Learning powerparish

Learning Power

News from the South West Lifelong Learning Network Issue 10

www.swlln.ac.uk

In this issue

4 Foundation Degree Approved

5 Adult Learners’ Fair

6 Improving IAG at Volunteer Bureau

SWLLN TAKES RESEARCH FINDINGS TO

THE UNITED NATIONS

Dr Gregory Borne (pictured above with Maaike Jansen), from the South West Lifelong Learning

Network (SWLLN) has met with members of the United Nations Environment Programme

(UNEP) at United Nations headquarters in New York to outline details of his research regarding

town and parish council needs for a sustainable Devon and Cornwall, which is the first project of

its kind in the United Kingdom.

Project Lead, Dr Gregory Borne, said, “The project combines the three elements of education

and training, sustainable development and community enhancement.

“It takes an in depth look at the often neglected town and parish tier of local government which

is becoming increasingly important in the sustainable development agenda. This project will

ultimately provide an invaluable information base for a broad range of organisations at local,

regional, national and international level.”

2005-2014 has been designated the United Nations Decade for Education on Sustainable

Development so the research is highly relevant to the United Nations.

Members of the UNEP team including Maaike Jansen and Fabienne Fon Sing posed many

questions, as well as offering advice on how to take the project forward, and seek partnership

and endorsement.

United Nations Environment Programme Officer, Maaike Jansen, said, “Dr Borne provided us

with an overview of his project and its core objectives.

“We had a lively discussion and the feedback we provided was positive and constructive. We

shared a number of ideas on possible entry- points and links to the UN’s work, which could be

explored as the project progresses and we asked to be kept abreast of developments.”

Director of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, Adnan Amin, agreed to

distribute details of the project to relevant UN entities within the UN system.

Details of the project have been passed to the Commission for Sustainable Development and

UN- HABITAT.

continued on page 3

Learning Power Issue 10 Page 2

About the South West Lifelong Learning Network

The South West Lifelong Learning Network (SWLLN) is a Partnership which aims to create a greater

quality of choice in Higher Education for work-based, vocational learners

Welcome to the June edition of Learning Power! I mentioned in the last issue that we had a

busy time ahead of us and this quarter’s publication demonstrates just that!

in the region. It is part of a national initiative.

As many of you will be aware the network’s funding from HEFCE comes to an end in October

2009. In many ways this

The SWLLN is uniting with universities and colleges, employers and other organisations across the region

to develop flexible, bite-size university-level courses which will

has ensured that we remain fully focused on completing our aims and objectives as well as

working with partners to explore the embedding and sustainability of the developments/changes

facilitated through HEFCE’s investment in Lifelong Learning Networks.

be specifically relevant to the Public Services, Heritage, Tourism and Hospitality sectors.

The articles in this Learning Power demonstrate just how busy everyone has been. I am

delighted that Claire Puckett has, through her engagement with Bournemouth & Poole College

and

Progression agreements are being put in place with institutions across the region to allow learners to

move between different programmes and establishments.

Bournemouth University, facilitated the successful validation of the Cultural Services Foundation

Degree (Fd) for the eastern area of the network. Claire will be leaving us shortly to go on

maternity leave and I know that she will be missed by many colleagues, but we send her off with

our best wishes for her latest challenge!

Information, Advice and Guidance is also being strengthened to support learners.

An article by Dr Gregory Borne is in this edition of Learning Power and demonstrates the

growing awareness and importance of Sustainable Communities. This is evidenced by the

increasing

Bournemouth University is leading the SWLLN. The Partners engaged in the Network include: the

University of Plymouth; the Open University in the South West; the University of Exeter; the Arts

engagement at regional, national and international level Gregory and fellow practitioners have

secured this year. A number of us met recently with the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council to

discuss the interim findings of the research carried out with Parish and Town Councillors and

how the network can facilitate training and education solutions beyond October 2009.

