Informal adult learning

The third sector is a significant provider of informal adult learning: 181 of the 315 projects funded by the Learning Revolution Transformation Fund were led by voluntary and community sector organisations, with a further 52 being led by local authorities. VCS organsiations provide informal adult learning both through the Adult Safeguarded Fund and using their own core resources.

Key strengths

 

Together, the Learning Revolution Third Sector Group and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills identified some key strengths of VCS organisations in delivering informal adult learning:

• Reach into communities and a relationship of trust with vulnerable people: third sector organisations are often accepted and trusted by groups such as adults with disabilities who face real barriers in accessing learning. Accessible Arts in North Yorkshire, for example, uses the creative arts and media to provide progression routes into further informal learning and support learners towards future employment where appropriate.
• Creative, innovative and flexible ways of working: third sector organisations tend to take an innovative approach to service delivery. Often, they allow service users a greater say in shaping services. Independence also creates more scope for experimentation and risk. They also have the flexibility to offer highly personalised services.
• Joined-up thinking: many third sector organisations work across a number of policy and programme areas and so are well placed to see where objectives overlap. This helps them develop a strategic overview, increasing efficiently and encouraging more sustainable services.
• Building partnerships: the third sector can help support exisiting partnerships and develop new ones. For example, in Solihull, SIFA Fireside has brought together a college and the libraries service to support people with alcohol problems in accessing digital learning and ICT.

Visit the Learning Revolution School of Everything to find out more.

 

Informal adult and community learning

BIS has launched a consultation on informal adult and community learning. NAVCA has responded to this consultation.