure
You are expected to respect the rules and regulations laid down by SfG and other establishments
to which you may be referred during your programme. These rules and regulations will be
explained to you when you attend these centres.
Failing to observe the rules of these Centre’s, or those laid down within this document will result
in disciplinary action being taken against you.
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Unacceptable behaviour would include: 
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Abusive, intimidating, inciting or violent behaviour or language
Causing deliberate damage to vehicles, plant or property
Refusing to carry out legitimate instructions
Not wearing safety equipment provided when instructed to do so
Misuse of ICT
Leaving your training/placement without your supervisor/tutor’s approval
There are four disciplinary stages for acts of misconduct
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Recorded Verbal Warning (copy will be placed on your personal file)
First Written Warning (copy will be placed on your personal file)
Final Written Warning (copy will be placed on your personal file)
Termination of your training
Gross Misconduct
Gross misconduct is considered to be;
 Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances whilst at work or our training
centre
 Use of ICT for extremist or terrorist activity
For acts of Gross Misconduct we will proceed straight to Stage 4 of the disciplinary process which
may result in your immediate dismissal.
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The Safeguarding Team
If you think you have suffered any of the above forms of abuse you should report this to a trusted
member of staff:
Angela Beaton – Designated Safeguarding Officer
Sarah Jones
Laura Cooper
Alex Green
Stephanie Denton
Jo Goddard
Dewi Griffin
The safeguarding team can be reached
ed@skillsforgrowth.org.uk or by calling
via
your
Charlotte Edwardes
tutor/Team
Manager,
0208 304 8527 Bexleyheath
0208 221 0500 Stratford
0208 634 4022 Woolwich
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Learner Handbook version May 2015
by
email
Preventing Extremism
Skills for Growth work with the Prevent and Channel teams to ensure that our young people are
vigilant and have an understanding of the risks around radicalisation.
All our staff are trained in Radicalisation and Extremist awareness. If you have a concern about
something you have seen or need some advice about a friend, a colleague, someone in your
group, someone in your family, please speak with your tutor or a member of the safeguarding
team for advice and support.
http://www.familiesmatter.org.uk/ - families against stress and trauma
Bullying
Skills for Growth have a non-tolerance policy around bullying – if you or another learner is
experiencing bullying please speak with your tutor or safeguarding team as soon as possible.
Everyone has the responsibility to work together to stop bullying. Respect and tolerance for each
other is important – everyone has a right to a learning environment where safety, security, praise
and recognition are in place. EVERYONE is important and our differences make us special.
Show appreciation of others by acknowledging individual qualities and contributions – learn from
them.
Bullying can include:
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Physical pushing, kicking or unwanted sexual contact
Name calling, rumour spreading, gossip, persistent teasing, humiliation and ignoring
Graffiti, gestures, language or taunts of a racial or judgement kind
Sexual comments or suggestions
Inappropriate or unkind comments, opinions, photos, sharing statuses etc on line or via
social media
Anyone reporting bullying will be listened to, support given and a thorough investigation carried
out.
If you are being bullied or are concerned about someone else being bullied please speak with
your tutor, one of the Safeguarding Team or email ed@skillsforgrowth.org.uk.
http://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/what-to-do-if-you-re-being-bullied-on-a-social-network/
http://www.bullying.co.uk/
Equality and Diversity
SfG works to ensure that no one suffers discrimination or disadvantage regardless of their
gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
All learners and staff should ensure that they behave in a way that treats everyone with mutual
dignity, respect and tolerance.
If you feel that you or someone else in your group are being harassed or discriminated against,
please report it to a member of staff or one of the Safeguarding Team as soon as possible. We
aim to deal with issues successfully so it does not affect your learning.
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You can also raise your concern via ed@skillsforgrowth.org.uk
If the matter is not resolved you may make a formal complaint by contacting SfG’s Chief
Executive; Ashley McCaul.
Health and Safety
SfG has an extremely high priority on safety and you will be given guidance on safety as an
integral part of your programme. SfG will operate under the organisation’s Health and Safety
Policy:
Legal Duties of Learners and Employees
Three general duties are placed on learners/employees. These are:
1. To exercise reasonable care for Health and Safety of him/herself and others who may be
affected by his/hers acts or omissions at work.
2. To co-operate with the employer or training organisation as far as may be necessary to
enable him/her to carry out his/hers legal duties in health and safety matters.
3. Not intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided in the interests of health
and safety welfare.
Confidentiality
SfG staff is happy to try and help support you with any difficult situation you may find yourself in.
If you choose to confide in one of our staff there may be circumstances where this information
may have to be shared with other agencies. These circumstances would be:
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If there is a serious danger to you, a member of our staff or another person
If the law says we must share the information with the police or social services
Rarely, we may have to talk to someone else without being able to talk to you first; if you, or
someone you told us about, are in immediate and serious danger.
SfG will not talk about you, or the information you have given us, without your permission. We
may keep a written record of the conversation, you will be asked to sign this record to ensure its
accuracy, and this will be put in a sealed envelope on your file. Only the person you have spoken
to or their Manager may open this envelope.
