Microsoft 365 is a tool giving you access to Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

You also get One Drive, a cloud storage enabling you to access your documents from different devices.

By saving the documents in your OneDrive you can collaborate & share your documents with others.  

Watch this video for more information on Microsoft 365

• Microsoft Word is a word processing tool 
• Microsoft PowerPoint is software to create presentations 
• OneDrive is a cloud storage service, to store documentation to share & collaborate 
• Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet tool used to create tables, formulas etc  
• Microsoft Teams is a tool to message, call & video call 
• Microsoft Outlook-is an email tool 

By having a Microsoft 365 email address, this gives you access to a.ac.uk email address, opening you up to many discounts and benefits on various websites and online retailers.

How do I get notified of my WEA Microsoft 365 account information?  

Once you are confirmed onto a course you will receive a welcome email with instructions on how to access your WEA issued Microsoft 365 account.

Welcome email

Your welcome email will contain your WEA Microsoft 365 account details, including your username and password. When you first log in you will be prompted to change your password. 

• Do not use the same password on multiple systems I.e. this password should be unique 
• Include an uppercase, lower case, and a number or special character 
• Use a minimum of 12 characters 

If you have a question about Multi Factor Authentication, or need to find out how to reset your password, click here.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

In the first instance you can watch these helpful videos below, one is designed for desktop/laptop, the other for mobile or tablet. Full written instructions are also on this page.

Visit https://learnerhub.wea.org.uk/. You will see one of the below screens, depending if you are on a computer or on a mobile phone/tablet:

Select the option which is relevant to you:

New to us? (Desktop) or New? Create an account (Mobile/tablet)
If you are new or have never booked a course with us, you create your account here. 

Already have an account? (Desktop) or Sign in/password reset (Mobile/tablet)
If you have a WEA Learner Hub username (an email address that ends in @wea.ac.uk) you can log in or reset your password here.

Need to finish an application? (Desktop) or Incomplete application sign in (Mobile/tablet)
If you are waiting to hear about an application, or are part-way through completing an application, sign in here. This is for anyone who has not received their @wea.ac.uk details yet and will be the email address you gave when first signing up.
 

How do I get notified of my WEA Microsoft 365 account information?  

Once you are confirmed onto a course you will receive a welcome email with instructions on how to access your WEA-issued Microsoft 365 account. You can learn more about Microsoft 365 here. 

Welcome email 

Your welcome email will contain your WEA Microsoft 365 account details, including your username and password. When you first log in you will be prompted to change your password. 

• Do not use the same password on multiple systems I.e. this password should be unique 
• Include an uppercase, lower case, and a number or special character 
• Use a minimum of 12 characters 

If you ever need to reset your password, learn more here.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

Your online course will take place on Zoom. This is a programme that allows you to connect with your tutor and class. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.

If you use an Apple phone or tablet, click here.

If you use an Android phone or tablet, click here.

For more support with Zoom and Canvas: click here.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

Computers, mobiles phones and tablets are at the heart of education. They are not only useful tools, they are becoming central to the learning process itself.

The internet, and the technology available to us, means we face many risks and challenges to stay safe.

Our policy for staying safe online

The WEA E-Safety Policy shows how we help everyone with these challenges.

To support our policy, the WEA produces guidance for learners.

We provide:

• support,
• resources, and
• educational activities

For staff, tutors and volunteers to use in WEA activities.

We link to appropriate e-learning information from partners to help develop "e-safe practice".

For information on the WEA’s E- Safety Policy visit our policies page.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

What is the Prevent duty?

The WEA is committed to safeguarding all learners and stakeholders from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. In line with our responsibilities under the Prevent duty, we actively work to identify and reduce these risks, ensuring individuals are not drawn into terrorism or influenced by extremist political, social, or religious ideologies. 

Our approach is proactive, inclusive, and rooted in promoting a safe and supportive learning environment for all.

Our vision and values as an organisation commit us to promote:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect, and tolerance (For the many cultures, faiths and beliefs found in Britain today)

In doing so we aim to:

• Create safe learning environments
• Training staff to spot signs of radicalisation
• Encouraging open discussions about controversial topics in a respectful way
• To recognise and explore both the benefits and the challenges of the rule of law
• Supporting learners to understand and appreciate diversity

These are the values, defined by the government, as British values and are part of the Prevent Duty.

Our approach in the WEA is to integrate the Prevent Duty

We do this with:

• Good teaching and learning,
• Encouraging learners to engage critically and actively around their study,
• Promoting our values, mission and purpose,
• Ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded in everything we do,
• Encourage learners to become members of the WEA, be active citizens, and contribute to their communities.

This approach not only meets the legal requirements of the Prevent Duty but also strengthens the WEA’s mission to empower adults through education.
 

Recognising a concern

The WEA encourages anyone to raise concerns in relation to the Prevent Duty, such as:

• Concerns about individuals being groomed- For example, if someone appears to be influenced or manipulated by others into adopting extremist views or behaviours, or
• Concerns about fundamentalist beliefs- Especially when these beliefs lead to oppressive behaviours, intolerance, or support for terrorist ideologies.

At the WEA, your safety and the safety of others is our top priority.

If you have concerns about:

• Your own safety or well-being, or
• The safety or well-being of someone else, including concerns related to radicalisation or extremist influences,

Please speak to your tutor or contact the WEA Safeguarding Team immediately.

They will explore your concerns and if necessary, report them to professional organisations for appropriate action.

For more information on the WEA Prevent policy and Safeguarding Policy, visit our policies page.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

What is safeguarding?

