Menu
25/09/2012
A4E Prison Education Contracts Delayed For Fraud Investigation
Multimillion-pound contracts to run education programmes in 25 prisons, due to be taken over by controversial welfare-to-work provider A4E, have been stalled while anti-fraud checks are carried out.
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA), which is responsible for prison education in England and Wales, ordered the extra audit earlier this year after police began a fraud investigation into A4E and the Department for Work and Pensions terminated the firm's contract for mandatory work activity for the unemployed in the south-east.
The prison education contracts for jails in England and Wales that went to further education colleges began on 1 August.
But the start of the A4E contracts for 25 prisons in London and the east of England were delayed until 1 November while the special audit of its past work in prison education was carried out.
A statement from SFA said: "Through the audit work the agency carried out, the agency did not find any cases of fraud. Therefore it decided to proceed with the next stage of the procurement process in respect of London and the east of England, and to award contracts to A4E.
"As with all our providers, once contracts are signed the agency continues to apply its robust contract management processes, including quarterly performance reviews, audits and working with Noms and lead governors. This enables continued assurance that public funding is being used and protected appropriately."
(H)
The Skills Funding Agency (SFA), which is responsible for prison education in England and Wales, ordered the extra audit earlier this year after police began a fraud investigation into A4E and the Department for Work and Pensions terminated the firm's contract for mandatory work activity for the unemployed in the south-east.
The prison education contracts for jails in England and Wales that went to further education colleges began on 1 August.
But the start of the A4E contracts for 25 prisons in London and the east of England were delayed until 1 November while the special audit of its past work in prison education was carried out.
A statement from SFA said: "Through the audit work the agency carried out, the agency did not find any cases of fraud. Therefore it decided to proceed with the next stage of the procurement process in respect of London and the east of England, and to award contracts to A4E.
"As with all our providers, once contracts are signed the agency continues to apply its robust contract management processes, including quarterly performance reviews, audits and working with Noms and lead governors. This enables continued assurance that public funding is being used and protected appropriately."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2003
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
Tories pledge to scrap university tuition fees
In a gentle change of tack over the past few weeks, the Conservative Party has taken the initiative and published a clutch of policies pledges – the foremost of which is today's plans to scrap university tuition fees and abandon entrance targets.
14 January 2008
Bank Charges Test Case Set To Open
A High Court test case, which could bring major charges to banks' unauthorised overdraft charges is due to begin today. The case has been brought by the Office of Fair Trading against seven banks, including Barclays, Clydesdale Bank, HBOS and HSBC, and the Nationwide Building Society.
Bank Charges Test Case Set To Open
A High Court test case, which could bring major charges to banks' unauthorised overdraft charges is due to begin today. The case has been brought by the Office of Fair Trading against seven banks, including Barclays, Clydesdale Bank, HBOS and HSBC, and the Nationwide Building Society.
23 March 2012
Leaked Internal Audit Found 'Systematic Fraud' At A4e
A leaked document suggests that welfare-to-work firm A4e knew of widespread potential fraud and systemic failures by management to control it.
Leaked Internal Audit Found 'Systematic Fraud' At A4e
A leaked document suggests that welfare-to-work firm A4e knew of widespread potential fraud and systemic failures by management to control it.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
03 April 2006
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
