The Lifelong Education Commission is transforming into the Lifelong Education Institute, becoming a permanent fixture of policy thinking and influence in the Skills and Education agenda.
The current Chair and founder of the Commission, The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP, will be stepping down from his role on 31st March 2023, to focus on his work on Net Zero.
We are delighted to announce that the new Chair of the Lifelong Education Institute will be Dame Ann Limb DBE DL FRSA FCGI, assuming responsibilities on 1st April 2023.
Dame Ann will share the Institute's vision at our annual Conference on 28th March.
Statement by Dame Ann Limb
"There has never been a more exciting and significant time for the education and skills sector to come together to promote Lifelong Education - for 'everyone, everywhere, all at once'!
Our education system is ripe for a top to toe strategic overhaul based on evidence and best practice, that places the teacher and the taught at the heart of policy initiatives and implementation - at every stage of learning. In this way, both the economy and the cultural fabric of society benefit - and crucially everyone's learning can flourish in its own way, and at its own time and pace.
I'm delighted to have been invited to take on the role as inaugural independent Chair of the Lifelong Education Institute, which will use its convening power to harness the talents of a full spectrum of practitioners from all ages and stages of their lives and careers."
Statement by Dr Marius Ostrowski
Executive Director, Lifelong Education Institute
"Further and higher education in the UK is entering a new era of remarkable transformation. The centre of gravity is shifting towards helping learners move seamlessly between education and work. Helping us upskill and retrain when and where we need to over the course of our entire lives.
"The Lifelong Education Institute places the needs and experiences of lifelong learners at the heart of the policy agenda. We want to help universities and colleges integrate their teaching provision, putting all forms of learning from technical training to academic study within the reach of all. We will help bring together all those with a stake in upskilling the British public in a new portfolio of education partnerships. And we want to channel the best insights from all four home nations and beyond to build the world-leading education system that the UK deserves.
"We believe that lifelong education can help address the long-term crises the UK faces. It can strengthen the bonds of inclusion to support those that have fallen behind. It can overturn a decade of stagnant productivity and restore the UK's growth and prosperity. And it can give everyone the opportunities they need to flourish and self-develop, finding new avenues of discovery and meaning."
The statement from Dr Ostrowski states that you want to help universities and colleges. This misses a huge part of the fe and he provision delivered by private organisations such as those chaired by your new Chair. Only once your own organisation is truly open and integrated with the whole of the sector will you be able to make a real impact.