Annual NIACE Parliamentary reception Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - 13:40

NIACE's annual Parliamentary reception is one of the highlights of the Parliamentary year for supporters of lifelong learning and training, whether in colleges, community settings, universities or workplaces. The event on Wednesday 16 June 2010, was sponsored by the co-chair of the former All-Party Group for Further and Higher Education, Kelvin Hopkins MP and other speakers included:

• John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills; and
• Kevin Brennan, Shadow Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills.

It is expected that a major topic for participants was the review of all public expenditure between April 2011 and March 2010.

NIACE, other organisations and individuals will have a further opportunity to make the case to Government for adult education and training during August, by contributing to a Government engagement programme - involving a group of experts - as well as a public exercise involving wider civil society; think-tanks, academics, local government, pressure groups, voluntary organisations, business and unions.

The eight criteria set out in the Treasury's framework, against which submissions will be considered, will influence the scope of publicly-funded adult learning for the lifetime of the Parliament, if not well beyond:

• Is the activity essential to meet Government priorities?
• Does the Government need to fund this activity?
• Does the activity provide substantial economic value?
• Can the activity be targeted to those most in need?
• How can the activity be provided at lower cost?
• How can the activity be provided more effectively?
• Can the activity be provided by a non-state provider or by citizens, wholly or in partnership?
• Can non-state providers be paid to carry out the activity according to the results they achieve?
• Can local bodies as opposed to central government provide the activity?

NIACE will be exploring how its purposes can best be delivered in this context and what it means for the range, mix and volume of activities it undertakes. This will involve an assessment of both political and economic environments in terms of the threats and opportunities presented.

Alastair Thomson, Principal Policy and Advocacy Officer at NIACE, said:

"As well as acting as a ‘critical friend' to Government, NIACE aims to support all MPs and Peers on matters relating to adult education and training. As an independent NGO and charity, NIACE seeks to encourage informed public debate on lifelong learning."