Institute at Bournemouth; other Higher Education Institutions; all Further Education partner networks

within the south South West as well as a wide range of other organisations such as local authorities,

sector skills councils

In the current economic climate, appropriate Information, Advice, Guidance and Learner

Support for individuals is ever more important and the article by Marian Harrison provides an

insight into our work with providers to ensure they can support aspirations of individuals to

access an appropriate route into Higher Education.

and training providers.

Fun has also been part of the last few months through our support for events that provide

opportunities to increase awareness and

To request hard copies of Learning Power please contact:

aspirations to take up education and training opportunities. We were able to provide support to

the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival and a presence at the Devon County Show (thanks to all who

Victoria Bennion

gave up their spare time – you know who you are!)

SWLLN Communications and Marketing Manager The Arts Institute at Bournemouth Academic

Development Unit Wallisdown Poole Dorset BH12 5HH

Finally, we have now fixed the date for our last conference, 21st October 2009 at Woodbury

Park Hotel and Golf Club, Exeter and it will be a unique opportunity to showcase the collective

achievements and a chance to thank all who have supported the network during the last three

years. If you would like to attend please contact Nadine Grimmett

[email protected] who will add you to the mailing list for this event. We will be

delighted to see you there!

Tel: 01202 961221

Belinda Payne, SWLLN

Director Email: [email protected]

www.swlln.ac.uk

Director’s Foreword


Congratulations to the Arts Institute at Bournemouth

as it becomes a University College

The Arts Institute at Bournemouth recently gained the title of University College, following the award of

Taught Degree Awarding Powers last year. It remains one of the most successful and most popular

higher education specialists, with an excellent national and international reputation, committed to

providing the highest quality, industry-relevant creative degrees. It now offers over 20 degrees in art,

design, media and performance, as well as a range of short courses, a unique postgraduate programme,

and bespoke services to business.

From 1st July 2009, and in its 125th anniversary year, it will adopt the new title of THE ARTS

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT BOURNEMOUTH.

Professor Stuart Bartholomew, Principal, commented: “This is a hugely important step in our development

and achieves one of our key strategic objectives. In an ever more competitive global market, it is crucial

that we build upon the recognition and reputation of our offering, and the designation of University

College offers a significant contribution to this. We remain resolutely committed to providing the highest

quality education for our students, to supporting the creative industries and contributing to the country’s

economic success. We look forward to building upon our success as an innovative, specialist,

experienced and now fully independent HEI. This award is also significant for Bournemouth, Poole and

the county of Dorset as they will now be home to two universities.”

The University College was founded over a century ago and has undergone a number of transformations

and title changes throughout its history. Its Alumni include Turner Prize winner, Wolfgang Tillmans; Oscar

winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy; and fashion photographer Nick Knight.

www.swlln.ac.uk

SWLLN takes research findings to the United

Nations

Continued from page 1 Dr Gregory Borne, said, “The success of the project is a product of the

increasing importance of sustainable development on the political agenda, increasing concerns

over the effects of global climate change and the dedication of the research team”.

He recently outlined details of the project to the Department of Business Innovation and Skills at

a Foresight Committee event in London.

The South West Lifelong Learning Network and the Town and Parish councils project were

recently illustrated in a report produced by the Commission for Rural Communities, called

Securing Effective Engagement for Parish and Town Councils with Unitary Structures and

Processes identified the importance of skills enhancement within the parish and town councils

of local government.

This report and other recent publications illustrate the importance of the parish’s work not just

for Cornwall but also on a national scale.

As the project is based on the principles of sustainable development it has multiple applications

with multiple beneficiaries.

Dr Gregory Borne has been invited by the UK’s Sustainable Development Commission to

participate in a debate about breakthrough ideas for the 21st century next month.

As a result of his research, Dr Gregory Borne has written a book called Sustainable

Development: The Reflexive Governance of Risk which is being published in August by Edwin

Mellen Press.

The book explores how sustainable development is being integrated into social and political life

from the United Nations through to local government.

