Lifelong Learning Networks, South London and Employer Engagement Mary Stuart Professor of Higher Education Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kingston University and Chair of the SLLLLN

Content n Welcome and introduction to the day….. n The LLLN agenda n Why is employer engagement important to HE and FE? n What we hope to achieve today….

The Lifelong Learning Network Proposal 2004 n Howard Newby’s vision for tackling the disparity between ‘academic’ and ‘vocational’ learning n Differential participation rates between social classes some minority ethnic groups and disabled people – eg only 14% of non skilled manual workers entered HE compared to 80% of professional classes n Only 50% of learners with level 3 vocational qualifications go on to HE.. This initiative was meant to fix this.

Vocational Learning and Lifelong Learning Networks n At its heart the initiative focused on learning for work and learning in work… n Evaluation report, compiled for HEFCE by the Open University's Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, concludes that LLNs are working effectively with institutions to develop curricula and procedures that should, in due course, make a difference to vocational learning. n The role of LLNs is recognised as important to developing relationships with partner institutions that enable them to deliver programmes of activity enhancing the coherence, clarity and certainty of opportunities for vocational learners (2008).

What was committed from HEFCE? n At the start of 2008, approximately £100 million and 15,000 additional student numbers had been allocated to 29 LLNs (including two national and two regional networks). n In March 2008, a thirtieth LLN in Lancashire was awarded funding by HEFCE n Recently HEFCE decided not to continue this initiative…

South London Lifelong Learning Network n South London LLLN has worked with all HEIs in the area and FE providers, private trainers, skills councils, learners, engaged in the development of diplomas and crucially for this conference with employers n Excellent team led by Denise Cooper, excellent engagement by HEIs and FECs by sector, joint working, learning pathways developed along with work with employers. n Today will give you a taste of some of this work

The Leitch Agenda 2006 n Key Recommendations of Leitch include all public funding for adult vocational qualifications to go through Train to Gain/Learner Accounts by n A strengthened employer voice will be achieved through a Commission for Employment and Skills, which will replace SSDA, the National Employment Panel and the Skills Alliance. n There will be a network of employer led Employment and Skills Boards to influence delivery. n There will be a greater employer buy-in through SSCs leading qualifications reform and raising employer demand and investment. Public funding for vocational qualifications will be linked to SSC approval.

Leitch and HE n Leitch requires a rebalancing of higher education priorities. The teaching and learning mission for HE should be extended to the whole adult workforce; and HE should deliver flexible and responsive provision to meet employers’ needs. n A portion of HE funding is to be delivered through a demand-led mechanism ‘similar to’ Train to Gain. n SSCs should work directly with HE providers to influence content of provision, eg through Foundation Degrees. There is a key role for HE in driving up quality of management and leadership skills in the workforce n The position will be reviewed in 2010 by the Employment and Skills Commission.

Employer Engagement/ Workforce Development n Employer Engagement projects in HE n 27 employer engagement projects at different universities working with FE at times but no collaborative projects between HEIs. £75m Capacity funding allocated 39 Lead institutions delivering co-funded provision 10,000 Additional co-funded students n The Training Gateway

2008 is not 2006 but the issue of skills in the workforce remains crucial. We know that the economic downturn will be challenging for many companies and their employees. But our universities and higher education colleges are better placed than ever to help them cope. Through consultancy programmes that can help businesses become more efficient or profitable, or through higher level training courses that can improve the productivity of staff members, universities are already making a big difference in thousands of companies across the country. A growing number of campuses and science parks are also providing the innovative solutions and ideas that will lead to tomorrow’s products and new ways of working. (Standing together, Universities supporting business in the economic downturn, UUK and Guild HE).

Focus for the day in the light of the challenges n To show case employer engagement work undertaken by the LLLN n To showcase a number of different approaches to EE n To provide an opportunity for sharing of practice n To discuss how the lessons and work of LLLNs in this area can be taken forward.