News and Events

Lifelong Learning Network Praised for Meeting Targets

17 April 2007

The BU-led South West Lifelong Learning Network (SWLLN) has been praised by the funding council for reaching its targets during its first six months.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) also complimented the Network for the clear presentation of its report on the progress achieved to date.

The SWLLN builds on and complements a number of existing successful partnerships and networks to create greater quality of choice in respect of Higher Education opportunities for vocational learners in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and South Wiltshire.

BU’s partners in the SWLLN include the University of Plymouth, the Open University, the University of Exeter and the Arts Institute at Bournemouth.

The SWLLN also engages with other Higher Education Institutions and all Further Education partner networks within the South West and a wide range of other organisations including local authorities, sector skills councils and training providers, and aims to improve the quality of choice for learners and employers.

Its achievements to date include:

Appointing key staff to the Curriculum Development and Vocational Practice Development Unit, Progression Framework and Information, Advice, Guidance and Learner Support Strands.
Establishing of the Governance and Management Structure
Holding SWLLN area-wide consolidation events.
Providing a bidding opportunity for the first two pilot Information, Advice, Guidance and Learner Support hubs. The SWLLN will invest, in each, up to £10,000 and 75 days of SWLLN staff consultancy.
Conducting 90 interviews with members of senior management in Public Services

Co-ordinator Belinda Payne said:“We welcome the positive feedback from HEFCE and note the additional guidance for Lifelong Learning Networks, published by the funding council.

The strength of existing and emerging partnerships and collaborations has been a significant factor in the progress achieved to date.

In addition, the postholders of the SWLLN, employed to deliver the activities and milestones, have ‘hit the ground running’.”

Please visit the South West Lifelong Learning Network’s website for further information at http://www.swlln.ac.uk/