Reclaiming lifelong learning: making your response to the DIUS consultation

‘All forms of good adult learning are valuable’, says John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills in his introduction to the government consultation on the future of informal adult learning.

There is currently no formal definition of ‘informal adult learning’ across Government departments but for the purpose of the consultation the DIUS explains it as follows: ‘Structured or unstructured part time, non-vocational learning which does not lead to qualifications – or at least where qualifications are incidental to the learning.’

The full consultation document ‘Informal Adult Learning – Shaping the Way Ahead’ is available as a PDF document (1.3MB). Download now.

In order to promote debate which is wide-ranging, the consultation document is structured in such a way as to raise questions on the following five themes:

• Understanding and improving on current provision • The Government contribution • DIUS-funded informal adult education • Equality of access • Broadcasting and technology

Each of these areas is explored further in the consultation document.

Given the wide-ranging nature of the consultation, the form below is a ‘free-text’ form to allow you offer a response in a structure and length of your choice.

About You
Gender		Male         Female
Age Range:		Please select.. 16-18 19-24 25-34 35-54 55-64 65+
Are you currently a student with the WEA or any other provider?		Yes         No
On what basis are you making this response:		Please Select.. Personal Other
If ‘other’ please provide the name of group or organisation you are representing. If you would like your response to be attributed please provide your full name and any other contact details you wish to include.
Response to consultation:
Please type your response:
Additional comments:
If you would like a copy of the WEA’s formal response, please provide your email address.
Information provided by you is held in accordance with the Data Protection Act and will not be made available to third parties without your permission.
Responses can also be made by post and these will be forwarded along with electronic submissions. Please send hard copy responses to: Richard Bolsin, General Secretary Workers’ Educational Association Third Floor, 70 Clifton Street London, EC2A 4HB Responses can also be emailed to: national@wea.org.uk The WEA’s response will be published online in May. Further information on the consultation is available from the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills.