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Some file on this page are PDF files. Learners to influence policy makers
Families will be sharing their experiences of learning together with policy makers at an event in London today – Friday 28th September 2007. As part of NIACE’s Sign Up Now Campaign representatives from the Learning and Skills Council, the Department for Children, Families and Schools, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, Cabinet Office and the Local Government Association – as well as family learning tutors and managers - will be in attendance.
The event - Family Learning to Employment to be held at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre in London - will also celebrate the achievements of family learners and acknowledge the success of programmes in raising the aspirations of learners who have moved on to further learning and employment. Families will also demonstrate how they have managed to create a learning and working culture within their families.
Penny Lamb, Family Learning Development Officer at NIACE, said:
“Often it’s the children who are the biggest influence on why adults return to learning. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the inspirational achievements of family learners. The event enables those learners to share directly with key policy makers the outstanding impact that learning in a family and learning as a family together has had on their lives.”
The event will also mark the launch of three publications.
 | An activity paper which gives ideas and activities for practitioners to use with learners and their children to help raise their aspirations. |
| From family learning to employment is the third in a series of Family Learning Matters topic papers from NIACE. This paper is for strategic managers in local authorities and extended schools, demonstrating how family learning helps learners to raise their aspirations and move towards further learning and employment. |
| Connect-five is a case study based resource for practitioners, managers and policy makers, exploring the contribution that family learning makes to the Every Child Matters agenda. |
Find out more about Connect Five here
Find out more about Family learning to employment here
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Learners to influence policy makers" - [PDF] Released On 28/09/2007
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Employers more positive about older workers
Most employers say they have positive attitudes to older workers – and especially to retaining older workers longer – although they are more reluctant to recruit people after the age of 50. These are the headline findings of a qualitative study, published on Thursday 27th September 2007, of how employers are responding to an ageing workforce carried out by the Centre for Research into the Older Workforce (CROW).
The study Employer responses to an ageing workforce – published by the Department of Work and Pensions – also found that many employers claim to prefer older workers to younger ones, because of their attitudes to work and their experience. Small firms were particularly likely to keep older people on after State Pension Age.
Professor Stephen McNair, Director of CROW and co-author of the study, said:
“Previous research has shown that a majority of workers over 50 would like to stay in work longer than they expect to do, but on a flexible or part-time basis. However, this study found that, because managers were keen to avoid complicated and potentially embarrassing conversations about retirement, and telling individuals that they are no longer required, many were avoiding discussions about flexible working and extending working life, and imposing a compulsory retirement age to avoid the risk of disputes. As a result, the talents of older people are being wasted, which is frustrating for them and a loss to the economy.”
He continued, “Most employers claimed not to discriminate on grounds of age when selecting staff for training, and in some sectors older workers were continuing to train. However, Government statistics show that most people are much less likely to train as they get older. CROW is currently carrying out further research to explore why this happens.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Employers more positive about older workers" - [PDF] Released On 27/09/2007
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Inquiry into the future of adult learning
An inquiry into the future of adult learning will be launched in London today, Tuesday 25th September 2007. Experts from government, business, academia, trade unions and public service – with the assistance of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) - will come together to start a process intended to identify a broad consensus for the future direction of adult learning policy in the UK.
The Inquiry will focus on how adult learning needs to respond to eight key themes –
| Globalisation |
| Demographic change |
| Technological change |
| Poverty reduction |
| Well-being and happiness |
| Citizenship |
| Future role of the public, private and voluntary/third sector |
| Environmental sustainability |
Chair of the Inquiry, Professor Sir David Watson, said, “Learning throughout the lifecourse is increasingly recognised as a foundation of both a cohesive community and a prosperous economy. As such, many influential individuals and groups think they know how to make it better. So far – in terms of both policy and practice in the UK – their solutions have failed fully to ‘join up.’ We hope to help in improving this situation.”
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said, “Demographic, industrial and technological change make the development of a strategy for lifelong learning ever more important to future economic prosperity. Research evidence of the intrinsic and social benefits deriving from adult learning is ever clearer. Yet current provision is weakening and fragmenting. Work towards an informed and authoritative strategy for lifelong, life-wide learning is of vital importance.
