Glossary

14-19 Agenda

A key Government policy designed to provide secondary age, and older, pupils with a wider range of educational options, including vocational courses, than might traditionally have been available. A local authority's Strategy for Change must set out how its BSF proposals will also meet the relevant elements of this policy, in partnership with other local providers, such as Further Education colleges.

Academies

Academies are all ability independent schools established by sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working in partnership with central government and local education partners

All Through School

Schools for pupils aged five to 18. A central aim of these schools is to stop pupil performance dipping between primary and secondary level. Increasing numbers of state schools are becoming 'all-through', whereas private sector senior schools have traditionally had their own preparatory school nearby.

AMP (Asset Management Plan)

Each children and young people's service will produce an investment strategy which prioritises their secondary school stock through analysis of the condition of the building and suitability for purpose (in size, form and location etc.)

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BB98 (Building Bulletin 98)

Publication by the DCSF that sets out area guidelines for secondary school buildings

BB99 (Building Bulletin 99)

Publication by the DCSF that sets out area guidelines for Primary school buildings

BB102 (Building Bulletin)

Publication by the DCSF on designing buildings for pupils with special needs

BECTA (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency)

BECTA is the Government's lead partner in the strategic development and delivery of its e-strategy for the schools and the learning and skills sector.  Becta provides strategic leadership in the innovative and effective use of ICT to enable the transformation of learning, teaching and educational organisations for the benefit of every learner.

BREEAM (British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)

BREEAM assess the performance of buildings in the following areas – management, energy use, health and well­being, pollution, transport, land use, materials and water

BSF (Building Schools for the Future)

BSF is the largest individual government investment in improving schools buildings for over half a century.  The central aim is to rebuild and renew every secondary school in England over a 10-15 year period.  BSF represents a new approach to capital investment.  It amalgamates significant investment in buildings and in ICT over the near future to support the Government's educational reform agenda.

BSFI (Building Schools for the Future Investments)

The central investment business for BSF. BSFI invests in Local Education Partnerships (LEPs) alongside each local authority and their private sector partner, and appoints a Director to each LEP's Board.

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CABE (Commission for Architecture and Built Environment)

A national body promoting good design of buildings and spaces. Advisory body to the BSF programme in design issues funded by DCSF to support LAs with design enablers, providing 10­12 days free time allocated to each local authority project, previously to the schools PFI programme, and now to BSF authorities.

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

CAMHS promote the mental health and psychological wellbeing of children and young people and provide high quality, multidisciplinary mental health services to all children and young people with mental health problems and disorders to ensure effective assessment, treatment and support for them and their families.

Carbon Neutral

Carbon neutral buildings are those with zero net carbon release, calculated by balancing the amount of carbon released with the amount offset. PfS is working with the DfE to explore ways in which we can help schools get ever closer to the ultimate goal of making all schools in England carbon neutral, including the establishment of the Zero Carbon Taskforce (see also). All BSF schools are designed with a strong focus on sustainability to help reduce the carbon footprint of all schools.

Catalist

The UK public sector procurement service provided by OGCbuying.solutions, an Executive Agency of the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in the Treasury.

CC (Commercial Close)

Point at which all contractual documents are agreed and can be signed and held until Financial Close.

CD (Competitive Dialogue)

The procurement process that must be used by the public sector for the award of complex contracts such as those for the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

CDA (Client Design Advisor)

The local authority's adviser with responsibility for providing guidance on all elements relating to design for BSF, from drawing up initial options for each school, refining the subsequent brief that is issued to bidders, and in due course helping to assess the quality of the bids submitted. A CDA is mandatory in BSF. The CABE enabler will help the local authority to recruit the CDA.

CfFB (Call for Final Bids)

The request for final submissions which is made by the local authority to the remaining participants after the conclusion of the dialogue phase

CLC (City Learning Centres)

One of the key elements of the Excellence in Cities (EiC) programme is the establishment of a network of school-based City Learning Centres (CLCs).  There are over 100 CLCs operating in EiC areas across the country.  These enhance learning across the whole curriculum by providing state-of-the-art ICT-based learning opportunities for the pupils at the host school, for pupils at a network of surrounding schools and for the wider community.

Conventional Capital

Capital grant or supported borrowing approval for non PFI projects.

