GM&WL LLN News
- Rhiannon Evans awarded MBE
- LLNs Developing Professionals in the North West
- Delivering the Skills Agenda - Regional Conference
- South Yorkshire our 'Critical Friend' in Peer Framework
- 12 Month Report Submitted to HEFCE
- New Year - New You!
- GM&WL LLN Plays a Key Role in National Conference
- Launch a Success as Network Plans for the Future
- Network Paving the Way for Greater Opportunities for Vocational Learners
Founder Of Lifelong Learning Network Receives New Year's Honour
Professor Rhiannon Evans, who was responsible for the creation of the Greater Merseyside and West Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network (GM&WL LNN) has been awarded an MBE for services to higher education and widening participation in the New Year's Honours List 2009.
Prof Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Edge Hill University and Chair of the LLN Executive Board until May 2008 said: “I feel proud, privileged and quite humbled by the award. I received the letter inviting me to accept the MBE in November and had to keep the news to myself, which was very difficult”
Moving to the North West from Brighton in 1979, Prof Evans was a senior lecturer at Wirral Metropolitan College, becoming a Head of Faculty. She set up the first Access to University and Women Returner courses in the area and significantly developed the college’s higher education provision. As a result of this, she has served on numerous national and regional committees.
The work Prof Evans has carried out during her 40-year-long career has helped open up routes for people from non-traditional backgrounds to move into further and higher education including initiatives such as the GM&WL LLN.
Prof Evans said: ”There is still a social class gap in UK higher education despite the significant rise in participation by young people in general. Young people from professional backgrounds are twice as likely to go to university as their counterparts from skilled or semi-skilled backgrounds. After almost a decade of collaborative working, we are beginning to see some positive trends which start to close the gap.”
Gary Mallon, GM&WL LLN Project Manager said "I was delighted to hear about Rhiannon’s award. It is a great tribute to her role as the driving force in establishing the LLN and her hard work and dedication as Chair of the LLN Executive. Her work towards ensuring the many strengths and achievements of the LLN, has been deservedly rewarded with an MBE.
Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University said: “The University has a significant debt to Rhiannon who has played a considerable part in establishing Edge Hill's strong reputation for widening access to higher education, both nationally and internationally.
“The Lifelong Learning Network, the location of the national Action on Access team, past leadership for Aim Higher, would, in all probability, not have happened without her.
“It is particularly pleasing to see the extent of her contribution being recognised nationally, with her nomination forwarded through Higher Education Funding Council for England and Universities UK for consideration by the Prime Minister's Office. Warmest congratulations, Rhiannon.”
LLNs Developing Professionals in the North West
Collaboration and communication were two aspects highlighted in rousing speeches at the first 'regional conference' for lifelong learning networks (LLNs) in the North West.
Representatives from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), North West Development Agency (NWDA) and Foundation degree Forward (Fdf) addressed a 100-strong audience of LLN practitioners from across the region, urging them to continue delivering and promoting vocational learning by ensuring all agencies work together and to understand the needs of employers and employees.
GM&WL LLN was joined by the other four LLNs operating in the North West (Cheshire & Warrington; Cumbria Higher Learning; Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance; and the emerging Lancashire LLN) in staging an inaugural practitioners conference at the JJB Stadium in Wigan, to share experience and practice and to identify new opportunities for the future.
For further details click here
Delivering the Skills Agenda - Regional Conference
3rd September 2007
The five Lifelong Learning Networks in the North West are holding an inaugural practitioner conference for LLNs in the region.
Cheshire & Warrington LLN, Cumbria Higher Learning, Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance, Greater Merseyside & West Lancashire LLN and the emerging Lancashire LLN are organising the event, which will take place at the JJB Stadium in Wigan, on Friday 19th October 2007.
The full-day event will provide an opportunity to bring together colleagues who play a vital role in delivering the aims and objectives of each LLN across the region. This includes members of the core LLN teams, in addition to individuals from the vital partner organisations that make up each network.
The North West has the greatest density of LLNs in the country and is one of the most established areas for vocational learning and widening access to higher education for all.
Furthermore, the region has continually been at the forefront of developments since LLNs were first introduced and continually strives to address issues relating to the skills agenda and vocational learning.
A number of guest speakers will be attending the event, including representatives from employers who have benefited from the work of the LLN and decision makers who are supporting the development of vocational learning and LLNs.
The event will consist of informative presentations, workshops, opportunities to discuss new methods and ideas and will close with a panel discussion where delegates will have the opportunity to pose questions to senior figures from organisations including HEFCE, FDF, NWDA and Aimhigher.
Aims of the Conference
- To raise awareness of LLN developments across the North West
- To share experience and practice
- To enable practitioners to discuss key themes
- To give practitioners an opportunity to raise issues with a conference panel
- To identify new opportunities for the future
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME (pdf)
Attending the Conference
There are a limited number of spaces available. If you would like to attend please e-mail llnenquiries@edgehill.ac.uk to book your place. A £25 delegate fee applies.
