UALL provides leadership in the rapidly-changing political landscape of higher education. There are regular briefing meetings between the Officers and government departments and ministers, and responses are made to all relevant Government consultations.

The Association also liaises with funding councils, UK government education departments, University and College associations, quality assurance bodies, and with other national and international organisations.

The Annual Conference is the major event in the UALL calendar attracting national and international participation. It addresses concepts, research, policy and practice. The Conference has an international strand, including seminars and keynote addresses by international members and visitors, and features an address by the President of UPCEA - the North American equivalent Association on the current issues for University lifelong learning in the USA. Other seminars and lectures are arranged throughout the year bringing together a wide range of national organisations to debate and disseminate information about current critical issues.