We have procedures in place to keep any information it has on record, safe and secure. These
procedures are:
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Files are placed back in a filing cabinet immediately after use
Filing cabinets are locked when the office is empty
Confidential written information is placed in a sealed envelope on your file
Confidential phone calls are made in private
We will book a meeting room to talk to you in private, if requested
All SfG staff are aware of this policy and how to use it
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At the end of a time specified by our funding body, all files relating to our learners are shredded
and all documentation destroyed.
What your employer or work experience placement expects
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You to arrive for work on time, every day
Not to use your mobile phone, social media or the internet for anything other than work
during working hours
You to book holiday or to inform of other time off in accordance with the terms and
conditions of your contract
For you to follow procedures and processes in place
For you to treat your colleagues politely, respectfully and professionally
For you to understand that if you are given feedback in relation to your performance at
work, this is not personal, it is related to your work.
To make sure you are keeping yourself healthy in preparation for work – sensible eating,
getting enough sleep and not doing anything to excess that can impact on your ability to
work
To wear business appropriate clothing and footwear
To talk honestly about any problems you are having – not to give up at the first problem
To keep information related to your work private and confidential
To carry out legitimate instructions given to you by colleagues
To ensure that you are aware of any health, safety or security rules you are to follow
To turn up at work fit for work and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you are off sick follow your workplace rules – make sure you call in by the time
requested and provide any certification that they require
Complaints procedures – internal and Skills Funding Agency/Education Funding Agency
If you wish to make a complaint about any part of your learning experience at Skills for Growth
you can do so in the following ways:
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You will be able to participate in learner feedback forums throughout your time on
programme where you will be able to give specific feedback direct to your vocational area
You will also be able to provide feedback by the use of Survey Monkey
Informal complaints can be made to your tutor or Team Manager
Formal complaints must be made in writing and addressed to the Director of Curriculum
for investigation. Initial response time will be five working days.
If you wish to appeal an assessment decision, you can do so through your Assessor
initially and then your Internal Verifier.
If you have a complaint in relation to your qualification you can do so through your
awarding body – you tutor can give you specific instruction on how to do this.
If you have a complaint about any aspect of your funded programme –information on doing so
can be found in this link:
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https://www.gov.uk/complainfurthereducationapprenticeship for apprenticeships and
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-post-16-efa-fundedinstitutions/how-to-complain-about-post-16-efa-funded-institutions for Study Programmes/
Traineeship Programmes
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Progression
Our staff will discuss with you progression opportunities from the start of your
programme. We will actively work with you to ensure your progression forms a key part
of your Individual Learning Plan and will set targets to ensure that this remains a focus
throughout your time with us.
If at any stage you are unsure about how you might like to progess or have reconsidered
your options, please speak to your tutor/assessor or Team Manager for advice, guidance
and support so you can talk about opportunities available to you.
What happens once you finish your programme
You will receive an exit review with your assessor/tutor in which your progression following your
learning programme will be recorded. You will also be asked to undertake a survey on your total
learning experience with Skills for Growth. You are encouraged to be free, open and honest in
your feedback as we take it very seriously and use this to develop and alter our processes and
curriculum where possible.
Your qualification will be internally verified by our internal quality team and once this has been
passed, it will be sent through to our examinations team for qualification claim.
Once your certificates arrive, you will be contacted by SFG to inform you that they are ready for
collection. Certificates are only released once you have achieved every aspect of your
programme. Certificates are only released to the person on the certificate as they have to be
signed for. If you want another person to collect these on your behalf you must provide written
authority to collect.
Staff from SFG will keep in contact you regularly over the months following the end of your
programme so we can see how you are doing, how you have progressed and to see if there is
any other support we can provide you.
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Important Contacts
STRATFORD RECEPTION – 0208 221 0500
WOOLWICH RECEPTION – 020 8634 4022
BEXLEYHEATH RECEPTION – 020 830 8527
Our offices are usually open between 8am - 6pm
If you have a problem or any concern you are unable to talk to a tutor about, you can email:
ed@skillsforgrowth.org.uk
24 hour Hotline: 07539 482739
Important Contacts within Skills for Growth:
Business Admin Team Manager (Maternity Cover for Sharon Day) : Charlotte Edwardes
Childcare Team Manager: Jo Goddard
Interim Hairdressing Team Manager: Laura Cooper
Study and Traineeship Programmes Team Manager: Dewi Griffin
Curriculum Specialist Lead Maths : Scott Eldred
Curriculum Specialist Lead : Shamima Islam
Learners Services Manager: Sarah Jones
Client/Employer Services: Killian Murphy, Alex Green, Stephanie Denton
Examinations Officer: Saydul Islam
Director of Curriculum: Angela Beaton
Director of Client Services : Stephen O Leary
Chief Executive Officer : Ashley McCaul
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Please sign below to confirm that you have read and understood this agreement and that you
have been informed that your programme is funded by the Skills Funding Agency/Education
Funding Agency and European Social Fund.
File Copy of Learning Agreement Learner Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) Signed; SFG Staff: (BLOCK CAPITALS) Signed; Date: Date:  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
File Copy
Learner to sign this copy then add to personal file
Learner Copy of Learning Agreement I have read and understood this agreement Learner Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) Signed; SFG Staff: (BLOCK CAPITALS) Signed; Date: Date: 16
Learner Handbook version May 2015