CP (Contractor Partner)

Construction firms appointed to Plymouth's BSF framework.

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D&B (Design and Build)

A form of contract in which a single contractor is responsible for both the design and construction of a building project. In BSF this will usually be the LEP.

DBFO (Design, Build, Finance and Operate)

A form of contract in which a consortium takes responsibility for both the design, construction, financing and operation (including maintenance) of an asset for a period of years. PFI contracts are DBFO contracts.

DBOM (Design, Build, Operate and Maintain)

A specific contract type to design and build a project, and then to maintain it and provide facilities management services for the life of the contract period.

DF (Design Freeze)

The point where all design is signed off and no more changes or amendment will be made with out change request.

DfE (Department for Education)

The government department that owns and has overall responsibility for Building Schools for the Future and the Academies Programme.

DP (Dialogue phase)

The phase of the procurement starting with the Invitation to Participate in the Dialogue and ending prior to the Call for Final Bids. The dialogue phase enables the local authority to discuss and negotiate with pre-qualified participants with the aim of identifying the solutions(s) best suited to satisfying its needs.

DUG (Design User Group)

Academy group that considers the development of school designs.

DQI (Design Quality Indicator)

Essential elements which the BSF team and schools will require to see in all design proposals.

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EAL (English as an additional language)

Term for learner's for whom English is not their first language.

ECM (Every Child Matters)

ECM sets out the national framework for local change programmes to build services around the needs of children and young people so that we maximise opportunity and minimise risk. Every Child Matters sets out five outcomes that matter most to children and young people:   Being healthy: enjoying good physical and mental health and living a healthy lifestyle.   Staying safe: being protected from harm and neglect; Enjoying and Achieving: getting the most out of life and developing the skills for adulthood. Making a Positive Contribution: being involved with the community and not engaging in anti-social or offending behaviour;  Economic wellbeing: not being prevented by economic disadvantage from achieving their full potential in life.

Education Director

Each BSF project will be assigned an Education Director at Partnerships for Schools, whose role is to support the local authority on the development of its Strategy for Change. In most cases, the Education Director will stay with the project throughout its journey to financial close supporting and challenging where necessary on the continued development of the vision for transformation through BSF capital.

Education Vision

Produced by the local authority as part of its Strategy for Change (SfC) Part 1 to articulate its aims for transforming education through the BSF programme.

ED (Exemplar Designs)

The DCSF has produced a compendium of exemplar designs for new secondary schools. These schemes are the result of s design competition held during 2003, which resulted in five teams being chosen to produce model schemes for different types of site. A sixth design is for an ‘all through ‘ school combining secondary and primary. There are also five primary school exemplars, although theses are not expected to be widely used for the BSF programme.

EOI (Expressions of Interest)

It is a process by which a number of prospective respondents are provided with a high level description of the buyer's needs which also requests them to "register their interest" in tendering for the contract.  It is commonly a part of the staged procurement process but is used in BSF and Academies

Extended Schools

A key Government policy for increasing the community focus and use of school buildings, either through the dual use of existing facilities (such as sports halls, or providing adult education on school premises), and/or the co-location of other public services (such as libraries, health centres, etc.) on school sites. BSF seeks to encourage and facilitate the provision of extended schools.

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FAM (Funding Allocation Model)

PfS will provide the local authority with a funding ‘envelope’ for a group of schools in a project. The envelope is calculated using the FAM, based on the recommended gross floor areas and the agreed projected number of pupils.

FB (Final Bids)

The tenders submitted by remaining participants, in response to the ITSFT, once the dialogue phase has been concluded and which must include all elements necessary for the performance of the contract. Final bids should be based on the solution(s) identified in the dialogue phase.

FBC (Final Business Case)

The aim of the Final Business Case FBC is to provide reassurance that the project in question supports the aims and outputs which were originally approved in the Outline Business Case (OBC) and that it continues to provide value for money.  

FC (Financial close)

The point at which, if PFI is being utilised, the interest rate is fixed on the bank debt taken out by the bidder to finance the project.

FM (Facilities Management)

The generic term "Facilities Management" applies to all the day-to-day aspects of managing buildings, their systems, equipment and contents:- Hard FM refers to the costs and responsibilities of maintaining the buildings themselves.  Soft FM relates to the costs of related building services such as cleaning and grounds maintenance.

