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Regional Networking
There are regional networks in all the English regions relating to all the sectors where adults learn. The overarching aim of these networks is to enable people to meet together to share their knowledge and experience in order to learn from each other, and to work together to further developments in their area of work. Network membership is usually comprised either of members with common job roles, for instance Quality Improvement Managers, or of individuals who work for a variety of organisations but have a common interest, for example Equality and Diversity. They encompass the interests of providers, advisors, policy, funding and decision making agencies in the regions, and aim to meet the needs of staff with diverse roles including practitioners and managers.
NIACE Regional Development Officers support, and in some cases run, regional networks in order to contribute to the NIACE aims of widening access to learning for adults, supporting the improvement of quality for adult learners and influencing the development of policy and practice that affects adult learners. Regional Development Officers contribute their own knowledge and expertise and draw on that of our colleagues across the organisation. Activity in relation to regional networks covers the following:
 | Convening, supporting and facilitating networks. |
| Participating as members of networks. |
| Attendance at networks by invitation to contribute presentations, briefings or facilitate discussions / activities on specific topics relating to adult learners. |
Network Outcomes
Participants from the field have reported the following benefits of taking part in network meetings:
| Providing information/intelligence. |
| Providing an opportunity to discuss common issues and concerns with others. |
| Offering a platform for sharing own good practice with colleagues. |
| Members gaining mutual support. |
| Widening members’ perspectives. |
| Assisting members to solve problems. |
| Influencing national / regional policy development and/or implementation. |
| Enabling members to find ways of advancing common interests. |
| Enabling members to promote each other’s interests. |
| Resulting in action, e. g. group of members produce a leaflet. |
| Influencing practice by providing practical ideas and strategies. |
If you are interested in a network in your region, Please see the regions team list for contact details.
