Ahead of the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) Innovation Workshop – Crafting a Fresh Curriculum for a New Era – in March, Dr. Susan Pember CBE, Policy Director, Holex, and Dr. Fiona Aldridge, Head of Insight, West Midlands Combined Authority, reflect on learning from the previous workshop in the series – Thinking Differently; A Framework for Successful Regional Partnership – which took place at the end of 2023.
In a rapidly changing economic, workforce and educational landscape, the importance of adult education has never been more evident. Adult education plays a vital role in empowering individuals, fostering lifelong learning, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge throughout their lives. It is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, and it directly impacts on the productivity and well-being of communities and regions. In this context, the process of devolution in England has ushered in a new era of governance and administration, and with it, the opportunity for regional partnerships to shape the future of adult education.
To harness this transformative potential, 20 dedicated adult educators from local authority (LA) learning organisations and Institutes for Adult Learning (IfALs) met with colleagues from mayoral combined authorities and the Greater London Authority to determine what makes a successful regional partnership. This DfE funded event was delivered by HOLEX, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation. The event was the first of its kind and has helped foster new positive relationships.
Jaki Bradley, Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, stated that “The Innovation Day was an opportunity to bring together learning organisations and colleagues from Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and Greater London Authority (GLA). The day was welcomed as it was the first time we have come together to discuss how devolution will benefit from collaborative development of the skills offer in local regions. The day provided opportunities for delegates to openly discuss the impact of policy and decision making and gave us space to think differently about problems, which is always welcome in a fast-paced environment.”
