Derby training firm founders quit over government investigation

The co-founders of Derby training firm 3aaa have resigned after a government investigation into the company, according to reports.

Peter Marples and Di McEvoy-Robinson, the company’s chief executive and director respectively, have resigned from their posts.

The pair set up the firm in 2008, and FE Week says they have quit following an Education and Skills Funding Agency investigation (ESFA) into the company.

3aaa’s latest Ofsted inspection, in June, was expected to result in another ‘outstanding’ rating, says FE Week, but, after claims by a whistleblower, it was declared ‘incomplete’

It is not known what the claims by the whistleblower amount to at this stage.

In a joint statement released to trade publication TES, Marples and McEvoy-Robinson said: “We are tremendously proud of what we have built together with the support of both the management and all of the staff that are currently employed in the business. We are grateful to the staff who have worked with us over the last ten years.

“We feel it is now time for us to stand down together, ten years after jointly founding the business. Moving forward, we will now take the opportunity to focus on our health and families.”

Derek Mapp, 3aaa chairman, added: “I have rarely experienced the total dedication and exceptional effort that both Peter and Di have applied to this business. They will be missed, but it is to their great credit that they have successfully put in place strong management succession for the company going forward. The board wishes them every success.”

3aaa’s allocation for apprenticeships was at almost £31m by the end of 2017/18, up from £14.5m at the start of the academic year.

The company offers apprenticeships in IT, software, digital marketing, accountancy, financial services, business administration, customer service and management.

The ESFA investigation is still ongoing.

Richard Irons, currently chief operating officer, will take over the day-to-day management of the business in the newly-created role of managing director, reporting to Derek Mapp, chairman. Irons joined 3aaa in June 2016 and was previously CFO of Romax Technology. He is a qualified chartered accountant.