NEON DSA Working Group Southern Section Current DSA

NEON – DSA Working Group (Southern Section) Current DSA application volumes (see Slide 2). These numbers fit in with the historic trend of approximately half of all DSA applications being submitted before the start of the Academic Year, and half coming subsequent after course start date. Please be aware that many students with disabilities will be applying around this time. Current Application Processing Timescales (see Slide 3). All within Service Level. However, as the application process can take up to 10 weeks, please advise applications submitted as soon as possible so that student can get the full benefit of their support package from as soon as possible Work continues on the tender programme to centralise the provision of DSA /AT Equipment and Training which would mean that equipment and training would be provided by the same supplier. The rationale for this approach was - Reducing complexity for the student - Consistency of service - Implementation of quality measures for AT training - Increase the uptake for AT training SLC and Df. E have identified a further aspect of the service delivered to our customers which would benefit from the increased security and governance offered by formal contractual relationships. Therefore, this is a note to confirm that Df. E has instructed SLC to progress with launching a tender exercise to identify preferred supplier(s) who will provide Student Finance England students with their Needs Assessment. The preferred supplier(s) will contract with the Student Loans Company directly and this will introduce clear lines of accountability. The expectation will be for the new contracts to be in place for autumn 2020. The full letter that has been issued to the sector is attached on the email

NEON – DSA Working Group (Southern Section) DSA Applications Total Submitted Processed Awaiting Further Information from Customer In Progress / work in hand (within SFE SLC) 65, 794 17, 196 47, 212 1, 386 Further Breakdown Awaiting Further Information from Customer Awaiting Eligibility Information 47, 212 35, 023 Outstanding from Access Centre's/Student action 12, 189 *DSA statistics as of 2 nd September 2019

Application Processing Timescales *available throughout the year at www. practitioners. slc. co. uk/exchange