Croydon Council proposes outsourcing CALAT adult education service

Croydon Council is recommending the outsourcing of its adult education service, CALAT, a decision that could lead to the loss of 197 jobs. The proposal follows an independent review that concluded the service's current financial model is unsustainable, projecting a significant budget deficit.

Financial Unsustainability Identified

An independent review highlighted that CALAT's financial model is not sustainable. Consultants found that of the £4.6 million in Mayor of London grant funding provided, approximately £4.5 million was projected to be spent on staff wages. This leaves insufficient funds for premises and running expenses, leading to an estimated 20 per cent budget deficit.

Council officers considered four options to address the financial issues, including keeping the service in-house, adopting a split model, or scrapping the service entirely. However, they recommended a full outsourcing of CALAT to external colleges, charities, and community training groups.

Impact on Staff and Learners

The recommended outsourcing could affect 197 CALAT workers. This includes 49 permanent employees, four temporary staff, and 144 casual tutors. These individuals face potential redundancies, restructuring, or transfer to external operators under TUPE regulations. Teaching unions and frontline staff have expressed concerns that outsourcing could threaten job security, damage learner support, and disrupt teaching quality.

Thousands of local residents depend on CALAT's courses, including nearly 600 learners with disabilities and many adults learning English. Around 70 per cent of students on skills courses come from ethnic minority backgrounds, with more than half residing in Croydon's most deprived neighbourhoods. The council reports indicate a low risk to vulnerable people, with future contracts legally requiring new providers to maintain standards.

CALAT is currently in the process of relocating most of its classes to Strand House in Thornton Heath, following a move from its former base at the Croydon Clocktower earlier this year. The council stated this move represents a sensible use of its estate and aligns with transformation plans, reiterating its commitment to adult learning.

Next Steps for Decision Making

The recommendations are scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet on October 14. This will be followed by a three-week public consultation period before a final decision is made. Executive Mayor Jason Perry stated that the council wants to ensure CALAT continues to support local needs, and that specialist providers could strengthen the offer for learners.

Mayor Perry added that the council would continue to set priorities and oversee delivery, while drawing on specialist expertise to improve opportunities. He assured that the council will listen carefully to learners, staff, and residents during the consultation process.