This document describes the relationships held between the following subcontractors:
•Clinical Professionals LTD and the University of Kent (Clinical Trials Specialist Apprenticeship)
•Runway Training LTD and the University of Kent (English and maths (Functional Skills) provision)
Clinical Trials Specialist
Subcontracting Clinical Placement Activity
When the University began the Level 6 Clinical Trials Specialist Apprenticeship, we did so alongside the subcontractor Clinical Professional LTD t/a Clinical Professional Academics.
The Clinical Trials Specialist Apprenticeship course utilised Clinical Professionals Academics as a subcontractor to support clinical training activities. Their expert provision complemented the University’s offerings, enhancing the opportunities available to apprentices.
As required by the ESFA, the University was required to reduce the value of our subcontracting provision and acquired additional staffing to enable us to create our own materials for the Clinical Trials Apprenticeship programme. This meant that new content for the Clinical Trials Apprenticeship was created and delivered by the University of Kent from August 2022 (for new apprentices only).
The University of Kent continued their subcontracting relationship with Clinical Professionals Academics to deliver eligible clinical training to apprentices who started between 2019 and July 2022, using the existing material produced by Clinical Professional Academics. These apprentices continued to use the delivery materials designed by Clinical Professionals Academics, with all apprentices moving over to University of Kent material in 2024. Any apprentice starting from August 2022 will use materials designed and produced by the University of Kent.
As a subcontractor, Clinical Professionals Academics have contributed learning materials to the following modules. The University of Kent (UoK) agreed to pay Clinical Professionals Academics (CPA) £850.00 or the appropriate proportion as set out below, per apprentice, per module completed (this is in relation to joint modules with Clinical Professionals Academics and University of Kent only).
- Introductory session with Learning mapped to K1 and K6 (£300 – this module was delivered historically and will not be delivered from August 2022 onwards)
- LABS5150 - Critical Thinking in Clinical Research (UoK 50%, CPA 50%)
- LABS5160 - Data Management and Statistics (UoK 25%, CPA 75%)
- LABS5170 - Document Management, Quality Management and Biological Sample Management (UoK 70%, CPA 30%)
- LABS5190 - Project Management and Decision Making (UoK 5%, CPA 95%)
- LABS6130 - Finance and Corporate Governance (UoK 60%, CPA 40%)
Clinical Professionals Academics have also contributed both materials and delivery on the following module in previous years:
- LABS4151 - Good Clinical Practice, Regulations and Ethics Committees (UoK 50%, CPA 50%)
The price paid for the modules is reasonable and proportionate to the delivery of teaching and learning.
The use of subcontractors in the instances described above have been agreed by the University and the Employer at the start of an apprenticeship where applicable.
The University only enters into a subcontracting relationship with a subcontractor for apprenticeship provision when they are eligible to receive apprenticeship funding, as outlined in the ESFA Apprenticeship Funding rules. All subcontractors have a contractual relationship with the University and are required to undergo rigorous quality assurance processes and remain compliant with the ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules. A designated member of staff in Global and Lifelong Learning (the department which delivers the Clinical Trial Specialist apprenticeship) acts as a subcontractor liaison officer to support these quality assurance and monitoring processes. This is usually the Course Convener and the Quality, Compliance and Improvement Officer.
Subcontracting Management Fees
Under this agreement, the University of Kent agreed a fee of £400 to support the subcontracting management per apprentice, this includes the quality assurance, due diligence, contract management, administrative functions and any other management requirements of the Clinical Trials programme.
Maths and English Provision (Functional Skills)
Subcontracting Runway Apprenticeships Limited
Due to the requirement that all apprentices need to have in place Level 2 English and mathematics by their apprenticeship gateway, it is necessary to appoint a subcontractor to deliver these qualifications. This arrangement enhances the offering that Kent provides, providing expert knowledge to deliver Functional Skills. Although Kent has an existing offer supporting at GCSE standard that runs yearly; the Functional Skills route provided by Runway Training will offer more flexibility as there is regular 12- week cycle of delivery, offering multiple start points throughout the year.
This subcontractor will work alongside Kent apprentices who have not obtained Level 2 English and/or mathematics to coach and mentor them to attain these qualifications.
Runway Training offers opportunities, online materials, support tutors or Teams sessions to ensure that all apprentice needs are met. This is of particular importance for apprentices as they are based all over the country and fit their studies around their work. The importance of a Functional Skills provision being provided for apprentices cannot be underestimated, as it increases access to apprenticeships for those who may not have achieved sufficient prior attainment.
The aim of the Services from Runway Training is to deliver Functional Skills in English and mathematics to the Learners engaged in apprenticeships programmes who do not already have a Level 2 equivalent to meet their gateway criteria.
The Services include the following:
• An initial and Basic Skills assessment of the individual’s current skills to produce an individualised learning plan for skills development along an appropriate learning pathway.
• Advice, guidance, and mentoring on an individual basis
• Remote tutor support as required
• Facilitate practice examinations
• Online webinars and revision materials
• Register, certificate and administer final examinations
• Examination re-sits as required
• Maintain clear and auditable records to track and monitor learner progress in line with current funding guidelines.
• Provide supporting evidence including but not limited to certificates, learning logs, registers and course evaluation forms.
• Regularly provide learner updates and reports as agreed with the Customer (University of Kent).
As a subcontractor, Runway Training’s charges are as follows:
| Stage | Evidence | Payment Due |
| Early Withdrawal | An admin fee applies if a learner leaves programme before a stage payment is claimed | £25 per qualification |
| 1- Registration | Initial Assessment and Diagnostic Assessment completed. Learning plan created and accessed by learner | £225 |
| 2 - Learner has completed over 50% of their programme of learning or have moved onto mock exam papers | Individual skills plan evidencing that the learner is 50% or more of the way through their programme or evidence of a sent practice exam | £225 |
| 3 - Completion of functional skills qualification | Copy of certificate of achievement from awarding organisation | £274 |
|
| Payment Total | £724 |
The price paid for the Functional Skills support is reasonable and proportionate to the delivery of teaching and learning.
The use of subcontractors in the instances described above have been agreed by the University and the Employer at the start of an apprenticeship where applicable.
The University only enters into a subcontracting relationship with a subcontractor for apprenticeship provision when they are eligible to receive apprenticeship funding, as outlined in the ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules. All subcontractors have a contractual relationship with the University and are required to undergo rigorous quality assurance processes and remain compliant with the ESFA Apprenticeship Funding Rules. A designated member of staff in Global and Lifelong Learning (the department which supports apprenticeships) acts as a subcontractor liaison officer to support these quality assurance and monitoring processes. This is usually the Quality, Compliance and Improvement Officer, who will hold quarterly quality assurance monitoring with the subcontractor.
Subcontracting Management Fees
The University of Kent charges a £108.60 subcontracting management fee per apprentice requiring functional skills support, this includes the quality assurance, due diligence, contract management and administrative functions. This reflects 15% of the overall costs per apprentice.
Further Guidance
Please contact apprenticeshipcompliance@kent.ac.uk if you have any queries on apprenticeship subcontracting.
Last updated December 2025.