BIS Publishes an Overview of Economic & Social Research
25 January 2010: The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills has this month published its Economic and Social Research Strategy 2009-10 which is an overview of economic and social research including information about recent, planned and ongoing research projects. Free copies of this useful document can be obtained here.
Pre-budget Report Sets Out Savings
The Pre-Budget Report issued in early December 2009 details some of the efficiency savings anticipated for government finance over the coming years.
Notable for the education and lifelong learning sector include the following efficiency savings:
- "£300 million by reducing funding not directly supporting learner participation
and lower priority adult skills budgets, increasing co-funding of training, and
further efficiencies in the delivery of learning to focus spending on those
people that need it most and on the skills most vital to Britain’s future" - "£1.4 billion from ending additional employment schemes introduced during
the downturn when the economy recovers" - "£600 million from higher education and science and research budgets from
a combination of changes to student support within existing arrangements;
efficiency savings and prioritisation across universities, science and research;
some switching of modes of study in higher education; and reductions in
budgets that do not support student participation" - "£350 million of savings from the Department for Children, Schools and
Families to be found from central budgets, NDPB efficiency savings and from
reviewing pilots and programmes to focus on the most effective interventions"
There are also positives for the sector, including "an additional £202 million in 2010-11 to ensure that the September Guarantee of a place in education or training to every 16 and 17 year old who wants one is met in full".
Visit the HM Treasury Pre-Budget Report Microsite
Download the complete report from the HM Treasury website
National Skills Investment Strategy Released
The national Skills Investment Strategy for 2010-11 was released on the 11th November 2009. This publication sets out how Government investment will support further education and skills training for post 19 learners. The funding will be routed through the Skills Funding Agency and enable the delivery of increased Advanced Apprenticeships places to support the creation of a new technician class central to our economic recovery and future growth, whilst continuing to support those currently seeking sustained employment as part of the Government’s Real Help Now initiative.
Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning
After an extensive independent consultation and research process, the Inquiry into the Future for Lifelong Learning published 'Learning for Life' on 17th September 2009. This report details the findings of the enquiry and calls for a rethink of the way Government, employers and individuals spend an estimated £55 billion every year on lifelong learning. The central messages were:
- The 290-page report outlines a 10 to 15-year vision of radical reform around the key proposals set out below.
- Rebalancing sensibly and fairly the £55 billion spent by Government, business and individuals to provide learning for all, for work and leisure.
- Of this, £3.2 billion to be released for people over 25 – which can be achieved as youth numbers decline – without cutting per capita spending on schools or 18 to 24-year-olds.
- Entitlements to learn across four stages of life – up to 25 years, 25-50, 50-75 and post-75 – each carrying broad but different priorities for work, leisure and health.
- No distinction between financial support for full-time and part-time study and with advice and guidance for all who want or need it.
- Flexible systems of learning when and where people need it – with progression through the accumulation of credit-based qualifications.
- Opportunities for all citizens to develop their capabilities through digital, health, financial and civic education.
- A new relationship between central and local government that will be more responsive to local and individual needs.
To find out more about the Inquiry and download or purchase copies of the report please visit http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/default.htm