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GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualifications)

Can be taken at a variety of levels from Part One GNVQs at Foundation level, which are equivalent to two GCSEs  to GNVQ level 5 which is post-graduate level.  GNVQs are usually studied for on a full or part-time basis in school or college.

GR (Gateway Review)

A Gateway is a review of a procurement project carried out at key decision points by a team of experienced people who are independent of the project team. The Gateway Review process provides assurance to the Project Owner that their project can progress successfully to the next stage. Gateways have been designed to support projects that procure services, construction/property projects and IT enabled business change projects. The Gateway Review process in Local Government is managed by 4ps.

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ICT (Information Communication Technology)

ICT applies to any communications unit or applications including the services and applications associated with them.  Range of technologies for gathering, storing, retrieving, processing, analysing and transmitting information.

ITCD (Invitation to Continue Dialogue)

A formal invitation, from a procuring public body to prospective contractors, to present proposals (including pricing) for a Continue Diologue

ITN (Invitation to Negotiate)

A formal invitation, from a procuring public body to prospective contractors, to present bids (including pricing) for a contract.

ITPD (Invitation to Participate in Dialogue)

The ITPD is the precursor to the first stage of the competitive dialogue process. ITPD enables contracting authorities will assess bidders' high level ideas, approach and suitability for this project in order to identify those respondents who will be short listed to progress to the subsequent stages of the competitive dialogue process.

ITSFB (Invitation to Submit Final Bids)

The document which invites remaining participants to submit Final Bids once the dialogue phase has been concluded.  

JVC (Joint Venture Company)

A company formed by the LA, PfS and a PSP to deliver the SBC

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KM (Knowledge Management)

KM refers to the process of actively and systematically managing and leveraging the stores of knowledge.  It transforms information and intellectual assets into assets of enduring value.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator)

KPIs measure and quantify the ongoing performance of a project, contract or organisation. These are used in the BSF context to measure the performance of the Local Education Partnership, as part of the ongoing assessment of its delivery of value for money services to the local authority and its schools.

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LA (Local Authority)

e.g. Plymouth City Council

LCF (Local Choice Fund)

Part of the ICT funding which allows choice of ICT equipment, peripherals and software by individual schools as part of an overall managed service

LEP (Local Education Partnership)

The joint venture company for local delivery of the BSF programme, formed by a local authority, BSFI and a Private Sector Partner (PSP) which is usually a consortium, the standard model anticipates the PSP owning 80% of the shares, BSFI 10% and the local authority 10%

LIFT

Similar to PFI for the health Authority.

LP (Local Partnerships)

Known as Local Partnerships. Local government's project delivery specialist. Provides hands-on project support, gateway reviews, skills development and best-practice know-how, and provides support to local authorities for the BSF programme, through its Expert Client programme.

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MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)

Languages contemporaneously native to nations which are outside of UK national borders.

MIS (Management Information System)

MIS is  a generic term for the IT systems/software in an organisation that supply information about its business operations.  It may also be used to refer to the people who operate or interact with these systems.  Typically, in a large corporation, "MIS" or the "MIS Department" refers to a central or centrally co-ordinated system of IT expertise and management, often including mainframe systems but also including by extension the corporation's entire network of computer resources.

MLD (Moderate Learning Difficulties)

MLE (Managed Learning Environment)

MLE is a software system designed to enable tutors in the management of online educational resources. MLE generally includes access control, provision of e-learning materials, communication tools, and administrative functions.  A range of software tools that enables the interaction of the learning platform, the virtual learning environment and appropriate administration and management information data and processes.

MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

This is an agreement, signed by the Chief Executives of a local authority and PfS, that confirms mutual obligations and the respective roles and responsibilities in delivering BSF both nationally and locally. This is signed before the local authority formally enters the BSF programme.

MRA (Main Review Approval)

A combined panel of DfE, PfS, HMT and PUK representatives who consider and ultimately approve OBCs. (This panel replaced the previous Peer Review Group from Waves 1-4).

MSP (Managed Service Provider)

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NCLSCS (National College of Leadership for Schools and Childrens Services)

The NCLSCS is responsible for developing programmes to support leadership in schools and is specifically contracted to run the BSF Leadership programme for projects as they enter the BSF programme.

