Adult Learning chance circumstance and challenges Dr Deirdre

Adult Learning: chance, circumstance and challenges Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE 16 th May 2018

Overview Lifelong learning Making a difference Too important to be left to chance Where next?

Have I Got News For You? • Lifelong learning in Wales supports the development of skills, improves health and wellbeing and is a catalyst for social engagement and integration • Unemployment rate in Wales has fallen, with 4. 4% of people over 16 not in work who want to be • Almost a quarter of people in Wales are trapped in poverty amid rising living costs and cuts to benefits • A 90 -year-old Welsh woman has gone viral around the globe after doing the splits – viewed on Youtube over 6 million times Dr Deirdre Hughes 2018

Karen Adriaanse March 2016

Preparing … for a future we cannot clearly describe…

Karen Adriaanse March 2016

First choice for all regardless of circumstances

Geography matters…. . economy population centre labour market education centre Karen Adriaanse March 2016

Apprenticeships movement - at the expense of adult learning?

Adult learning: Too important to be left to chance What policy development is needed to secure the future of adult education? • 5 key recommendations https: //ec. europa. eu/epale/sites/epale/files/dh_adult_education_full _report. pdf • The contribution of adult learning to improving health and well-being (which are prerequisites for progression into and within employment) is very significant and needs to be more widely adopted in our society D Hughes 2018

Making a difference - Five recommendations 1. 2. 3. Establish a national and regional strategy for adult education, health, employability and well-being – bringing together the different departmental interests, led by a senior Minister Any new commissioning system needs to have an adult education framework that seeks to rebuild and rebalance resources fairly for adults across the different life stages Provide careers information, advice and guidance in local communities and build capacity in the adult education workforce to make greater use of labour market intelligence and mid-life reviews D Hughes 2018

Making a difference - Five recommendations 4. 5. Ensure a systematic approach to identifying and gathering evidence on the full impact of adult education More employers need to step up and offer opportunities to adults, particularly older adults Adult education should be a national priority. A series of policies and practices are needed so that the benefits of adult learning are not taken away from those who need it most. A national debate can forge that sense of shared national purpose. D Hughes 2018

Adult Education: Important for Health & Well-Being Key Issues • Prolonged decline in numbers participating in adult learning • Local/ Combined authorities and Local Partnerships face relentless pressure on planning and funding local community services • Currently, it is mainly left up to adult education managers and practitioners on the ground to make connections with health sector professionals and organisations • Commissioners in adult education, health and social care sectors currently have vary different priorities and use evidence in very different ways D. Hughes 2018

Making a difference - Three key messages • Adult education does help keep individuals well and supports longer and productive lives • Adult education does help meet major challenges such as: ageing, loneliness, long-term conditions, mental health and well-being and community cohesion • Adult education does help save money in the National Health Service (NHS) and the social care system

D Hughes 2018

Evidence-based findings and case studies • preventing illness and infirmity from developing in the first place and worsening in the longer term • enhancing well-being and quality of life in people of all ages • helping reduce the gap between Britain’s ‘haves and have nots’ • improving functional literacy, numeracy and digital skills • addressing many of the challenges the health and social care system is facing • saving money in health and social care by strengthening prevention D Hughes 2018

Four key hooks 1. Greater alignment of strategic priorities and funding streams 2. Capturing the evidence 3. Getting the message across – to policy makers and professionals in adult education, health and well-being sectors 4. Equity should be treated as a policy reminder that is considered across all interventions And. . . 6 Key Recommendations D Hughes 2018

Our Challenge Keep more people switched on to learning Encourage them not to close down opportunities too early Broaden horizons and challenge inaccurate assumptions Create relevant education experiences (as well as exposure to the world of work) ü Listen more to the voices of people in local communities and take action ü ü

Building Resourceful Learning Capability – www. employid. eu Rapidly changing world of work, job roles evolving with technology New roles and teaching methods, content and tools Change of culture, focus on how we support and interact with individuals and groups Higher focus on transforming the way we design, develop and deliver learning No longer an option to expect staff to learn and retain everything

Thank You! • Contact: Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE • An invitation to continue the adult learning dialogue • • Email: deirdre. hughes 3@btinternet. com Tel: 07533 545057 Twitter @deirdretalks Some useful resources: www. dmhassociates. org