Borders Lifelong Learning Strategy

“Our vision for lifelong learning in Scotland is to provide the best possible match between the learning opportunities open to people and the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours that will strengthen Scotland‘s economy and society.”

This statement opens the current national lifelong learning strategy published in 2003*.  It very much reflects the expected role for lifelong learning here in the Borders and sets out the challenge for the strategic planning group in driving forward the lifelong learning agenda. 

Blake Stevenson Consultants published a report in October 2005, “Developing the Scottish Borders in the Context of Life Through Learning Through Life, New Ways and European Structural Funds”, which formed the basis of the Borders Lifelong Learning Strategy and Action Plan (see below for download).  Since then significant work has gone on across the wide spectrum of lifelong learning in the Borders, in many cases based on very good partnership working. 

It is the responsibility of the strategic planning group to ensure that the considerable efforts of the partnership are being directed towards the agreed outcomes within the New Ways Community Plan and that Lifelong Learning is contributing fully to achieving the best possible outcome for those who live and work in the Borders.

The group has representation from all key stakeholders within lifelong learning;
• Scottish Borders Council, Education and Lifelong Learning;
• NHS Borders
• Scottish Enterprise
• Careers Scotland
• Borders College
• Heriot Watt University
• Borders Forum of Councils for Voluntary Services

The key performance indicators for the Lifelong Learning Strategy are;
• Increased participation in community based learning, literacy, numeracy and guidance programmes;
• Increased proportion of employers providing learning;
• Improved qualifications of the working age population;
• Increased further and higher education student numbers studying in the Borders from the UK and from overseas;
• Reduced proportion of young people, lone parents, and ethnic minorities not in employment, education or training;
• Increased number of older people undertaking learning.

However lifelong learning, by its very nature needs to be able to respond to the changing policy landscape and to the changing needs of learners.  It also has the potential to make a positive contribution to the full breadth of the New Ways Community Plan.  The strategic planning group is therefore committed to seeking the views of all stakeholders and partners and will regularly create opportunities for their views to be heard.

For more information on current activity contact Bob Waddell at waddellbbw@aol.com or telephone 01750 22170.

 download a copy of the report

* Scottish Executive Lifelong Learning Strategy for Scotland (Feb 2003)