Ahead of the Education and Training Foundation’s (ETF’s) Innovation Workshop – Crafting a Fresh Curriculum for a New Era – in March, Dr. Susan Pember CBE, Policy Director, Holex, and Dr. Fiona Aldridge, Head of Insight, West Midlands Combined Authority, reflect on learning from the previous workshop in the series – Thinking Differently; A Framework for Successful Regional Partnership – which took place at the end of 2023.
In a rapidly changing economic, workforce and educational landscape, the importance of adult education has never been more evident. Adult education plays a vital role in empowering individuals, fostering lifelong learning, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge throughout their lives. It is the cornerstone of personal and professional growth, and it directly impacts on the productivity and well-being of communities and regions. In this context, the process of devolution in England has ushered in a new era of governance and administration, and with it, the opportunity for regional partnerships to shape the future of adult education.
To harness this transformative potential, 20 dedicated adult educators from local authority (LA) learning organisations and Institutes for Adult Learning (IfALs) met with colleagues from mayoral combined authorities and the Greater London Authority to determine what makes a successful regional partnership. This DfE funded event was delivered by HOLEX, in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation. The event was the first of its kind and has helped foster new positive relationships.
Jaki Bradley, Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, stated that “The Innovation Day was an opportunity to bring together learning organisations and colleagues from Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and Greater London Authority (GLA). The day was welcomed as it was the first time we have come together to discuss how devolution will benefit from collaborative development of the skills offer in local regions. The day provided opportunities for delegates to openly discuss the impact of policy and decision making and gave us space to think differently about problems, which is always welcome in a fast-paced environment.”
This groundbreaking event, one of the ETF’s aptly titled ‘Innovation Workshops’, was specifically designed for Adult Community Education leaders in devolved areas. These individuals play a pivotal role in building and managing relationships with MCAs/GLA, and the workshop was designed to equip them with the knowledge and strategies to navigate inter-related national and regional priorities, and the potential of devolution to deliver on these. The event was a unique opportunity to collaborate with peers and combined authority colleagues, share best practices, learn from one another, and collectively develop a shared narrative surrounding successful partnership working in this new environment.
What made the Innovation Workshop truly distinctive was that it has been co-designed in collaboration with Combined Authority colleagues, who were also active participants in the event. The day was hosted by Dipa Ganguli, Principal WM College and Chair of Holex, and there was a cross-pollination of ideas and expertise from both educators and authority figures, which brought about a holistic perspective that is going to be essential for the success of devolved systems.
Participants in the workshop delved into a diverse array of topics, including future skills priorities, government response and the exploration of various models to define a successful regional plan, and the expectations of learning organisations within devolved systems. Effective partnership management of the potential tensions was also considered, along with the development of personal skills required for successful relationships with Combined Authorities. The day looked at what works and what could be built into a framework for success.
MCA/GLA colleagues identified where they thought they were in the team building cycle and they spoke about what the barriers to ‘performing’ well were.
Leadership styles were also scrutinised, with an emphasis on effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration in the decentralised landscape that devolution presents. Participants considered the necessary tools and knowledge they need to navigate this evolving terrain with confidence and efficacy.
Gerald Jones, Head of Service at Haringey Learns, commented that “…there needs to be a review of governance and possibly establishment of a protocol for the relationships between Local Authorities and MCAs.” Gerald emphasised the importance of a change in mindset, with a move from Local Authorities feeling like they are being ‘done to’, to a feeling of ‘doing alongside’, fostering a sense of collaboration and working together. There was also an acknowledgement that LAs may need to change their institutional behaviours towards MCAs; for example, being clear about their vision so that it can feed into the overall MCA vision.
In the context of successful devolution implementation, the Innovation Workshop strived to foster innovation, promote practical solutions, and facilitate the sharing of insights and experiences. It addressed staff development needs and sought to create a collective vision for a collaborative and efficient Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector.
Furthermore, a key outcome of the workshop will be the development of a framework to support institutions, ensuring a smooth transition into the world of devolved administration. This transition, when facilitated by informed and proactive education managers, holds the promise of revolutionising adult education for the better.
The Innovation Workshop represents a dynamic platform for adult educators and combined authorities to forge stronger partnerships, share ideas, and collaboratively build a more efficient and responsive adult education system within devolved regions. As we embark on this transformative journey, innovation and partnership will undoubtedly be the cornerstones of success. The workshop concluded with participants suggesting they would like follow-up meetings and that they felt getting an understanding of what other MCAs are doing was hugely helpful.
For those dedicated to the future of adult education in devolved areas, the Innovation Workshop provided an invaluable opportunity to think differently, explore the possibilities, and pave the way for learners receiving what they need, when they need it. We are now looking forward to a follow-on workshop in March, where we can further explore our joint agenda.