UfI is still open to "expressions of interest" from organisations wishing to become Qualified Suppliers for the provision of open and distance learning materials - but not for much longer. The deadline for this round is 22 November, and no further invitations are planned at present. In the words of the website: "If in doubt, apply now".

As a reminder: the UfI initiative "has two strategic objectives - to stimulate demand for lifelong learning, and to promote the availability of and access to high quality and innovative learning, particularly through the use of information and communications technologies.
"As part of the process for achieving these objectives UfI will broker the provision of open and distance learning materials in a range of subject and skill areas, and at levels from post-16 up to and including post-graduate and continuing professional development:
- by endorsing materials which already meet its learning quality criteria
- by enhancing other materials so that they meet its criteria and then endorsing
- by commissioning the development of new material where there is a lack of suitable provision."

The endorsement criteria for UfI Materials, and other details, are supplied within the site.
Current priority areas are:
- information and communications technologies
- basic skills
- small and medium sized enterprises (for example, in the areas of management development, financial management, marketing, etc.)
- specific sectors: automotive components, multi-media, environmental technology and services, and distributive and retail trades.

For queries which cannot be answered by the information on the website, enquire via email at
qsuppliers@ufi.cwc.com or by fax on 0114 224 3800.