Single ILR

The Skills Investment Strategy (published November 2010) describes the rationalisation of existing data collection, through the introduction of a single consolidated and simplified return for adult skills. As a result of this, the information authority has been working with the Data Service to move to a single ILR collection defined and collected using eXtensible Markup Language (XML), and the Data Service has changed its data collection systems to accommodate these changes.

For an overview of the project, please see our single ILR presentation (PDF, 167Kb).

For information on the changes to data collection systems, please visit the Data Service website. 

Moving to a single ILR

What does it mean for providers?

Some key changes have been made to the way in which learner data is collected from further education providers:

  • There will no longer be a separate collection for Employer Responsive, Learner Responsive, Adult Safeguarded Learning and ESF Short Records.
  • Providers will be asked to send records for all of their learners in a single file submission.
  • Providers will be able to send data continuously during the year - either full returns containing all learners, or update only files for a subset of learners.
  • The information authority's collection timetable will define when data must be sent for certain groups of learners. This is due for publication at the end of May 2011.
  • The data specification will continue to apply to a single academic year. The information authority will continue to operate an annual change process cycle similar to the existing timetable.  

Benefits

  • Introduces a more coherent and consistent collection across funding streams, as requested by providers
  • Removes the need for different collection cycles based on funding streams
  • Removes the need to return separate ILR records for a single learner benefiting from more than one funding stream
  • Less burdensome collection, more reliable management information

Moving to XML returns

What does it mean for providers?

Providers will only be able to return data to the Data Service for 2011/12 in XML format. Providers who are unable to create an XML format return from their MI systems will be able to use an ILR flat file to XML converter tool - available in the Learner Information Suite (LIS) - to combine and convert separate ILR flat files to a single ILR in XML format.

Benefits

  • More flexible
  • Implementing change is easier, resulting in reduced costs and improved accuracy
  • Reflects true relationship between different data entities
  • More easily processed by computers - minimises human error
  • Supports Unicode
  • e-GIF and industry standard
  • Align with higher education and schools, who have already moved to XML

Further information

For further information on the changes to the specification, please see: