A Lifelong Learning Manifesto

There is growing recognition across the sector that serious engagement with lifelong learning is vital if higher education is to contribute fully to economic prosperity and social mobility:  UUK, HEPI, OFFA and others have all recently produced substantive reports and part-time higher education is explicitly on the agenda of government policy makers.  Now University Alliance, a group of HEIs committed to engagement with our cities and regions, has added its voice in a Lifelong learning manifesto.

The need for effective information, advice and guidance for mature learners;  a call for more appropriate funding arrangements (including reintroduction of Individual Learning Accounts) and promotion of collaboration and co-investment are all timely and well-made proposals. These same conclusions have been drawn by others and we can only hope that this punchy document, neatly timed ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, will receive the attention that it deserves and inject momentum into achievement of its subtitle: Making lifetime learning a reality.

Author Profile

Verity Hilton

UALL Administrator