Improving Quality and Standards in Adult
Community-based Learning
The focus of this project was to raise awareness of and improve access to
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for professionals
involved in the planning, management and delivery of Adult Community-based
Learning (ACL) through Community Learning Networks in Wales.
Key Objectives were to:
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Identify the major roles associated with the
effective planning, management and delivery of ACL in Community Learning
Networks and the associated functions and competences.
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Match roles, functions and competences against
potential CPD opportunities, emphasising credit-based linkage and progression in
accordance with the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) and
with National Occupational Standards (NOS).
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Audit current CPD provision for ACL staff in
Community Learning Networks.
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Identify gaps in provision.
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Research methodology:
A project management/reference group, comprising the key cross-sector
partners, nurtured the project, which was conducted by a project manager and
two researchers.
A variety of approaches was used, to build a coherent
picture of roles, responsibilities, competences and CPD provision associated
with ACL in Wales, including:
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Reference to previous research and reports |
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Use of questionnaires and interviews |
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Project meetings to compare data collected |
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Regular feedback to the project’s stakeholders |
A representative sample of Community Consortia for Education and Training (CCETs)
covering South West, South East, Mid and North Wales was selected with a
specific focus on Community Learning Networks (CLNs) as a basis for
identifying key personnel to be interviewed.
The main conclusions of the project are:
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There are considerable variations across Wales in
the planning, management and delivery of CPD for ACL. |
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There is insufficient sharing of good practice. |
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In a few examples, there is a move towards a
coherent, strategic approach but much training is ad hoc, on-the-job, locally
focussed and unaccredited. Partnership and collaboration practices are
superficial in many Community Learning Networks and the need to deepen and
strengthen partnerships is paramount. |
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Overall, CPD for ACL is poorly funded, whether for
full or part-time staff. |
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Most part-time staff do not receive the same
training opportunities as their full-time colleagues. |
A Shared Responsibility
In presenting the recommendations the
Report recognises that the current CPD activity and the long-term future
development of CPD for ACL staff is a shared responsibility. Specific
Recommendations in the Report are directed at particular key stakeholders in
the project, including the Department for Education and Lifelong Learning,
LLUK/Wales and Community Learning Networks
The main outcome, in the context of ACL in Community Learning Networks is a
Project Report including:
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An analysis of the major LLUK roles and
responsibilities linked to administration, teaching and learning,
outreach/development work and management.
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An overall Matrix of Units related to LLUK roles and
responsibilities that can underpin CPD for ACL staff, supported by matrices
appropriate to administration, teaching and learning, outreach/development work
and management.
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A range of current activities that ACL staff
Identified as CPD.
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A detailed analysis of the CPD Survey and Interviews
with ACL staff.
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Recommendations highlighting the CPD needs and
priorities of ACL staff and the potential of Community Learning Networks for
meeting some of those needs.
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Funder: The Department of Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills of
the Welsh Assembly Government
Duration: October 2005 – June 2006
Project Manager: Nigel Horrocks (NIACE Dysgu Cymru)
Email: nigel@niacedc.org.uk
Requests for ‘Key Findings’ in other formats, such as large print, are
welcome. We would be pleased to consider your request.