He continued, “The education and training of adults in the UK is important for maintaining economic prosperity for all in an increasingly globalised world. Adult learning is also essential for promoting social cohesion and inclusion within a society that is increasingly diverse; and for the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities seeking opportunities to fulfill their potential.”
He ended, “However there is debate on how limited public funding should be spent to secure progression in education, and the development of ‘economically valuable skills’ for adults, and to secure the widest range of other social policy benefits – better health, enhanced civic engagement, improved levels of social cohesion, cultural enrichment, greater social mobility and an increased sense of well-being.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Inquiry into the future of adult learning" - [PDF] Released On 20/09/2007
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International Adult Learners' Week
Over 100 adult learners and learning providers from more than 40 countries met in Manchester on Thursday 20th September 2007, to celebrate International Adult Learners’ Week 2007. Delegates from Australia, Uruguay, Canada, Swaziland, Romania, Pakistan, The Philippines and elsewhere came together to share their expertise and experience to establish a framework for an International Learners’ Charter.
The delegates also reviewed the global learning festivals – including Adult Learners’ Week that now takes place in over 50 countries - that have occurred over the past ten years and identify the lessons learnt and explore the future potential for similar festivals. They also discussed the contribution of national/regional adult learners’ weeks and learning festivals to the Education for All agenda as well as to the Millennium Development Goals.
The event – held in the UK for the first time - was co-hosted by the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning and NIACE, the organisation which developed the concept of Adult Learners’ Week – first held in the UK in 1992 - and has significantly supported fellow organisers in other countries to spread the movement.
Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, said:
“It is an honour for the United Kingdom to be hosting International Adult Learners’ Week. This Government wants adults from all sections of society to have the chance and the confidence to participate in learning. We have more adults than ever undertaking some form of learning and our record investment in Further Education, up 48% in real terms since 1997, is ensuring people can gain the skills they need for employability and success in their personal lives. I’m particularly pleased that this event is looking at the role which learners can play in improving policy.”
Mr Adama Ouane, Director, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), said:
“Learners, who have received recognition in their countries for outstanding achievement, have been invited to Manchester by NIACE and UIL to celebrate learning at this year’s International Adult Learners’ Week. It is an honour to have the conference here this year, as the Adult Learners’ Week was launched by CONFINTEA V in recognition of the UK’s experience. This moment of advocacy, which brings together so many achievers, will continue to strengthen the global learning network formed by the adult learners’ weeks.”
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:
“Learning matters to every adult no matter where they live. And the positive impact that learning can have on individuals, families, communities and whole nations is one of fundamental importance. As we are approaching the next International Conference on Adult Education - CONFINTEA VI in 2009 – this year’s International Adult Learners’ Week will represent a preparatory stepping-stone. The overall goals will be to review the past and promote the future of the global adult learning advocacy network.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "International Adult Learners' Week" - [PDF] Released On 20/09/2007
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NIACE Launches interim findings of Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning
Disabled staff in the lifelong learning sector have to cope not only with inaccessible surroundings but also with poor understanding and support from their employers and managers. Often they don’t feel confident enough to disclose their disabilities and/or they don’t receive leave for treatment. These are the headline findings of The Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning – led by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) - which launches its Interim Report today – Tuesday 18th September 2007 - at a conference in London.
The Commission’s report From Compliance to Culture Change details its interim findings since its launch earlier this year. In that period, evidence has been received from hundreds of disabled workers together with human resources and personnel staff and managers from the sector.
The information collected suggests that there is a tendency for managers to focus on the ‘problems’ facing individuals, rather than identifying the major institutional barriers which exist. The report discloses managers’ assumptions about individuals’ abilities and inclinations towards making both prognoses without discussion and suggesting that if staff are unwell, impaired or have a learning difference – such as dyslexia – then they “should not be in post”. Managers can be gatekeepers to support services, sometimes preventing access to real support and funding like the Access to Work programme. In some instances, however, the evidence indicates that disabled staff have been treated appropriately.
Key issues from the interim report also include the difference in experiences between staff working in HE and those working in FE and factors affecting staff facing mental health issues.
