Funding Knowledge Base
Ask questions and get answers from our comprehensive funding documentation
What is the Funding Knowledge Base?
The Funding Knowledge Base is not a general-purpose AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude. It's a specialized funding intelligence system built exclusively for FE and Skills professionals, powered by advanced multi-LLM technology and a comprehensive document database.
What Powers It:
- Over 500 official DfE documents including funding rules, ILR specifications, guidance notes, and government publications
- Multiple large language models working together to retrieve, analyze, and explain complex funding regulations
- Precise document references provided with every answer so you can verify information at the source
The Funding Knowledge Base chat interface with conversation history
Important: Verify High-Stakes Decisions
Like all AI systems, the Funding Knowledge Base can make mistakes. For high-stakes financial decisions or compliance matters, always:
- • Check the document references provided with each answer
- • Verify the information against the original source documents
- • Consult with your organisation's compliance team for critical decisions
- • Use the "Get Detailed Explanation" feature for complex queries
How to Ask Effective Questions
1. Use Correct Nomenclature
The system works best when you use the exact names and terminology from official documents:
✓ Good
"Business Administrator Level 3"
✗ Avoid
"business admin" or "bus admin"
2. Be Specific
Specific questions get better answers than general ones:
✓ Good
"What are the minimum off-the-job training hours for a Network Engineer apprentice?"
✗ Avoid
"Tell me about training hours"
3. Reference Field Names or Codes
When asking about ILR fields or specific codes, use the exact identifiers:
✓ Good
"What data should be recorded in TNP 1 and TNP 2 fields?"
✗ Avoid
"What goes in the training price fields?"
Example Questions That Work Well
Changing Employers and DLOCK 10
"What is the process for recording a learner's change of employer in DLOCK 10?"
Why this works: Uses correct field name (DLOCK 10) and asks about a specific process
Recording Data in TNP Fields
"What data should be recorded in TNP 1 and TNP 2 fields, and when are they required?"
Why this works: References exact field names (TNP 1, TNP 2) and asks about specific requirements
Eligibility Rules
"Can a university undergraduate on a sandwich placement undertake an apprenticeship?"
Why this works: Uses clear terminology and asks about a specific eligibility scenario
Minimum Training Hours
"What are the minimum off-the-job training hours required for a Network Engineer apprentice?"
Why this works: Uses the correct standard name and asks about specific requirements
Funding Band Queries
"What is the current funding band for the Business Administrator Level 3 standard?"
Why this works: Uses full standard name and qualification level
Break in Learning
"What is the maximum permitted break in learning before a learner is withdrawn from the ILR?"
Why this works: Uses correct ILR terminology and asks about specific rules
Example of a well-structured question using correct terminology
Managing Your Chats
Rename Conversations
Give your chats meaningful names to easily find them later. Click the chat title to rename it to something like "R06 Payment Query" or "DLOCK 10 Guidance".
Get Detailed Explanations
Click "Get Detailed Explanation" on any answer to receive a more comprehensive breakdown with additional context and document references.
Use the detailed explanation feature for complex queries
Download Chat History
Export your conversations as PDF or text files for your records, audit trails, or to share with colleagues.
Delete Conversations
Remove chats you no longer need to keep your workspace organised. Deleted chats cannot be recovered.
Every answer includes document references you can click to verify the information
Tips for Best Results
- •Ask one question at a time rather than combining multiple queries
- •Include context when relevant (e.g., "for the 2024/25 funding year")
- •Check document references provided with each answer
- •Use follow-up questions to clarify or dig deeper into an answer
- •Provide feedback if an answer isn't helpful - this helps improve the system