National Learner Panel: giving learners a voice at national level
Background
Since November 2006, the National Learner Panel has been advising the government on how proposed changes in further education in England will affect learners. It's made up of volunteers involved in further education as learners - giving learners like you a voice at national level.
What does the National Learner Panel do?
The National Learner Panel was set up by the government to give learners a say in the development of further education at national level. Sponsored by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, the Panel provides advice to the government and other organisations involved in making the decisions.
By giving a learner's perspective on policies, proposals and initiatives, it aims to make a difference to your experience of further education - whether you're in work-based learning, studying at a college, taking an evening class or in another form of adult learning.
Who's on the National Learner Panel?
Panel members are part-time, independent volunteers. Anyone in further education is eligible to apply to join the Panel - all that's needed is an interest in further education and a commitment to making sure it meets the needs of learners.
Members reflect the wide variety of learners in further education. They're drawn from across the sector, including learners at college and in work-based learning.
The panel has included people who have just left school, people who are returning to learning later in life to boost their career prospects and those who have retired and are learning for pleasure. Current members' ages range from 18 to 65.
How does the National Learner Panel work?
The Panel is asked for its views on major issues affecting learners, and agrees a work plan setting out the issues members want to consider. The full Panel meets four times a year in different cities around England.
Panel members also get together in smaller groups to discuss areas they're especially interested or where they feel they can make a particularly valuable contribution.
Once the Panel has looked at an issue, its views are passed on to ministers and other people in organisations dealing with further education.
What has the National Learner Panel done so far?
Since the first Panel was set up in November 2006, it has provided the government and other decision-makers with a learner's perspective on a range of important issues.
These include:
- how to make sure learners' views are taken into account during college inspections
- how best to implement reforms aimed at raising the level of skills in the UK
- a range of views on proposals to raise the minimum age at which young people can leave education or training
