Further education minister, Kevin Brennan, congratulated those providers that have developed effective strategies for involving learners and are now reaping the benefits. He also encouraged them to use the findings of the evaluation of Learner Involvement Strategies, jointly published by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service and the National Union of Students, to develop further their involvement programmes.

The minister urged providers to draw from the examples of good practice within the report and the complementary guidance, specifically for work and community-based providers

Kevin Brennan said:

“Learner involvement is a fundamental part of the wider personalisation agenda and I want to congratulate those providers that demonstrate learner involvement activity. They recognise the clear benefits for providers and learners in terms of building staff confidence, improved teaching and facilities, and general improvement to the learners’ experience. 

“It is very encouraging that 94 per cent of providers are maintaining learner involvement programmes but we are not complacent. The requirement is that all providers develop a strategy for involving learners and this report, along with guidance published by LSIS and NUS, is intended help providers achieve that goal. 

“I urge all providers that continue to enrol and work with learners across the country to use the findings as the basis for further development and implementation of their Learner Involvement Strategies.”

Rob Wye, LSC national director of young people learning and skills, said:
“We are encouraged that the learner voice is being heard and responded to within the FE sector. The benefits of involving learners in developing policy, processes and systems within colleges and providers can be evidenced by increased satisfaction, achievement and success and thus improving the learning experience and overall achievement within the sector”.

 David Collins, LSIS chief executive, said:
"The new LSIS and NUS model for Work-Based Learning and Adult and Community Learning providers will act as a useful starting point for learner involvement strategies. It will assist staff in developing the empowerment of learners by including them in the process and in becoming active participants in constructing the learning environment."

Download the 'Creating a learner engagement strategy for WBL' document here