We welcome the appointment of the Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP to Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, with Baroness Smith of Malvern joining his team. Bringing together responsibility for skills funding with the DWP’s programmes helping people progress into work makes good sense. The WEA is already working with DWP and Job Centre Plus and we hope the new structure will help us build on the positive discussions we have already had.
But we need clarity fast on where the Tailored Learning part of the Adult Skills Fund sits. It’s vital for helping people boost confidence, wellbeing and move into work.
Without this kind of support many of those furthest from the workforce will not have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
With Baroness Smith in both departments, the upcoming Post-16 White Paper is a game-changing opportunity to set out the strategic links between all forms of lifelong learning and how each Department will play its part. It is vital that courses for jobs and courses for wellbeing are equally well supported. Mayoral Combined and Strategic Authorities could also benefit from a clearer steer on using devolved funding for wellbeing as well as work outcomes.
Let’s make sure every learner has a clear path forward. We’re ready to work together with both departments to make it happen.