Leisha Fullick, Pro Director at the Institute of Education, University of London and Chair of the Commission, said:
“The Commission was established because of the under representation of disabled staff in education. Although a serious equal opportunities issue it is one that has received scant policy attention to date. The Commission aims to put this right. In the first phase of this work, we have put together an important body of evidence which shows that there are a number of significant issues to address. We look forward to exploring in more depth the responses to this report and, in the next phase of its work the Commission hopes to make a substantial impact on policy and practice.”
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE and member of the Commission, said:
“The evidence to the Commission so far presents challenges to the lifelong learning sector as noteworthy as those thrown up by the Commission on Black Staff in FE. Institutions not only need to up their game to comply fully with the Disability Discrimination Act but also to create a culture in which people with inherited or acquired disabilities can have the same expectations of fulfilling work and career progression that every other member of staff should enjoy.”
Welcoming the report Bill Rammell MP, Minister of State for Further and Higher Education, said:
"If we are to meet our ambition for world class skills, we must ensure we fully support all those delivering and supporting Further Education. We want an environment of opportunity for everyone, no matter what their circumstances and one where people are treated equally and receive fair treatment. The workforce must represent the customers it serves so it can better meet the challenges presented by this report that will only be achieved with individuals and organisations working together.”
Sasha Callaghan, Member of the TUC Disability Committee and President Elect of the University and College Union, said:
"This report is timely and welcome. All those involved in driving sectoral policy forward should take the time to read it in full and feed comments back to the Commission. If we are to see real change, it is vital that all sides are committed to disability equality. UCU is determined that real improvements for disabled people are achieved throughout education and we will be giving a clear message to the Commission about what must be done to achieve this."
Yvette Adams, Executive Director Diversity, Culture and Communications at the Centre for Excellence in Leadership, said:
“The report highlights a number of cardinal issues which disadvantage disabled staff. There are institutional blocks to culture change and managers feel ill-equipped to deal with the risks they have identified and disclosed to the Commission. What’s needed is the creation of an environment that supports staff to disclose their needs together with safe surroundings in which they can do so. Recruitment and retention and the management of probation and induction are also issues. All of these highlight the need to further develop good and effective management and leadership skills in the area of disability, equality and diversity. This can only be done by empowering and building leadership capacity throughout our businesses at both senior management and front-line levels.”
A consultation period will now begin, with opinions and answers being sought from disabled staff, managers and policy makers from across the lifelong learning sector.
| Download the Commission's Interim Report here |
| Respond to consultation on Interim Report here. |
Source: NIACE Press Release: "NIACE Launches interim findings of Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning" - [PDF] Released On 18/09/2007
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NIACE concerned over changes to funding for equivalent or lower level qualifications
Government plans to phase out public money for people studying for higher
education qualifications equal to or at a lower level than those they already
have risks under-estimating the complexity of learners’ lives, warns
NIACE, Britain’s leading body for adult learning.
The plans are detailed in a letter sent today by John Denham MP, the Secretary
of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, to the Higher Education
Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
Alastair Thomson, Senior Policy Officer at NIACE, said:
“A desire to stop some people getting repeated public subsidy for higher education, while others are never given the opportunity, makes sense – as does a desire for employers to pay their fair share. It is a complex area, however, people do make false starts in life and may need supported second chances.”
He continued, “It is unclear, for example, how plans would leave indebted modern language graduates in need of vocationally specific top-up training. Similarly, there will be a strong case for continuing, affordable, higher education for retired people who might need to return to the labour market and for public support to combat skills decay and obsolescence in fast-moving technologies.”
He ended, “The situation may not be as straight-forward as John Denham anticipates, and NIACE will be listening to learners to ensure that the consultation is not limited to universities alone. We will be very concerned if this causes reduced participation by mature and part-time students.”
| Read John Denham's letter here on the HEFCE website - [PDF] |
Source: NIACE Press Release: "NIACE concerned over changes to funding for equivalent or lower level qualifications" - [PDF] Released On 07/09/2007
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What older people learn - research from NIACE
The age of the Silver Surfer is upon us. More than half (51.3%) of all the
courses that people over 65 are taking relate to computer skills. The second
most popular subject amongst older people is foreign languages with over one in
ten (10.2%) of people aged over 55 engaged compared to just 4.3% of people aged
17 - 44. These are the main findings of the latest research into what older
people which were published by the National Institute of Adult Continuing
Education (NIACE) at a Conference in Leicester on Thursday 6th September 2007.
