Widening participation in adult education: vision, reality and policy

[Background] [Aims] [Outcomes] [Audience] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

This conference will provide an opportunity for attendees to explore current and emerging challenges and approaches to widening participation in all types of adult education. The event will be hosted by NIACE in partnership with the Open University; both organisations have a history of promoting widening participation in learning, particularly among non-traditional groups and in pioneering settings.

The conference is one of a series of national events to celebrate Adult Learners' Week 2012, the UK's largest festival of learning. More details of other activity taking place during the week (12 - 18 May 2012) are available on the website www.alw.org.uk

Vision
Keynote speakers, drawn from a range of different sectors including business and education, will outline their visions for the future of widening participation in different kinds of adult learning.

Reality
Delegates will be amongst the first to hear the findings of the 2012 NIACE annual participation survey, which tracks current and recent participation in all types of learning. Fiona Aldridge, NIACE's Head of Workplace Learning, will explore the emerging issues and trends in participation. All attendees will also receive a complimentary copy of the Survey Headlines Findings Report.

Policy
The conference will also hear from representatives of all three major political parties about policy developments relating to widening participation in adult education. We are delighted to have the following speakers:

• John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning
• Gordon Marsden MP, Shadow Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning
• Baroness Margaret Sharp of Guildford

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Aims

The conference aims to:

• consider visions for the future of widening participation in learning:
• through and with technology
• in the workplace
• in the community; and
• from the learner perspective.
• examine the trends in participation emerging from the latest NIACE participation survey
• provide a platform for representatives from each of the major political parties to speak about widening participation in all kinds of adult learning. 

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Outcomes

Attendees will have the opportunity to:

• hear from politicians including the Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning
• discuss the latest trends and emerging issues in adult participation
• hear from and network with key stakeholders across a range of education sectors, as well as business representatives and civil servants
• contribute ideas and examples of best practice in widening participation.

All attendees will receive a copy of the 2012 NIACE Participation Survey.

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Audience

This conference will be of interest to stakeholders and policy-makers across the full range of adult learning provision, including:

• further education
• higher education
• adult and community learning
• voluntary organisations.

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Programme

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Event Information

• Arrival and registration is from 9.30am. The conference will end with tea at 2.15pm
• Event fee per person: £75 per person; Members' fee:  £59.00 
  (includes tea/coffee, a sandwich lunch and a copy of the 2012 NIACE Participation Survey)
• A limited number of bursary places are available to: Open University students and tutors; Volunteers and College governors
• NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees
• Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.
• NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed
• Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person)
• Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration
• Participants should be prepared to take their own notes
• If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions 

• Event date:  Tuesday 15 May 2012
• Closing date: 12pm on Tuesday 8 May 2012
• Cancellations are non-refundable
• The full fee is payable prior to the event
• Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
• A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
• Places are to be reserved online - scroll up and click on Apply Now
• Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event
• NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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