Lifelong Learning UK
Lifelong Learning UK is the independent employer-led sector skills council representing the interests of over one million individuals working in lifelong learning across the UK. This includes work based learning providers, as well as those in career guidance, community learning and development, further education, higher education, libraries, archives and information services.
Lifelong Learning UK helps work based learning providers, as employers, to develop their staff, which in turn helps them to provide a first-class education experience for those they train.
Learning and development national occupational standards
Part of our function as a sector skills council is to develop national occupational standards. These detail the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to be competent in a specific job role. Standards provide an important resource for employers, particularly in the recruitment of new staff and when planning training and development programmes.
In March 2009 we began a review of existing national occupational standards for learning and development. The standards were last update by ENTO in 2001. Our review will ensure that they still reflect the functions for which they were written.
Get involved
We are inviting any organisation that delivers vocational learning to be involved in the review. In November 2009 we will be running a number of events across the UK at which participants will be able to:
- review the draft standards and comment on their scope and content
- identify what qualifications are required, their size and content
- consider the assessment principles to be applied to future qualifications.
To find out more about national occupational standards and how you can get involved visit www.lluk.org/national-occupational-standards.htm.
Workforce data collection
We are responsible for data collection in the further education sector in England, including work based learning. The Staff Individualised Record (SIR) data collection has been running since 2002, and provides a comprehensive overview of the profile of all staff working in further education colleges since this time. Last year we extended this process to make it possible to collect data from work based learning providers, as well as FE colleges.
The data collected not only helps to inform policy planning and provide information to inform government action, but it can also support your own organisation by allowing you to benchmark performance against the rest of the sector.
Why not get involved?
Collection for data from the 2008-2009 academic year has already opened, so make sure your organisation takes part.
For more information about workforce data collection process, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.lluk.org/workforce-data-collection-for-work-based-learning-providers.htm.
Want to know more about what we do? Why not sign up to receive our monthly eBulletin, which covers all our latest activities. We're always looking for contributions from those working in the sector, so if you've got an idea please let us know. Visit www.lluk.org/newsletters.htm.
Got a question? Our Information and Advice Service offers free, confidential and specialist advice on all aspects of working in lifelong learning. Call 020 7936 5798 between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, or email advice@lluk.org.