South Yorkshire our 'Critical Friend' in Peer Framework
21st June 2007
Greater Merseyside and West Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network will combine with South Yorkshire LLN to support the development of their respective networks.
HEFCE approached the LLN National Forum to co-ordinate a Peer Support Framework for all LLNs across the country. Each LLN was asked to suggest a suitable ‘partner’ network who they would work closely with during the coming months to share best practice and ideas.
It was agreed that the suggestion made by GM&WL LLN to partner South Yorkshire LLN - which is based in Sheffield - was an appropriate pairing.
With similar sized teams, geographical areas and curriculum coverage there are sure to be numerous benefits to the partnership.
Gary Mallon, Project Manager of GM&WL LLN said: "I am delighted that we are working with South Yorkshire LLN as part of the Peer Support Framework. The framework gives us a valuable opportunity to work with South Yorkshire on the basis of ‘critical friend’ and we can both learn and gain from the relationship.
“I have already established a good working relationship with Rob Harrison, who is the Project Director of South Yorkshire LLN, and shared information, thoughts and ideas. The whole team is looking forward to working closely with their counterparts to take forward the working relationship and look at Access, Progression, IAG, Marketing and Information, Curriculum Development and a whole host of LLN related activities.
“Certainly I have been impressed with the speed with which Rob and the team have developed. The two LLNs share many similarities including strands, size, geography, membership and core team so can both benefit from learning from each other and advising on overcoming and facing challenges."
The teams will meet in July to discuss how they will develop the peer framework.
12 Month Report Submitted to HEFCE
31st January 2007
The LLN has submitted its first annual report to the Higher Education Funding Body for England (HEFCE) detailing developments and progress of the network during the last twelve months.
Within its first year, the key highlights for the network have included:
- Full engagement by partners in key developments which are at the heart of the Government and funder’s agendas : widening participation, employer engagement and higher level skills The development of new Foundation Degrees and Year 0 provision providing new progression opportunities in health and social care
- ASN Targets likely to be met through successful recruitment to programmes in seven partner institutions and applications to in year bridging and CPD modules
- Significant employer and sector skills engagement
- Strengthening of Strategic links with key partners inter alia, Aimhigher, Connexions and establishment of links with the Higher level skills pathfinder project
- Establishing FE Colleges as SOLSTICE hubs and the appointment of SOLSTICE Associate Fellows
- Pilot Progression Agreements for Level 3 learners being tested in colleges which have capacity to underpin specialised diplomas
To read further details on all of the above and view the report in full, click here
New Year - New You!
15th January 2007
What better way to start the New Year than by exercising your mind with a new modular course available through the LLN?
Throughout 2007 there will be the opportunity to learn new skills through a range of modular/short courses available at five of our partner institutions. Each course is accredited by Edge Hill University or the University of Liverpool and start dates range from the end of January through to June, each at an affordable cost.
The courses are ideal for individuals looking to develop skills in a specific area and enhance their CPD.The courses on offer range from the ‘Health and Wellbeing of Children’ to ‘Financial Accounting and Budgeting. Students who complete one of the courses will gain credits that can be counted towards a Higher Education qualification such as a Foundation Degree.
For further details on the range of modular and short courses available through the Lifelong Learning Network please click on the link below.
2007 Higher Education Opportunities - Modular/Short Courses [PDF]
GM&WL LLN Plays a Key Role in National Conference
24th November 2006
Eight representatives from GM&WL LLN took part in the first Lifelong Learning Networks National Practitioner Conference held in Leeds in November, to share best practice and develop joint working and innovative ideas.
Almost all of the 27 fully-funded LLNs from across the country were present for the full-day conference, which included several workshops and networking opportunities.
Organised by the Lifelong Learning Networks National Forum, each workshop provided LLNs with the opportunity to share ideas and find out more about developments in other LLNs.
GM&WL LLN was the focus of attention at a workshop highlighting progress in the Health and Social Care strand. Edge Hill University’s Seth Crofts and Liz McGough – who are both heavily involved in the development of the health strand for GM&WL – delivered a presentation and workshop that proved extremely popular.
In addition to subject-specific workshops, delegates had the opportunity to attend workshops to discuss issues such as:
- Defining and reaching the learner constituency
- Embedding and sustaining LLNs
- The Skills Agenda and employer engagement
- Developing innovative, flexible learning programmes for vocational learners
- Staff development
- Information, advice and guidance
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Developing progression agreements
The conference was also attended by Kevin Whitston from HEFCE, who created and funds LLNs. During a closing speech Kevin offered encouraging words for all LLNs, all of whom are making great progress, widening participation and access to HE, stimulating demand and introducing new vocational qualifications during a challenging time for many institutions in the education sector.
Launch a Success as Network Plans for the Future
3rd November 2006
The LLN and its base at Silkhouse Court was officially launched in November, with an event that attracted more than fifty guests.
Avis Mulhearn, Regional Director of Skills for Health, played the key role in launching both the network and its home in Liverpool city centre.
