Key Agencies involved in Lifelong Learning

There are many different bodies and agencies involved in the Lifelong Learning agenda. Some of those that you are most likely to use are listed here.

Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit (ABSSU)

The Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit is based in the Department for Education and Skills and is responsible for the national strategy on basic skills - 'Skills for Life'.

Basic Skills Agency (BSA)

The Basic Skills Agency is the national agency for basic skills in England and Wales and is supported and funded by the Government. They carry out research into basic skills issues and produce many publications.

Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

The DfES is the Government Department responsible for all Learning and Education including nursery education, schools, further and higher education, workplace learning and basic skills. It has offices in London and Sheffield.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Networks can help adults who want information, advice and guidance on all aspects of learning and work.

learndirect

learndirect offer information, advice and guidance on learning opportunities, basic skills and career development as well as their own branded range of on-line courses and learning centres.

Learning & Skills Council (LSC)

The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for funding and planning education and training for adults. It operates through 47 local offices (one for each county) and a national office in Coventry. For details of your local LSC telephone 0870 9006800.

Lifelong Learning Partnerships

Lifelong Learning Partnerships are voluntary groupings of local learning providers and other local agencies and organisations with an interest in learning. Their two roles are to promote provider collaboration and maximise the contribution of learning to local regeneration. They are funded through local Learning and Skills Councils. 

National Open College Network (NOCN)

The National Open College Network (NOCN) is the UK's leading provider of accreditation for adult learning, including the Union Learning Representative course. NOCN is the central organisation for 29 Open College Networks (OCNs) based across the UK.

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA)

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are new bodies being set up to replace the National Training Organisations (NTOs). Each industry sector will be covered by a SSC whose aim will be to reduce skills gaps and shortages and to improve productivity, quality and investment. To find your SSC telephone the SSDA on 0870 0002399 or visit the SSDA website.

TUC Learning Services

TUC Learning Services support trade unions as they train Union Learning Reps and develop workplace-learning projects. We also co-ordinate support networks for Union Learning Reps.  Our website is a resource for all those interested in union involvement in Lifelong Learning, the Trade Union Sector learndirect Hub and in support offered by TUC Learning Services.

Union Learning Fund (ULF)

The Union Learning Fund (ULF) is Government money that is available for trade unions to bid into to support Lifelong Learning projects. Funds are used by trade unions to set up workplace-learning centres, recruit and support Union Learning Reps, set up workplace learning projects and offer IAG to learners.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://usdaw.org.uk/lifelong_learning/learning_contacts/1099566039_1397.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-Nov-2005 09:50:16 EST