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Supporting Lifelong Learning: Universities' Role & Responsibility

Explore how universities can better support lifelong learning, addressing challenges, promoting social justice, and embracing a spirit of curiosity and adventure. Discover the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and cultural change in creating a thriving learning environment for all.

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Supporting Lifelong Learning: Universities' Role & Responsibility

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  1. Contribution, Context and CultureHow can universities better support lifelong learning? Professor Karen StantonVice Chancellor York St John University www.yorksj.ac.uk

  2. York welcomes the UALL Conference 2017

  3. York 200,000+ residents 6.8 million visitors per year High performing city for KS2 and KS4 performance 41% of residents university educated 114,000 jobs £5 billion contribution to economy.

  4. Knowledge, skills and understanding passed down through generations

  5. Using challenging times as a chance for renewal

  6. A spirit of global adventure

  7. “It is to be remembered that there may be no better way of advancing the objects one has at heart than to strengthen the hands of those who are effectively doing the work that needs to be done”

  8. Willingness and desire to adapt in changing times.

  9. Social justice

  10. Learning The value of knowledge and understanding passed down through the generations. Seeing challenges as an opportunity for renewal. A spirit of global curiosity and adventure. A relentless commitment to investing in your workforce. Willingness and desire to adapt in changing times. An unwavering commitment to supporting social justice.

  11. Context 0.8 million fewer adults in FE than five years ago. Underperformance on basic skills and digital skills. Employer concerns about an under-skilled workforce. HE part time students down 44% since 2008/09. HE mature students down 29% since 2008/09. Stagnation in some communities and industries. Brexit.

  12. Ten Pillars • Investing in science, research and innovation • Developing skills • Upgrading infrastructure • Supporting businesses to start to grow • Improving procurement • Encouraging trade and inward investment • Delivering affordable energy and clean growth • Cultivating world-leading sectors • Driving growth across the whole country • Creating the right institutions to bring together sectors and places

  13. Singapore A lifelong learning account Lifelong learning subsidies of up to 90% for employers and individuals Support to back-fill employees who take time off for learning Anyone, any age, any subject A model led by ‘learner need’

  14. Recommendations • Create a centralised advice and admissions service • RecogniseCentres of Lifelong Learning Excellence • Reintroduce Individual Learning Accounts • Expand the coverage of Advanced Learner Loans • Create flexibility within the funding system • Introduce the Help to Learn Bonus • Broaden the Apprenticeship Levy • Encourage universities to work with public institutions

  15. A question of culture Are we open and accessible? Are we giving back? Are we reaching out?

  16. Challenges Keeping sight of community cohesion issues It’s not just about practical changes Accessibility, engagement and outreach must set the tone Meeting our civic responsibility Thinking differently

  17. Green Apples Early participation is the biggest influence on later participation. A collaboration with the University of York, York College and Askham Bryan College. Engagement with school pupils over an extended period to raise aspirations. Dispelling myths about HE and student finance A focus on lifelong learning, not just HE.

  18. Converge: a university and mental health provider work in partnership. Winners:Non-clinical team of the Year, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust, 2016. Medipex NHS Innovation Awards (2014) winners in the category Mental Health and Wellbeing. 

  19. Our role? Highly proactive in creating diverse participatory opportunities Utilising our assets and expertise Valuing interpersonal skills alongside measurable qualifications A social asset

  20. Leading in our communities A key role for anchor institutions Growing examples of universities leading change in partnership Lifelong learning as a common cause with common purpose Universities linking local, regional and international opportunities together

  21. The Higher Education and Research Bill (3) UK universities must provide an extensive range of high quality academic subjects delivered by excellent teaching, supported by scholarship and research, through courses which enhance the ability of students to learn throughout their lives. (4) UK universities must make a contribution to society through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge and expertise locally, nationally and internationally; and through partnerships with business, charitable foundations, and other organisations, including other colleges and universities.

  22. Summary It’s about more than economic imperatives – the joy of learning transforms lives A key moment of political focus – how do we respond? Creating the right culture matters Universities at the forefront of anchor institutions on this agenda How serious are we about rising to the challenge?

  23. Thank you for listening k.Stanton@yorksj.ac.uk @VCYorkStJohn www.yorksj.ac.uk

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