Learning Power Issue 10 Page 4 Second

flexible Foundation degree for cultural

services approved

Combining study and work: using the Foundation

degree Cultural Services for career development

Jeanette (bottom right) is a Senior Library Assistant in a Further Education college, and has worked in

libraries for much of her working life. At the age of 50, she is looking to develop her career, and sees the

new Foundation degrees that have been developed in the South West as a great opportunity for

combining study with full-time work to enable her to achieve this.

What is it that she likes about library work? ‘I’m quite nosy I suppose, and I like finding things out; every

day you learn something new, being in this sort of environment’.

How has she developed her skills so far? Jeanette did a City and Guilds qualification for library

assistants, followed by a BTEC qualification specialising in libraries, complemented by activities within

her college staff development programme. She has found, however, that much of her learning has taken

place on the job: ‘you tend not to think about it in a structured way really’.

Doing a Foundation degree appeals to Jeanette, both to bring some structure to the learning process, and

to gain career recognition to enable her to progress into a more senior job role, such as Subject or Team

Librarian. She is interested in using the broad-based Foundation degree in Cultural Services at

Bournemouth and Poole College to explore other sectors, particularly museums: ‘the museum bit really

sold it for me – a chance to look at other things’.

How will the mode of study work for her? The course is taught in four intensive three-day blocks per year.

Jeanette feels that this mode

of study will really suit her: ‘that’s the way I learn best’, and will work in practice around her job. She has

been offered support from her employer to enable her to take on the commitment of the course.

Lifelong learning Jeanette sees herself as a lifelong learner, and is motivated to build on her work

experience and previous vocational study by undertaking the Foundation degree. Jeanette says ‘I try to

keep an open mind and keep learning, that’s what life’s all about. Now is my time and this seems like an

ideal thing’.

programme to get them off to a good start. As also requested by employers, all course units will be

available for study as short courses, to provide continuing professional development opportunities.

The new course completes the SWLLN’s Foundation degree development work for the cultural services

sector (libraries, museums, archives, galleries, heritage sites) in the South West. This success The

SWLLN is very pleased to announce the successful validation by Bournemouth University of the

Foundation degree Cultural Services (with library and museum pathways) for delivery at

follows on from the earlier validation of the FdA Libraries, Museums and Archives by the University of

Plymouth for delivery at Truro College from autumn 2009. Bournemouth and Poole College. The College

team were delighted to be commended by the validating panel of Bournemouth University academic staff,

national academics in the field and regional employers for their ‘commitment and dedication to

The SWLLN was pleased to take part in this year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival and the Devon County

Show. developing the course and responding to the needs of industry’.

The Fossil Festival was the biggest to date and saw thousands of visitors flocking to the town over the

The course will be launched in part-time mode,

course of three days. starting in January

2010. In response to local employer demand, the course will be run in four intensive three-day blocks per

year over three years. First year students will undertake an induction

For further details of both courses, and how to apply, contact:

Roy Watson, Bournemouth and Poole College Programme Leader FdA Cultural Services 01202 205345,

[email protected]

Cath Camps, Truro College Programme Leader FdA Libraries, Museums and The Archives

festival was led by the Lyme Regis Development Trust. 01872 And 267120, Chief

[email protected]

Executive Marcus Dixon said, “We were blessed with fine weather and our visitors all

www.swlln.ac.uk

The SWLLN out and about in the region

The SWLLN was pleased to take part in this year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (top right) and

the Devon County Show (bottom right).

The Fossil Festival was the biggest to date and saw thousands of visitors flocking to the town

The over the course of three

days.

SWLLN’s Ian Sherriff left The festival was led by the Lyme Regis Development

his post on Trust. And Chief Executive

Marcus Dixon said, “We

our exhibition were blessed with fine

weather and our visitors all

stand to take seemed to have a great

time, as borne out by a

part in a very sea of smiling faces.

lively debate about “Many visitors remarked on the sheer range of

Higher Education that was displays and

activities and I was particularly

broadcast on Radio Devon pleased

with all the opportunities available to our

whilst Peter Pierpoint younger visitors.”