NPV (Net Present Value)

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OBC (Outline Business Case)

A document that includes both an economic appraisal and further information on the relevant details concerning management, financing, marketing, procurement and the arrangements for monitoring and evaluation of the project.  The aim of an outline business case (OBC) is to set expound the scope, cost, affordability, risks, procurement process and timetable of the project, to enable approval by 4Ps and the project review group (PRG) with success resulting in the approval to procure. The OBC draws from the strategic business case (SBC). The SBC reveals the rationale behind the strategy and the purpose of the capital investment. Projects are then elaborated upon and costed in the OBC, which will apply a particular group of schools at a specific point in time.

ODPM (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)

OGC (Office of Government Commerce)

OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union)

EU legislation stipulates that all public sector contracts of a value above a certain limit must be published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU, formerly OJEC).

OJEU Notice

A notice in the Official Journal of the European UnionA notice seeking applications from companies (or consortia) to become the Private Sector Partner to deliver the local BSF programme

OS (Output specification)

A detailed description of the functions that the new accommodation must be capable of performing. Usually split into building functions and service functions. The Output Specification is intended to state only the outputs required of the services, and not the way in which the PSP will achieve these.

OSC (Office of the Schools Commissioner)

The Schools Commissioner is appointed by the Secretary of State and has a national role to promote choice, diversity (through brining in new providers) and fair access in the education system. This will involve encouraging the development of new Academies and Trust schools, with a view to delivering better educational outcomes

OSP (One School Pathfinder)

One-off school rebuilding projects funded by BSF capital, aimed at those local authorities not due to start the full BSF programme until Waves 10 to 15.

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PA (Project Agreement)

The legal agreement reached between the local authority and the private sector partner for PFI projects. For BSF projects, the PfS standard form of Project Agreement is used.

PCP (Primary Capital Programme)

The DfE's programme for investment in primary schools in England. This funding can be delivered by LEPs.

PD (Project Directors)

The PfS staff who advise the local authority project team, and lead them through the standardised BSF process.

PFI (Private Finance Initiative)

A procurement route established in 1995 and more widely adopted since 1997. /it is an important route for much Government spending on assets, as it transfers significant risks to the private sector. PFI requires private sector consortia to raise private finance for the project, which must involve investment in assets, and the long-term delivery of services to the public sector. In BSF, PFI is the funding route favoured for new build projects.

PFI Credit (Private Finance Initiative Credit)

PFI Credits represent a commitment on the part of the Government to provide a certain level of revenue support to a local authority under the Local Government (Capital Finance) Regulations 1997. The government reimburses a contribution to the local authority (which contracts with the private sector to provide facilities) for that element of the contract price that relates to the repayment and servicing of funds borrowed to provide the facilities. The revenue support acts as a contribution to the unitary charge that the local authority will be contractually committed to paying to its PFI contractor.

PfS (Partnerships for Schools)

The non departmental public body et up to deliver BSF nationally, jointly managed by the DCSF and Partnerships UK. It is separate to BSFI, the investment vehicle. PfS has also been tasked with delivering the government’s Academies programme

PID (Project Initiation Documentation)

The PID project board to ensure the project has a sound basis before making a major commitment to the project. It will act as a base document against which the project board and project manager can assess progress, change management and on-going viability. The PID is intended to be a 'live' document that will be updated and reviewed regularly. Approval of the PID is sought internally from the project board, together with authorisation to proceed with the next stage of the project.

PIN (Prior Information Notice)

A public notice which precedes the full Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) notice and sets out the scope of the local authority’s (LA’s) requirements

PITN (Preliminary Invitation to Negotiate)

Documentation setting out the local authority’s (LA’s) requirements in more detail sent out to all long-listed private sector partners (PSP) applicants prior to selection interviews

PLP (Personalised Learning Plans)

Outline of the development needs and learning objectives for each individual learner.

PM (Payment mechanism)

The basis of payment to the Contractor which provides for deductions for non-availability of spaces and non performance by the Contractor

PMLD (Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties)

PP (Pathfinder Project)

Four projects selected in March 2003 to help shape and prove the BSF programme and which have now completed their procurement stages

PPP (Public Private Partnership)

The relationship formed between the private sector and public bodies often with the aim of introducing private sector resources and/or expertise in order to help provide and deliver public sector assets and services. The concept of PPP embraces many forms of partnership including PFI.

PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire)

Sets out the information which bidders are required to provide to the LA and PFS. The aim of the pre-qualification selection process is to enable the contracting authorities to draw up a list of pre qualifies bidders. It involves consideration of the economic and financial standing and the ability and technical capacity of bidders (should be read in conjunction with the MOI).

PQQIIB (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire: information and instructions to bidders)

These guidance notes for the completion of the PQQ.

PR Procurement Route

The systems and procedures for commissioning work. In BSF, it is anticipated that around 50% of the schools will be PFI new builds which means they will be built, maintained and serviced by an SPV set up by a LEP. The rest of the schools will be refurbished and in some cases will also be maintained over a period of time by the LEP.

Preferred Bidder

The title given under the old negotiated procedure to the consortium that is selected to deliver a local authority's BSF programme, subject to successful negotiation of the final contractual forms and financial structure of the Local Education Partnership. See also Selected Bidder.

PRG (Project Review Group)

The PRG is an inter-departmental group chaired by HM Treasury (HMT) with members drawn from the sponsoring government departments (DLGC, DCMS, DCSF etc). 4ps attends its meetings and contributes to discussions on projects in which it has been involved. PRG assess PFI projects to confirm the commercial viability of proposals, prior to commencing procurement. The PRG will assess all projects in BSF with a PFI element.

Procurement

How local authorities research and decide on which firms to appoint to work on building contracts, contracts to supply goods or contracts to supply services.

Project Sponsor

The individual, usually the local authority's Chief Executive or DCS, ultimately responsible for leading their BSF project. This person does not lead or manage the project on a day-to-day basis, but represents it corporately and externally as its public 'voice' and advocate.

PRPG (Programme Review and Planning Group)

The PRPG has been established in order that all relevant parties have a voice and representation. The ambit of the PRPG centres around the activities of receiving, endorsing or making comments on strategic reports.

PRU (Pupil Referral Unit)

PSP (Private Sector Partner)

The private sector organisation with which a local authority enters into a PPP or PFI contract. In BSF, the PSP will have the majority stake within the LEP, and may also be in direct contracts with the local authority through PFI contracts. The Private Partner is usually a consortia made up of a range of private sector companies working collaboratively. These might include construction companies, ICT providers, legal advisors and education consultants.

PUK (Partnerships UK)

Partnerships UK was established by Government to accelerate the development, procurement and implementation of public private partnerships (PPPs). PUK works exclusively with and for the public sector. It is 49% owned by the Treasury

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Remit Remit Meeting

First formal meeting with a local authority as it begins a BSF project. A Remit meeting will involve the key personnel from the local authority (usually including the Chief Executive), PfS and DfE, and will formally set out a number of objectives that all present have committed to take forward and deliver.

RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)

One of the most influential architectural institutions in the world, RIBA has been promoting architecture and architects since being awarded its Royal Charter in 1837. Then the RIBA's remit was 'the general advancement of architecture'. Today the RIBA exists to advance architecture and promote excellence in the profession.

RtD (Readiness to Deliver)

A document submitted by local authorities prior to entry to the BSF programme which is used by PfS/DCFS to assess which wave local authorities should be allocated to. The RTD covers in summary form the education strategy, the procurement strategy and the project governance.

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SA (Shareholders Agreement)

The agreement between the co-shareholders in the LEP (the local authority, BSFI and the private sector partner (PSP)) which provides the basis for joint working within the Local Education Partnership (LEP), including their individual rights and obligations. It ignores the exclusivity granted to the LEP and sets out the safeguards for the public sector e.g. KPIs and continuous improvements so as to ensure ongoing value for money.

SBC (Strategic Business Case)

The aim of a SBC is to combine the individual vision for education with strategic asset planning. This will help ensure that successive projects put forward by local authorities at outline business case (OBC) are implemented in a phased manner, with projects that are properly scoped and affordable and that meet the objectives of BSF. This strategic planning is an important contributor to value for money. As such, the SBC will help co-ordinate the plans and aspirations of all users and providers of secondary education in the locality, with regards to BSF.  In the SBC, you will present a vision for secondary school education in your area, a vision that is maintained and developed in partnership with schools, dioceses and direction across the whole area.

