Tara can be contacted on webweaver@rapal.org.uk RaPAL AGM and Openings


News from the Sector Tara Furlong


We are delighted to have a full officer team again post-AGM, but there is still room for new volunteers! We encourage article contributions, and members in junior editorial roles, such as supporting a lead editor in putting together an edition of the Journal. We have project work that comes up from time to time, and are interested in looking at running a future Regional Colloquium or other events; let us know what you are interested in and value in developing your practice and local networks. These are great professional development experiences, working with friendly, supportive peers. Thank you to everyone who has come forward in recent months with an interest in taking forward lines of activity.


Member Consultation


In response to feedback, we are looking at renovating our digital offering (including website, social media, etc.). We are considering launching a fresh members' survey over the next few months. It has been two years since the last one, which gave useful guidance on members' priorities and interests and helped RaPAL focus on our core members' values such as developing the Journal.


In the meantime, please do have a look at and think about our digital offer, what you get out of it, and what you would like to see. We will do what we can. I am sure the survey will cover a few more areas about your priorities and interests, so please do look out for it.


Funding Streams for Small Provision


With the changes in adult, further and community education, there appears to be increasing potential for smaller providers and partnerships with strong local ties to satisfy elements of local provision in the future. This may be particularly the case at lower literacy levels but we shall have to see what works out. The LEPs (Local Enterprise Partnerships), Apprenticeship Frameworks, SFA (Skills Funding Agency) and DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) all have cyclical funding available to bid for in different capacities.


While completely independent small-scale provision remains challenging, Campaign for Learning have worked with LEPs to develop a database of providers. This includes smaller providers who can register their details and run searches for other providers suitable to combine with them in joint funding bids which would contract under joint quality assurance frameworks.


RaPAL would love to hear how members are getting on with this. Support with Apprenticeships


For those of you working in apprenticeships, a new support portal has been launched by the Education and Training Foundation and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, here http://futureapprenticeships.org.uk/


Exploring how community learning centres can foster effective virtual lifelong learning environments Community learning centres (CLCs) are very active hubs for lifelong learning throughout the Asia-Pacific region, providing non-formal and informal learning opportunities for all community members. More here http:// www.uil.unesco.org/exploring-how-community-learning-centres-can-foster-effective-virtual-lifelong-learning- environments


UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities


On a final note, for those of you that haven't heard about these recent initiatives, video clips and city stories here http://www.uil.unesco.org/lifelong-learning/project. Trikala, Greece, is the latest member. “The city has been badly hit by the economic crisis, which has led to massive unemployment. Youth unemployment, which currently stands at 27 per cent, is a particular cause for concern. Using the learning city concept and the philosophy of lifelong learning, the city seeks to help residents of all ages acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to contribute to the city’s recovery, fulfil their potential and enjoy a better quality of life…”


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