The report – What Older People Learn - examines older people’s preferred
subjects of study, their motivations to learn, and their ways of finding out
about - and accessing - learning opportunities. It details the benefits older
learners perceive from learning, the ways they learn and their views on
qualifications and fees. The report also identifies the key barriers to
learning, the effects of illness and disability and also access to technology.
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE and co-author of What Older People Learn,
said:
“Learning matters in later life. It enables older workers to sustain their productiveness in the workplace and adapt their experience and skills to changing contexts. Older workers count. The age of retirement is increasing. Moving away from paid work is becoming a more prolonged process and less of an abrupt transformation. It is no surprise that computer skills are so popular for older people. The physical distance they have from family and friends is critically important to overcome and getting to grips with ICT helps to reduce isolation, quite apart from satisfying a desire to keep an eye on the latest developments.”
He continued, “Encouraging adult learning in all its forms is under threat; it is important to listen to those who benefit to help us better understand how the complex and broad ways of learning, particularly in later life, is valued. People who carry on learning throughout their lives lead healthier lives. Learning delays the effects of Alzheimer’s on learners’ social interactions. Older people are more civically active, they vote in larger numbers than young people and are usually the mainstay of voluntary organisations.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "What older people learn - research from NIACE" - [PDF] Released On 06/09/2007
What Older People Learn can be purchased from NIACE's online bookshop, priced £12.95
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Sign Up Now Podcasts
Learning transforms lives. That's why this September NIACE is encouraging adults of all ages to give learning a go. It doesn't matter what stage your learning is at, it can revolutionise your life for the better. As part of the Sign Up Now Campaign, NIACE Press Officer, Ed Melia has been speaking to adult learners about their experiences and you can hear their remarkable and inspirational stories here.
(If the podcasts do not start playing in your browser, right click and save it onto your computer and then play them back through your usual media player)
Diane Brook
Diane Brook had a terrible experience at school which put her off learning
for life. Thanks to a special European Social Fund project - and her
determination and courage - she's put her school days firmly behind her.
Download the Sign Up Now: Diane Brook
podcast here (MP3 file 3 MB)
Michelle Dewberry
Michelle Dewberry - the winner of the second series of the BBC show The
Apprentice - left school without much in the way of qualifications. But her
story illustrates perfectly just how big an impact adult learning can have.
Download the Sign Up Now: Michelle
Dewberry
podcast here (MP3 file 3 MB)
Mark Binney
Mark Binney left school unable to read and write but, thanks to the help he
received from the Dyslexia Institute - and his own commitment to improve his
life - he's now doing his dream job.
Download the Sign Up Now: Mark Binney
podcast here (MP3 file 1.8 MB)
Enter the Sign Up Now website here.
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Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning
The NIACE-led Commission is to launch the Interim Report of the initial findings of the experiences of disabled staff working in lifelong learning at a conference to be held in London on Tuesday 18th September. NIACE has consulted with hundreds of disabled people, employers and staff working in human resources. Delegates will be the first to hear the interim findings and recommendations and will receive a copy of the report.
The conference will be held at the Thistle Marble Arch in London on Tuesday 18th September 2007.
| More details about the launch of the interim report |
| More details about the Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning |
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Make September the time you Sign Up Now to learning
September is always the start of the new academic year and while millions of children across the country will be making their way back to school a campaign from NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) will be encouraging adults of all ages to consider the benefits of learning.
Sign Up Now – the sister campaign to Adult Learners’ Week – will run throughout September and will be delivered through hundreds of local colleges, adult education centres, museums, libraries and other community and voluntary organisations across the whole country. The key message of Sign Up Now is that learning can change your life for the better.