(right) spoke to a number of visitors about how The 114th Devon County Show welcomed just

they could benefit from under 91,500

visitors this year and was described

APEL (Accreditation by the Devon

County Show Secretary, Ollie Allen,

of Prior Experiential as “one to

remember.”

Learning).

Exeter Adult Learners Fair Hailed a Great Success

Exeter College hosted the 2009 Exeter Adult Learners Fair (right) on the 20th May after

receiving funding from the SWLLN.

The aim of the event was to bring together local universities and colleges in order to raise

awareness of progression into Higher Education for full and part time learners.

The event was open to all current Exeter College students as well as members of the public.

Owing to the event being held in the evening it was estimated that over 400 people were able to

attend including adult and vocational learners. Those who came were able to get information,

advice and guidance from advisers from the University of Plymouth, the University of Exeter,

The Open University, Exeter College and Bicton College as well as Aimhigher and Nextstep.

One attendee fed back that, “The most useful thing at the event was having various providers in

one place.”

Staff from all faculties of Exeter College were also on hand to provide information about specific

subject progression routes as well as specialist

www.swlln.ac.uk

support in Basic skills assessments, English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)

and Student Support Services. Sam Smith of Exeter College, who helped organise the event

said:

“SWLLN provided guidance and support to enable Exeter College to make a successful bid for

funding to deliver the 2009 Exeter Adult Learning Fair. The event was a real success providing

hundreds of adults from across Exeter and Devon with access to information, advice and

guidance about courses and progression opportunities.”

This new bureau was set up in 2008 to recruit and deploy volunteers in Somerset and works

under contract to the County Council, among others.

For the South West Lifelong Learning Network (SWLLN), a key benefit of engaging with the

Nextstep Volunteer Bureau is the opportunity to channel Higher Education (HE) information into

the voluntary sector, with up to 1000 volunteers being made aware of the opportunities and

benefits of HE.

The Nextstep Volunteer Bureau will also act as a champion for HE information to other voluntary

and community groups in Somerset.

The Nextstep Volunteer Bureau wanted to gain the matrix quality standard for Information

Advice and Guidance (IAG) and applied for funds from the SWLLN in September 08.

This support enabled the Bureau to engage a specialist consultant to work with them on setting

up continuous quality improvement processes and to prepare for matrix accreditation. The

adviser, David Folland, was extremely helpful.

The Volunteer Bureau was visited by the matrix assessor for two days in March and was

awarded the standard. She reported that, “The Bureau demonstrated a commitment to continual

review to identify and implement improvements which benefit volunteers, host organisations,

partners


www.swlln.ac.uk

Improving IAG at Somerset’s

Nextstep Volunteer Bureau

by Helen Evans

and staff ... I received overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers and partners. The

Bureau reflects the spirit of the matrix standard in its endeavour to provide a volunteer driven

and needs- led service.”

Bryan Mitchell, Manager of the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau is very proud of the service and

enthusiastic about the support given by the SWLLN.

Matrix has helped the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau to see that they have been on the ‘right road’

in setting up this service and achieving matrix has enabled them to show their partner

organisations that they are a genuine service.

Bryan told Helen Evans of the SWLLN, that the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau felt that working

towards the standard has helped them to develop learner support for adult volunteers,

recognising that volunteer progression in skills

Staff of the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau including, Manager, Bryan Mitchell (right)

and learning was a vital part of the service they could offer.

It has also helped the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau to focus on improving the information and

advice they give to potential volunteers, and the matrix accreditation procedure helped them to

develop the volunteer three month and yearly review process.

In addition to the support for matrix, the SWLLN is also funding two Bureau staff members to

gain NVQ level 3 in Advice and Guidance. Brian enthused:

”Working with the SWLLN has made a real impact on the quality of our service to volunteers,

the whole team is more aware of the potential for our volunteers to progress into learning.”

