Among the plans unveiled is a scheme to ensure the views of young people are taken into account when diplomas are being planned and delivered. Balls also announced that all the Russell and 1994 groups of universities, along with 80 companies, are backing the scheme. Companies supporting the diploma scheme include Vodafone, Land Rover and Toshiba, with JCB launching a 14-19 academy near its Staffordshire HQ. A set of criteria to gain a portion of the £55m funding for Diploma projects is also available...