Mark Binney from Darlington left school unable to read and write. However thanks to the help he received from the Dyslexia Institute he’s now doing his dream job as an Outdoor Instructor. Mark says:
“Once I started I just couldn’t stop learning. I wanted to learn, I wanted to understand. It’s a fantastic feeling being able to understand things and make things work in your mind. You just want more of it – it doesn’t stop. I’m full of confidence now - learning has changed my life completely.”
He adds, “Get out there and do it. It’s there for the taking. It’s hard work – you do need support but you can succeed in your dreams. If you don’t start you won’t get there. It’s as simple as that.”
Eve Huggins from Norfolk has excelled in her career since she started learning as an adult. Now a Catering Manager, Eve says:
“I just never thought it would be possible but now I’m here I’m so glad that I’ve done it. I’m just so eager to keep going because it’s just such a lovely feeling to boost your motivation and morale. It’s like winning the lottery – money is one thing but learning is another…that sense of feeling that you can do what you want to do when you’ve got that qualification is the same as if you had money. But this is so much better because this comes from within. If you can get passed that first step…it’s not like school – it’s just an amazing journey.”
Kamy Basra, Publicity Officer at NIACE, says:
“As both Mark and Eve’s stories clearly demonstrate – learning transforms lives. They have used learning to help them succeed in their chosen careers and for Mark to enable him to do his dream job. But you can use learning to improve your life whatever the reason may be. You might want to help your children with their homework, or pursue something you’re passionate about or just get new skills.”
She continued, “All over the country courses - from Ancient History to Yoga - are about to start. And each year thousands and thousands of people – just like Mark and Eve - get a thirst for knowledge that never dies. Sign up now to learning and you never know where it might lead – a dream job, new friends, more confidence and a new life are all possible. To find out what's on offer where you are, call learndirect free on 0800 100 900. That one call could transform your life.”
Listen to an interview with The Apprentice
winner, Michell Dewberry here (MP3 file 3 MB)
Listen to Mark Binney's Story here (MP3 file 1.8 MB)
(If the podcast does not start playing in you browser,
right click and save it onto your computer and then play it back through
your usual media player)
| Enter Sign Up Now website |
Source: NIACE Press Release: "Make September the time you Sign Up Now to learning" - [PDF] Released On 31/08/2007
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New
Director Appointed for NIACE Dysgu Cymru
Richard Spear has been appointed Director for Wales at the adult learning organisation NIACE Dysgu Cymru. Mr Spear joins NIACE Dysgu Cymru from the position as Head of Programme Funding within the Welsh Assembly Government, a post he held for more than five years.
Mr Spear, aged 34, originally from Aberdare, has worked in education for the last 10 years through various funding and policy posts with the Higher Education funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), the Further Education Funding Councils for Wales (FEFCW), ELWa and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG).
NIACE Dysgu Cymru is the organisation behind the annual staging of programmes across Wales such as Adult Learners’ Week, the Inspire Awards and the Sign Up Season.
In his previous role, Mr Spear, who was educated at Aberdare Boys Comprehensive and the University if Bath, was responsible for annual budgets in excess of £500m. In addition to the core funding for post-16 education and training in Wales, except Higher Education, he was also responsible for specialist areas such as European funding, special educational needs and property.
Recently he led a £300m strategic project to secure high quality Work Based Learning provision in Wales for the period 2007-2010.
Mr Spear, who lives in Gwaelod-y-Garth, said:
“I very much look forward to joining the successful team at NIACE Dysgu Cymru and building on their tremendous achievements, as highlighted by the recent independent study commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government.”
He continued, “At a time when the population is ageing, the role of NIACE Dysgu Cymru in promoting adult learning is critical if Wales is to achieve economic and social prosperity.”
Mr Spear has also been warmly welcomed by Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE for England and Wales.
Mr Tuckett said:
“I am delighted that Richard has joined NIACE to lead its work in Wales. NIACE Dysgu Cymru has, for more than twenty years, supported the interests of adult learning in Wales.”
“Never has there been a greater need for adult learning in Wales – both for the economic prosperity of the country, and for community development and personal fulfilment. I am confident that Richard will lead that work with as much flair as he brought to his work for the Welsh Assembly Government.”
Source: NIACE Press Release: "New Director Appointed for NIACE Dysgu Cymru" - [PDF] Released On 30/08/2007
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