SCE (Supported Capital Expenditure (Revenue))

This refers to support to local authorities for borrowing for capital purposes, paid through a revenue stream by the DCLG. The monthly payment made by the local authority to the provider over the lifetime of the project for the services received under the Project Agreement.

Selected Bidder

The title given in the Competitive Dialogue process to the consortium that is selected to deliver a local authority's BSF programme, subject to successful negotiation of the final contractual forms and financial structure of the Local Education Partnership. See also 'Preferred Bidder'.

SEN (Special Educational Needs)

SfC and SSfC (Strategy for Change  and School Strategy for Change)

The first formal component of the BSF approvals process. It is designed to capture both the local authority’s strategy for secondary education and the requirements that strategy places upon the physical schools estate.

SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties)

SOC (Schools Organisation Committee)

The SOC considers individual statutory proposals for changes to schools (e.g. new schools, school closures, enlargements and additions of nurseries and sixth forms) until May 2007 when this role passes to the local authority.

SoPC (Standardisation of PFI Contracts)

Guidance documentation and approved drafting produced by PUK on behalf of HM Treasury, which sets out national standards for PFI contracts. The fourth edition (SoPC4) was produced in April 2007 and is binding on all PFI-funded projects.

SPA (Strategic Partnering Agreement)

The contractual agreement between the local authority and the Local Education Partnership (LEP) which sets out the details of the partnership working between them and defines key terms such as exclusivity and the new project approval process

SPB (Strategic Partnership Board)

A formal group of local stakeholders with specific interests in secondary provision, LA, LSC, School Governors, etc.  It will approve the initial Strategic Business Case and its subsequent annual reviews (effectively the annual business plans).

SE (Sport England)

Sport England is a non-departmental public body and National Lottery funding distributor established to ensure that the potential for PE and Sport within BSF is maximised through a coherent and co-ordinated approach.

SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)

The company that will be established by the LEP to operate and manage individual tranches of the BSF project. Its sole purpose will be the delivery of the tranche. It will deliver the services using either PFI or traditional funding.

SS (Sample Schools)

A small number of schools chosen by the local authority as a cross-section of the type of schools the LEP will be likely to deliver. Designs are developed during the procurement process and form a significant part of the evaluation process to select the private sector partner.

SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust)

SSAT is a non-departmental public body. Its aim is to give more young people access to a good secondary education by building networks, sharing practice and supporting schools, particularly within the specialist schools and Academies system.

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Trust School

Trust schools are state-funded foundation schools which receive extra support (usually non-monetary) from a charitable trust made up of partners working together for the benefit of the school. Any maintained school primary, secondary or special schools (but not maintained nursery schools) can become a Trust school. Trust schools remain local authority-maintained.

TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/246)1 (referred to below as TUPE 2006) is now the main piece of legislation governing the transfer of an undertaking, or part of one, to another. The regulations are designed to protect the rights of employees in a transfer situation enabling them to enjoy the same terms and conditions, with continuity of employment, as formerly.  TUPE 2006 entirely replaces the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (SI 1981/1794) which have often been referred to as the TUPE regulations.

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VA (Voluntary Aided)

A voluntary aided school (many of which are church schools) the governing body (as opposed to the Local Education Authority, employs the staff, and decide admission arrangements but the school is nevertheless funded by the state and does not charge fees. The schools' land and buildings are sometimes owned by a charitable foundation.  The governing body may contribute towards the capital costs of running the school but, even so, the bulk of the funding comes from the state.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

VfM (Value for Money)

The aim of the Final Business Case (FBC) is to provide reassurance that the project continues to support the aims and outputs approved at Outline Business Case (OBC) and that it continues to provide value for money.

VLE (Virtual Learning Environment)

A VLE is a learning environment where teacher and student are separated by time or space, or both, and the teacher provides course content through course management applications, multimedia resources, the Internet, videoconferencing, and so forth. Students receive the content and communicate with the teachers through the same technologies.  A collection of integrated software tools which helps to share, deliver and search learning resources.

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Wave

A group of BSF projects in a number of authorities with funding starting in a particular financial year.

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YOS (Youth Offending Service)

A multi-agency service responsible for implementing the Government's youth justice reforms.

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