Inquiry Working Papers

Funding Lifelong Learning: a working paper, by Stephen McNair
The Inquiry has been developing proposals for a more effective “system” of lifelong learning, in which one key element must be mechanisms for funding.

This working paper is designed to stimulate discussion and to help the Inquiry to clarify the policy options on this. It has been produced following an expert seminar and discussion with key informants. However, it represents only the views of its author, and the Commissioners have yet to discuss these issues.

The paper is primarily concerned with the use of public money, although one key purpose of public investment in lifelong learning is to secure the maximum investment from other sources (individual, employer, third sector and charitable sources). It makes no assumptions about the total sum available for public investment in lifelong learning. This will change over time, sometimes in unpredictable ways, and one of the aims of any public funding model should be to maximise private investment. However, it is concerned with the balance between investment for different purposes, and especially between learning to develop human, social and identity capital.

Please send comments to lifelonglearninginquiry@niace.org.uk