Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025

Key Points

• Transfers all functions from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to the Secretary of State and abolishes IfATE.
• Creates a transitional framework with transfer schemes to ensure continuity of apprenticeships and technical education in England (and Wales) as powers move.
• Explores governance reforms, including the potential creation of a new executive body (Skills England) to oversee standards, assessments and qualifications, subject to parliamentary requirements and timings.
• Enhances parliamentary scrutiny with mandatory reporting on how powers are used and their effects, and introduces an initial period where new regulations must go through affirmative procedures.
• Emphasises the green economy by requiring reporting on “green skills” and consulting industry groups and regional/partnership bodies before introducing new qualifications.

Progress

The bill began in the Lords, went through Commons with amendments, and received Royal Assent on 15 May 2025. Key changes were debated in Committee and Report Stages, with amendments proposing more safeguards, a new Skills England body, and stronger reporting. Implementation will be governed by regulations set by the Secretary of State.

Voting

The bill secured broad cross‑party support in both Houses. A Reasoned Amendment on Second Reading was defeated, while the Lords and Commons votes reflected general approval of transferring functions and creating tighter oversight, with ongoing debate about governance and start‑up safeguards. The Act is now law and will be implemented through subordinate legislation and transfer arrangements.