HOLEX

Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper.

In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.

Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:

bit.ly/4oBgdKV

Productivity is important but so is social integration. The task is now clear. The ACE sector must be the voice of the people and ensure that the implementation of these reforms re-embeds community learning within its work and protects learning for life, work, and health. #HOLEX #SpeakUp4AdultEd

🗺️ Simon Martin (ATTFE College) gave a whistle-stop tour of local gov reorganisation at today’s HOLEX event — exploring what it means for adult education.
With new unitary authorities emerging, big shifts in funding, provision & staff are ahead. Timely insight for the sector.

#HOLEXSummerNetwork25

🎤 A highlight of the HOLEX event: @sahn14.bsky.social Susan Pember’s “What the Hell Just Happened?” — a Eurovision-inspired, insight-packed look at our sector.
📊 She revealed early survey findings and shared sharp reflections on policy, size, and sector strength.

#HOLEXSummerNetwork25

Up next at our Network Event here in sunny Birmingham ☀️ we have Andrew Powlson from DWP on Connect to Work - Pathway to Opportunity.

Share your thoughts on the day using hashtag #HolexSummerNetwork25 ☺️

Today is the day! Our first session is with Gemma Marsh, Deputy CEO of Skills England, discussing their vision and co-creating solutions 🙌🏻 #HolexSummerNetwork25

'Get the Nation Learning' could change our society Emily Jones issues rallying cry as Learning and Work Institute launches a campaign to 'Get the Nation Learning'

"By acting together, we can move towards a culture, society and economy where everyone can learn throughout life."

L&W Deputy Director @emilycjones.bsky.social explains our new #GetTheNationLearning campaign in @feweek.bsky.social, including how you can get involved. ✍️

📣HOLEX is proud to support the #GetTheNationLearning campaign by @learnworkuk.bsky.social, celebrating the importance of lifelong learning across the UK.

Find out more at: getthenationlearning.org.uk

📅 It’s National Numeracy Day and money is the theme. 1/3 of UK adults say managing money is the top reason for wanting to improve their maths.

🧰 Use and share the toolkit to help learners of all ages:
👉 www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/lead-deliver...

#HOLEX #SpeakUp4AdultEd #NumeracyDay #EverydayMaths

🌿 Last week, a fantastic group of adult education champions attended the King’s Garden Party — recognised for their dedication and impact. 👏 Thank you for all you do to change lives through adult education.

#HOLEX #SpeakUp4AdultEd #AdultEducation #LifelongLearning #KingsGardenParty

Read Sue's new blog for Campaign for Learning. There is significant uncertainty in the economy right now - we cannot lose sight of the potential in growing and investing in the talent of adults. The government needs to rethink, reset and reinvest.

@sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social

📣HOLEX stands by its concerns on adult skills funding cuts—100,000 learning places lost. Full funding is vital to boost careers, skills & workforce strength. No adult should be left behind.

#LifelongLearning #StandUp4AdultEd

📣 HOLEX challenges recent cuts to the Adult Skills Fund in a second letter to the Secretary of State. Removing funding impacts the hardest-to-reach communities and undermines Government goals for growth and improving adult outcomes. #StandUpforAdultEd Read both letters here: holex.org.uk/policy/

Listening this afternoon to a fabulous CPD session around how to pitch what we do. We need one clear sentence that includes the Who, the What, and the Why. #SpeakUp4AdultEd #HOLEX

Our Network delegates are now working through table challenges, using their collective knowledge to consider Localism in Practice. We are considering how #AdultEducation can best position ourselves in a devolved landscape, and how we can influence process, and demonstrate our value and contribution.

For our next session we have Anne Marie Holdsworth from @barnsleycouncil.bsky.social discussing localism in practice, with their map of possibilities! 🗺️

HOLEX is delighted to welcome Stephen Evans from @learnworkuk.bsky.social; talking about how #AdultEducation can be the golden thread throughout so many policy areas and themes, with so many wider benefits beyond ‘just’ learning! 👏

The main stage of the venue for the HOLEX Spring Network Event with a table and three chairs, and a screen displaying the days agenda.

We're all ready to go here in London for the HOLEX Spring Network Event today! ✨

Time to get together and #SpeakUp4AdultEd 📣

See HOLEX asks of government below and view the full spending review submission at www.holex.org.uk/policy/ 📣

📣HOLEX sent a letter to Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson to discuss the impact of the 3% cuts to the Adult Skills Fund. CEO @caromcd.bsky.social emphasized the consequences, considering the Government’s commitment to economic growth & improving lives.

Read the letter here: holex.org.uk/policy/

Funding cuts threaten thousands of adult learning opportunities. @holexpolicy.bsky.social & @dipag.bsky.social, Principal of WM College, are calling on the government to reverse this decision. Adult ed is vital for skills, mental health & the economy.

👉 Join the convo: bit.ly/Letter_To_secretary

Fantastic news for Nelson and Colne College! 👏 who have once again achieved an Outstanding grade following their recent full inspection! This accomplishment comes just less than 3 years after their previous outstanding rating 🎉

Read the report here: files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/5026...

It’s dumb to leave adults lagging in the AI revolution Without better adult education funding, people with weak digital skills cannot hope to keep up with AI

Read CEO @caromcd.bsky.social article on the potential impact of the government's 'AI Revolution' - highlighting how it could affect participants & recipients, emphasising the importance of adult community education to ensure inclusivity📖

#StandUp4AdultEd #growth #AI

feweek.co.uk/its-dumb-to-...

Caroline McDonald, CEO of @holexpolicy.bsky.social, urges the #UKGovernment to support 9 million adults needing skills for the AI future.

@dipag.bsky.social, Principal of WM College, says adult education helps fight fake news and thrive in a digital world.

📖 bit.ly/InvestigatingAI_Adulteducation

Excellent news for Barnsley! 👏

Barnsley Adult Skills and Community Learning service is rated 'OUTSTANDING' in their recent OFSTED inspection! ✨

Check out the full report: reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/42/...

Read more in FE Week: feweek.co.uk/top-ofsted-m...

#Education #OFSTED #Achievement

HOLEX is the lead professional body for Adult Community Education and Learning.

#SpeakUp4AdultEd #AdultLearning