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Case Study: The Learning Curve Network (Wiltshire & Swindon)

Learning Curve predated the arrival of the LSC and was originally set up as a CVS-based training consortium providing accredited training to staff and volunteers in local voluntary organisations.

With the support of the LLSC and with the backing of the local voluntary sector, Learning Curve set up the Learning Curve Network in 2002. Membership of the Network is open to any local voluntary and community organisation interested in providing learning to their members or clients, staff and volunteers or to local communities. Learning programmes offered range from short first-steps learning to management NVQ 5s for voluntary sector managers. The Network is an approved LSC provider for further education as well as for ESF, LIDF, Employer Training Pilot and other LSC funding streams.

The Network has an inclusive approach to membership. The Network provides capacity building, professional development, MIS and quality support for members to ensure that voluntary organisations that are not specialist learning providers can access LSC funding and provide learning of appropriate quality. Network members contribute to policy, curriculum and quality development and nominate trustees to the Learning Curve Board.

The LLSC has recognised the Learning Curve as a strategic partner in helping build effective working relationships between the LLSC and the local voluntary and community sector. This has ensured that the sector’s potential contribution has been factored into planning and development in LLSC activities such as Entry 2 Employment, Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities, Strategic Area Review and so on.

The Learning Curve Network has established good working relationships with existing FE and ACL providers and is leading on local developments around a framework for adult learning progression routes from community-based first-step learning to mainstream provision.