Janet Smith, CEO and Principal of Nottingham College, joined parliamentarians, education leaders and sector representatives at Westminster for the launch of a landmark report calling for renewed investment in adult learning and lifelong education.
The report, Skills for Life, Work and Place, was published following an inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Adult Education, which examined the challenges facing adult learning and the role it plays in supporting individuals, communities and the economy.
Earlier this year, Janet contributed evidence to the inquiry on behalf of the further education sector. Chaired by Jonathan Brash MP (Labour), the inquiry brought together parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, including Dr Sam Rushworth MP (Labour), Rachel Gilmour MP (Lib Dem), Lord Jo Johnson (Conservative) and Baroness Carmen Smith (Plaid Cymru).
Janet attended the report's official launch event in Westminster on 21 October alongside fellow further education representatives and policymakers. The event formed part of the Association of Colleges' (AoC) Adult Learning Pays Week of Action (19-23 October), a national initiative celebrating the life-changing impact of adult education.
Reflecting on the publication of the report, Janet said:
"The inquiry recognised the vital contribution adult learning makes. Not just educationally, in terms of skills and career development, but in supporting social cohesion, health and wellbeing, and as a genuine enabler of understanding, tolerance and democracy.
“A modern education system should not stop at age 18, learning must be available throughout adult life, because the freedom to improve our life circumstances should not have an expiry date.”
The APPG inquiry highlighted a 70% real-terms reduction in adult learning funding over the past 15 years, while recognising the significant contribution adult education makes to economic growth, social cohesion, health, and wellbeing.
The report calls on the Government to ensure all adults have access to learning opportunities throughout their lives, regardless of their age, background or starting point.
The publication of Skills for Life, Work and Place reinforces the importance of ensuring adults can continue to learn, retrain and develop throughout their lives, with Nottingham College committed to helping make that ambition a reality.
Janet added:
"The report very much aligns with our college mission to unlock potential through learning. I am proud that Nottingham College is part of the answer."