ISE Fellow, Simon Reichwald, shares key themes explored by ISE’s Finance Sector Focus Group.

Levy sharing

When it comes to the Apprenticeship Levy and the potential to transfer as much as half, the ISE Finance Sector Focus Group came together to both better understand more about levy sharing/gifting and hear the experiences of other firms.

As an ISE Fellow, and one of those leading on ISE’s apprenticeship work, I was delighted to be asked to facilitate this discussion.

The focus group discussed the three routes to levy sharing,
• Pledge and transfer via your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account, so others can apply to you.
• Transfer to a business you know, and invite them to make a connection via the DAS
• Pledge monies to an intermediary/matching service for them to proactively find firms to use it

For further information, Axa shared a document they have created to forecast future levy funding. And we have a slide deck we can share with more detail – please message me if you are interested.

ISE also has a suite of materials and articles to help members better understand the levy:
• ISE Apprenticeship Levy Toolkit
• Apprenticeship funding Rules – August 2024
• Using the apprenticeship levy is easier than you think
• How is the apprenticeship levy being used for existing and new staff?

Managing candidate use of AI in recruitment

The group also discussed the impact of AI in the hands of candidates, and what that means for application numbers and how to approach this as recruiters.

We provided members with some great best practice when it comes to managing candidate use of AI in recruitment, from another ISE member – thanks to Sam at Shoosmiths.

Core principles included:
• Have a public position
• Recognise it is used in the workplace and that you would expect them to use it
• Share that you use it in the recruitment process, including to spot AI copying and pasting!
• Share examples of how to leverage generative AI tools and also how it helps beyond job applications such as career development
• Focus on the values and behaviours you seek and show how copying and pasting undermines them. Also highlight how considered use of AI showcases those values and behaviours, like authenticity and thoughtfulness
• Provide practical advice to candidates

For more information on managing candidate use of AI:
• Shoosmiths careers blog
• 4 ways to handle candidate use of AI in assessment and selection
• How to guide candidates’ use of GenAI

So much useful content was shared, showing the power of the ISE Sector Focus Groups to collaborate.

Thanks for inviting me – Karen Luckly-Tang, Katie Hardaker and Katie Walker – the Co-Chairs of this group.