Independence, well-being and choice

1. The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) works to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds. Its functions include research, development and consultancy; advocacy to inform and influence public policy; information services and dissemination; campaigning for, and celebrating the achievements of, adult learners. Established in 1921, NIACE is an independent non-governmental organisation, a registered charity (No. 1002775) and company limited by guarantee (No. 2603322). Its corporate and individual members come from all sectors concerned with adult learning: colleges; local authorities; universities; voluntary and community organisations; churches; broadcasters and unions. While receiving core grants from the DfES, National Assembly for Wales and through the 1988 Local Government Act, the majority of its income is earned through research, development and consultancy work - including contracts with the UK government, the EU and the national lottery.

2. NIACE welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation document from the Department of Health. The title of the report is important and reflects what we believe learning can enable adults to achieve.

3. There is substantial research evidence from NIACE and others that shows a strong link between learning and improved well-being, confidence and self-esteem. Learning can set individuals onto the road of improved independence through learning new skills. First steps and ‘other’ learning that might include non-accredited provision can help people to experience learning in a less challenging environment. These experiences build confidence to move onto courses that may lead to qualifications and employment skills. Through our research (details available on request), NIACE has identified that people with mental health difficulties or long term health conditions, as well as other adults who may be economically inactive have increased motivation to undertake more learning, engage with voluntary actives and seek employment following targeted good practice information and advice and undertaking properly identified learning.

4. NIACE’s focus is on adult learning, not social care; however, we empathise with the vision’ intentions. We think that it would be more appropriate for the definitions of social care to reflect a social model of disability. The implications of the current statement implies a deficit model that assumes that social care services will provide support mechanisms as opposed to enabling strategies.

5. The outcomes for social care appear appropriate. We would however argue that the role of learning and the need for learning opportunities should feature in more of the outcomes not just improved quality of life.

6. NIACE is aware that a number of learning providers work in collaboration with carers and social care providers on person-centred plans. We support assessment procedures that put the individual at the centre of the process, promote inclusion and inclusive practices and recognise individual learning requirement.

7. At NIACE we understand that Direct Payments have the potential to promote choice and preference. We do not agree with the statement that ‘Giving people an individual budget should drive up the quality of services …..(and)….. stimulate the social care market to provide the services people actually want? Demand does not always trigger supply as there are other variables that could affect this equation.

8. We want to alert the Department of Health to the fact that a significant number of people have difficulties with financial literacy and could be reluctant to manage the Direct Payments themselves. The Department of Health might invest in opportunities to enable individuals to improve their financial literacy to promote confidence in managing their financial affairs.

9. Direct payments may be more attractive to individuals if they are aware of the range of care they could purchase. At NIACE we have consulted recently on the provision of transport to learning opportunities and are aware of the potential of Direct Payments to help solve transport difficulties.

10. NIACE gives unqualified support to the statement that carers should be offered training and support. We lobbied actively to support the private members’ bill, introduced by Dr Hywel Francis, that became the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004. We firmly believe that carers should have opportunities to access learning for their own personal development and as a respite opportunity.

11. Partnership and collaboration is an important way forward. We urge the Department of Health to ensure that learning providers (bother colleges, local authority adult learning services and voluntary sector learning providers are recognised explicitly as potential partners in any recommendations

12. NIACE is pleased to see positive statements made about social care and a move to include individuals more in determining their requirements. We would however urge greater recognition of the positive role of education and lifelong learning in promoting independence, well-being and choice. For further information about anything in this response please contact Dr Christine Nightingale, Development Officer Inclusive Learning. Christine.nightingale@niace.org.uk

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