The WEA provides a welcoming environment where everyone is:

• Respected,
• Valued,
• Can feel safe and secure.

This includes all:

• Learners,
• Staff,
• Members,
• Volunteers, and
• Individual visitors who access our facilities and services

What to do if I feel unsafe? What does this mean? 

Safeguarding is keeping everyone safe and away from harm. At the WEA, your tutor will discuss this during your induction session  and tell you how to report any concerns you may have. You may have concerns about the wellbeing of other individuals ( e.g. other learners, friends, or family members) which you can report. 

What is Prevent? All educational organisations have a role to play in safeguarding learners or anyone you know from becoming radicalised and being drawn into terrorism.  

Below are just some examples of safeguarding concerns: 

• Bullying, including cyberbullying 
• Domestic violence 
• Drugs 
• Faith abuse 
• Forced marriage 
• Gangs and youth violence 
• Gender-based violence  
• Homelessness
• Mental health issues
• Radicalisation and extremism
• Sexting 
• Sexual harassment  

Who can I talk to if I am feeling unsafe or have a concern? 

Firstly, speak to your tutor, designated safeguarding officer or WEA member of staff. They will ensure you both have a confidential space to discuss the concern/s.  

You can see the current list of safeguarding contacts here.

If you are unable to speak to your tutor or a WEA member of staff, you can contact the Safeguarding Team who will offer you information and advice whilst referring you to a designated safeguarding officer.  

A SAFE1 form with your permission will be completed to record an account of the situation by the WEA member of staff you speak to.   

The Designated Safeguarding Officer will contact you via phone, Teams or arrange a 1-1 meeting to discuss your concern. They will provide advice, support, referrals for specialised support (where required) and agree with you the action you have both agreed to in dealing with the concern. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will keep in touch with you on a regular basis to ensure you are ok and progress in dealing with the safeguarding concern. 

Who to Contact 

You can contact the Safeguarding team, Zee Elaheebux and Liz Andrew Turner (National Safeguarding Managers) to report a safeguarding concern by calling 0113 2001162 or email [email protected]. This service is available Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm.  

For out of hours (5pm-10pm) please contact Zeenat Elaheebux on 07584 339586.

If your life or the person in question is in danger, then you must contact the police on 999, as a matter of urgency. 

The WEA has a clear Safeguarding Policy, and procedures are reviewed each year. Staff are trained to maintain a culture of vigilance. All staff and tutors are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 

For more information on the WEA Safeguarding Policy and Prevent Policy, visit our policies webpage. 

If you or anyone you know needs any well-being or mental health support, you can find a list of organisations that are here to help and support you: download here.

To support your learning, the WEA uses Canvas, a website that:

• gives information and support for your course,
• has your course materials,
• is where you submit your work.

Canvas helps you to learn via your mobile, tablet or computer. Canvas contains discussion areas, quizzes and more. Canvas is also tailored to your accessibility level. To learn more about Canvas click here.

In-venue courses and online courses both use Canvas. You will receive a link to sign up to Canvas when you book. Learn more on how to access Canvas through our helpful videos below.

If you have a:

• disability,
• a learning difficulty,
• a health issue, or
• other support needs

We will do our best to provide specialist staff and resources to help you succeed in your learning.

We need learners to take an Additional Learner Support (ALS) assessment. This helps us know about your needs and requirements.

Some examples of help include:

• venue accessibility
• extra help in the classroom, e.g. someone to sign, or take notes
• extra time in exams or assessments
• support with a learning need or disability
• equipment, such as hearing induction loops or magnifiers

If you need any extra support, please tell us when you book. There is a question on the online booking to tell us.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

Paying for a WEA course by instalments might be available on courses which last 40 hours or more.

How will instalments be split?

We will spread the instalment payments over 3 consecutive months.

The first payment is due at time of booking. The remaining 2 instalments are then made by:

• Direct Debit on a monthly payment date of your choosing, or
• by direct/credit card.

The WEA will not apply any charges or interest on instalment plans.

The full course fee, and any instalments left, is still due if you withdraw from a course once booked. This is unless the Course Cancellations or Refunds Policy applies. (Our policies page is found here).

Where a request for instalments isn't given, the full course fee is due within 5 working days of the decision.

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.

Our DLS fund is here to help

The Discretionary Learner Support (DLS) fund can help us support you with:

• tuition and examination fees
• books and equipment
• travel – we offer support for travel for exceptional circumstances
• childcare

The DLS support fund is for learners from a household income below £26,000.

• You will need to meet residency requirements for fee remission
• You also need to prove that financial difficulties will stop you from following or completing your course.

WEA must approve any support. DLS support is a limited fund so it is not guaranteed, approval is dependent on your circumstances and DLS budgets

Below are links to the DLS forms, click on the relevant button to complete the form online.

Each form has helpful notes which explain the eligibility and approval processes, follow the instructions on the page and click submit once you have answered all the relevant questions. All forms should be completed before the course start and within two weeks of the course start date.

If you would like support completing the form please call 0300 303 3464 and one of our friendly team will be able to complete it on your behalf

Our friendly learner services team are always happy to help.

You can fill out the form on this page, and we'll be back in touch as soon as we can with you by email.

Live chat is available between 9am and 4pm Monday-Friday, which you can access by clicking the 'Chat with our team' button on your screen at any time. (The chat button will not show if no chat agents are available).

Lastly, you can call us on 0300 303 3464, Monday - Friday, 9am to 4:30pm.