DfE published an updated Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AAF) last week. This update confirms an intention to take a more robust approach towards poor quality provision. ESFA has introduced higher thresholds for some indicators to support the early identification of poor quality. This strengthened approach will take immediate effect and the new thresholds will be used in performance conversations from June 2024. The AAF dashboard has been updated with R07 data. To support provider self-improvement, it now also includes comparative benchmarking data setting out providers’ overall, Sector Subject Area, and Standard level 2022 to 2023 Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) against national equivalents.