Avis, who is also a member of the LLN Board, said: “I was very proud to be asked to formally launch the network. The LLN can play an important role for everybody; employers, learners, education and training providers and Sector Skills Councils.
“In my role with Skills for Health, getting the right skills for the workforce in the health sector is vital. This leads to better patient care, better services and improve the health of the population. We can all appreciate the importance of this.
“There is a greater need than ever to develop multi-skilled, multi-professional staff in the health sector. In order to achieve this, flexible training and education is essential.
“The LLN is listening and responding to these needs and my role as a member of the LLN Board is to deliver these messages to funders of training and education, providers and recipients alike.”
Speeches were also made by Professor Rhiannon Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, Catherine Jones, Academic Secretary at University of Liverpool, Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive of Connexions, and Stan Pochron from the Learning Providers’ Federation.
Professor Evans expressed her delight with the level of commitment, energy and vision shown by partners so far, adding that real progress has already been made, tackling difficult deeply rooted cultural change.
Rhiannon also outlined the importance of the long-term sustainability of the work the LLN is developing and emphasised the role all partners have to play in this.
One of the requirements for the establishment and funding of LLNs is that they should have a research intensive university as a partner. Catherine Jones from the University of Liverpool explained how the University was very pleased to fill the role of research partner, not least because they saw it as a way to fulfil some of their aspirations around building links with FE colleges.
Catherine said: “The LLN gave us the vehicle to progress this initiative. We have been allocated 45 additional student numbers for a Year Zero course from which students who successfully complete the year are given guaranteed progression into our undergraduate medicine, dentistry, nursing or allied health progression courses.
“The whole rationale of LLNs is that they are to offer progression into and through higher education for vocational learners and so we were very clear that the Year Zero course, with it guaranteed progression for students, should not be seen as a ‘back door’ route to medicine and dentistry for 18 year olds who did not quite make the grades in their A levels. We are genuinely looking for vocational candidates – those with vocational qualifications and/or work experience which in some way is related – because we recognise that these people have so much to offer, are often more committed to studying for the qualification which they covet and bring a welcome maturity and insight.”
Kieran Gordon spoke about working with the LLN as a support partner (as opposed to a direct institutional and delivery partner). He said: “The Connexions service in Merseyside is delighted to be part of the LLN.
“The LLN provides an invaluable contribution to the broadening of the curriculum for young people so that real and valuable vocational learning is part of the curriculum offer.
“With the advent of Foundation Degrees the LLN will enhance the link between 14-19 learning and HE and foster strong links between schools, FE Colleges and Universities.
“LLN objectives go hand in hand with widening participation and by opening access to higher learning and skills for more people; particularly those for whom HE is not an expectation, despite individual ability and potential.
“The contribution the LLN movement will make to the improvement of skills will be vital to individuals and society.”
Stan Pochron was the final speaker, offering rousing words of encouragement. He explained: “To encourage young adults to continue their development through Work Based Learning is not any easy thing to do, it harbours the potential of failure, inability to do the work required and exposing yourself to new ideas, skills and challenges.
“This very challenge however brings with it unexpected satisfaction and self esteem for many young adults who did not make the best use of their academic opportunities whilst at school. Lifelong Learning offers an opportunity the learner may have thought was not possible - a place at university.
“Modern lives now require many more skills and knowledge than ever before and one can easily be left behind if you don't take charge of your own learning. To some people this is a difficult task, without the support of mentors and colleagues. New skills however, free up time, make our lives more effective and open up opportunities for promotion and progression which makes Lifelong learning an attractive position.
“The Lifelong Learning Partnership offers a future horizon for learners to aim for, as they put their skills, knowledge and expertise into practice and see the prospect of continuing their education on Foundation Degrees as a real option.
“I feel as though I am on the shores of progression, happy to help celebrate the launch of the good ship ''Lifelong Learning'', and wish it well on its journey to the land of skills and knowledge, filled with learners on their voyage of self discovery.”
Network Paving the Way for Greater Opportunities for Vocational Learners
25th October 2006
Greater Merseyside and West Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) will officially launch with an event at its base at Silkhouse Court in Liverpool on Thursday 2nd November 2006.
Gary Mallon, Project Manager of the LLN explained: “The event will celebrate the success already achieved by the network and outline plans for the future. We are still in our formative stages as a network and recognise the importance of highlighting the opportunities available through the LLN.
“By bringing together as many stakeholders as possible at the launch, we hope this will play a part in enhancing the awareness and understanding of the network.”
Senior figures from partner institutions will be present, in addition to a number of the network’s stakeholders including representatives from local Chambers of Commerce, Connexions, Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation, the Learning and Skills Council, Liverpool City of Learning and most crucially of all - students.
The network and its headquarters at Silkhouse Court in Liverpool city centre will be officially launched by Avis Mulhearn, Regional Director of Skills for Health.
Short presentations will also be made by Catherine Jones, Academic Secretary, University of Liverpool, and Kieran Gordon, Chief Executive of Connexions, explaining how the work of the LLN can benefit both individuals and employers across the region.