bpln – about the network
‘NIACE Black Practitioners and Learners Network brings together practitioners from various sectors who are working with black and minority group people. The Network allows practitioners to share good practice and to discuss and respond to national policies and legislation that impacts on adult education and in particular on black adult learners.’

"The network works with the definition of the word “Black” which includes members of African, African Caribbean, Asian
and other communities who are oppressed by racism."

The Network currently covers four regions of the country: Northwest, Midlands, London (including Southern regions) and Yorkshire & Humberside. Existing regions may be sub-divided as membership develops and increases.

The BPLN will be the first point of call for black practitioners in the regions wanting to update their knowledge about the education sector and issues facing black adult learners, from training and employment to funding, learning and partnership/working opportunities. What’s more, the BPLN will enable organisations to share valuable information, experience, knowledge and resources.

'The work that the network is involved in is diverse and exciting and is fully supported by NIACE. The Network aims to challenge the social and educational exclusion and disadvantage experienced by black and minority group adult learners by advocating on their behalf and on behalf of the practitioners/organisation which support them.’ The network’s activities to date are in many instances ground breaking and in operating on a national basis, the network has the potential to affect decision making with regard to both black practitioners and learners.’

‘NIACE aims to build and sustain a Black Practitioners and Learners Network which will connect black and minority group learners and potential learners and those working on behalf of black and minority groups across the regions to work together in partnership to develop:

Strategies for identifying the staff and professional development
needs of post 16 sector organisations by sharing good practice;

Strategies for identifying and utilizing funds to support work in
education with black and minority group learners;

Strategies for advocating on behalf of black and minority group
adult learners and young people through consultation to influence
policy and service provision;

Strategies for developing links with education providers,
stakeholders and government organisations and other black
networks at local, regional and national levels in order to meet the
above aforementioned aims.’

Consultation and research underpins and informs the work of the black practitioners and learners network. To this end it encourages black and minority group organisations and other organisations that serve the needs of black learners to move forwards and embrace inclusive ways of working.

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