For more information about the Nextstep Volunteer Bureau contact: bryanmitchell@

nextstepsouthwest.org.uk

ans

Recently, I went to an event which was, probably, one of the best training days I have ever

attended.

‘The ActorFactor’, a group of four performers, acted out a series of short scenes, using situations

that can (and often do) occur whilst working with candidates. These focused on Skills for Life

needs, language differences and ‘difficult’ employers!

Three of the actors played the roles of candidate, assessor and employer and the fourth

facilitated. Halfway through, the action was paused and we were asked to discuss changes in the

assessor’s approach, the candidate’s response and the employer’s behaviour which the actors

used when the action continued.

As the changes were acted out before us, we could assess how effective they might be in ‘real

life’. We had the opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practice and develop our thinking

regarding assessing in difficult situations.

The skill of the actors made this day so different. Two of the scenarios were pre- arranged but the

third used our own ideas. Dialogue was improvised, directions were followed without question

and the actors kept in character all the way through each scene. The scenarios were realistic,

frustrating, poignant and funny.

Terrific ActorFactor Training Day

The third scenario, directed by ourselves and involving a sandwich shop employee, being

assessed for a customer service NVQ, was hilarious. The actor playing ‘Mladin’ kept in character

all the way through, using his limited English in true ‘Fawlty Towers’ style (despite being Polish).

It was an excellent way of showing how, unless the assessor takes time to make themselves

clearly understood, their questions can be misinterpreted, candidates can become confused,

employers can become frustrated and the situation can descend into chaos.

Stuart, an adviser from Dorset Adult Learning, said “The delivery was interesting, thought

provoking and very entertaining. An excellent day!”

I can’t agree with him more. If you ever get the opportunity to attend or run a training day with

‘ActorFactor’, grab it with both hands. It was great.

ActorFactor provides many different services: actors, facilitators, theatre skills, drama,

performance, forum theatre and role play.

For further information about ActorFactor visit www.actorfactor.co.uk call 01626 336166 or email

[email protected]

www.swlln.ac.uk


by Marian Harrison


Institution Website Contact Details

Bournemouth University www.bournemouth.ac.uk

T: 01202 524111 E: [email protected]

The University of Exeter www.exeter.ac.uk


The University of Plymouth www.plymouth.ac.uk


The Arts Institute at Bournemouth www.aib.ac.uk

T: 01202 533 011 E: [email protected]

The Open University in the South

http://www3.open.ac.uk/near-you/ West

south-west/p3.asp

www.swlln.ac.uk


UCP Marjon (University College Plymouth St Mark and St John)


University College Falmouth(incorporating Dartington College of Arts)

www.ucpmarjon.ac.uk

www.falmouth.ac.uk


Bicton College www.bicton.ac.uk


Bournemouth and Poole College www.thecollege.co.uk

T: 01202 205 205 E:[email protected]

City College Plymouth www.cityplym.ac.uk


Cornwall College www.cornwall.ac.uk


East Devon College www.edc.ac.uk


Exeter College www.exe-coll.ac.uk

T: 0845 111 6000 E: [email protected]

Kingston Maurward College www.kmc.ac.uk


North Devon College www.ndevon.ac.uk


Penwith College Part of Truro and Penwith College


Plymouth College of Art and Design

www.penwith.ac.uk


Somerset College of Arts and Technology

www.pcad.ac.uk

www.somerset.ac.uk


South Devon College www.southdevon.ac.uk


Truro College Part of Truro and Penwith College

www.trurocollege.ac.uk


Weymouth College www.weymouth.ac.uk


Wiltshire College Salisbury www.salisbury.ac.uk


Yeovil College www.yeovil.ac.uk


Reach Your Potential...

If you are already working, taking a university-level course can increase your chance of promotion and

earning potential. On average those with a higher education qualification earn 50% more than those

without. And those with degrees are more likely to be in work than those without.The South West Lifelong

Learning Network works with the region’s universities, higher education institutions and colleges of further

education. See below for the contact details for our colleges and institutions.