Lead Accountable Bodies

The Learning Revolution White Paper launched in the presence of the ECA’s Chair in March 2009 reflected some of the aspirations that were received during the ‘Informal Adult Learning - Shaping the Way Ahead’ consultation prior to the publication of the paper including those of the ECA and its members.  Among these responses many local authorities said they wished to: -

    

The White Paper stated ‘Local authority leadership will ensure informal learning plays a strong role in local strategies for community cohesion, active citizenship, health and well-being. We want local authorities to build on the best of what exists now and have the autonomy and tools to drive the creation of a new culture of informal learning’.To this end the ECA notes that the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has been working with the Local Government Association, Local Education Authorities Forum for the Education of Adults, Association of Colleges, Ofsted and other delivery partners to develop a Lead Accountable Body (LAB) model to allow local authorities to take on leadership for informal adult learning in their area.  We understand that the LAB will bring together partners in the area to plan informal adult learning provision which will meet local needs and support economic and social priorities.  The LAB would manage the entire budget and responsibility for supporting the local agenda informal adult learning in their appointed area as well as building it into local priorities and linking it with well-being for all. During Spring 2010 Local authorities are being invited to become LAB’s either as a single body or as a partnership of councils.  They will then work with other partners within their area to develop plans throughout 2010-11.  All funding will go through the LAB from 2011-12.

 

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill (ASCL) has led to the demise of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).   From April 2010 it will be replaced by 2 new agencies, the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA).  Funding for learning and skills provision for adults will now come from Skills Funding Agency (SFA).  LAB’s will have to show an increase in learner numbers as well as ways in which they are using other funding, either monetary or in kind, in addition to funds they receive from the SFA.  

Overall it is the intention that the LAB’s will: -

   

The ECA was present at the launch of the Local Government Association’s publication ‘The councillors’ concise guide to Informal Adult Learning and Lead Accountable Body status’ and is seeking to contact leading figures in local authorities to contribute to this ground breaking initiative that will be good for adult learning and strengthen  local communities.

  

We welcome the LAB’s as a real opportunity for a closer working relationship between local authorities and the Third Sector and hope that the efforts of the ECA in promoting adult learning in the Community Sector through membership of the Community Sector Coalition will facilitate rapid expansion of the promised new engagement between the sectors.

  

In addition we note that the Third Sector National Learning Alliance (TSNLA) have launched a new telephone support service for third sector organisations who receive LSC funding directly or through another LSC provider to help with the transition to the new successor agencies.  The helpline will aim to answer questions about the transition arrangements, particular issues relating to the new system and clarify the implications for organisations.  To access this service call 01225 792500 and ask for the TSNLA helpline.