Decision details

Nicola Hall and Sarah Haworth, Lancashire Adult Learning (Part of the Nelson and Colne College Group) provided an overview of the work and reach of Lancashire Adult Learning across the Lancashire 12 districts and evidenced the significant impact adults who engage in the wide-ranging curriculum experience. 

The Board were introduced to four learners who are currently undertaking some of the courses provided (and have previously accessed courses) by Lancashire Adult Learning and who wanted to share their own experiences of learning and how it has helped to improve their health and wellbeing.  One of the learners had accessed support from Inspire, further to introduction by Lancashire Adult Learning, which has helped immensely. Other learners spoke about the support of the teachers and the service, reducing isolation, increasing confidence and helping participation in the local community. 

The report highlighted the value of the learning and skills opportunities, and received a presentation as appended to the minutes:

The Board noted that in 2024, Lancashire Adult Learning delivered 2259 courses across Lancashire, which included 510 courses online and are delivered in partnership with different organisations who have access to learners who need diverse types of provision.

In particular Lancashire Adult Learning can design and deliver courses to meet identified need and is not constrained by the current curriculum.

Lancashire Adult Learning engages with the Library Service, currently delivering courses in 53 establishments, focussing on health and wellbeing and family learning.  The courses are generally fully subscribed, and the delivery is in the heart of the communities, accessible and meets the needs of those borrowers/learners who live within that community.

The Board congratulated Lancashire Adult Learning who has recently been identified as the number one Adult Learner College in England.

Following the presentation, the following comments were made:

• It was inspiring to see services working together in supporting people with the most needs in Lancashire to turn their lives around.
• Members of the Health and Wellbeing Board were asked to spread the word about the work that Lancashire Adult Learning does across Lancashire.
• The current Library project now engages with 2,500 learners and commenced from a small opportunity of seven courses and 35 learners.  Lancashire Adult Learning are also connected with the Family Hubs and work strategically with them across Lancashire.
• Lancashire Adult Learning can provide courses for those accessing support from other local services.  All tailored learning is free and some qualifications through those services are also free. Lancashire Adult Learning is keen to work more strategically with those local partners.
• There are several partners that Lancashire Adult Learning currently has a strategic relationship with, such as the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust.

Resolved:   That the Health and Wellbeing Board:

(i)  Recognised the crucial role Lancashire Adult Learning plays in reducing health inequalities, improving the determinants of health and increasing opportunities and aspirations for adults across Lancashire.

(ii)  Reviewed the links between Lancashire Adult Learning, the work of the board and its member and how we can better support the current priorities; Best Start in Life, Health Hearts, Happier Minds.

(iii)  Identified opportunities for Lancashire Adult Learning provision to support Lancashire County Council's Corporate priorities and Ambitions.

(iv)  Made recommendations that can inform and support the future direction and content of Lancashire Adult Learning provision by sharing key labour market information (LMI) and where appropriate co-designing curriculum.

(v)  Consolidated the partnership with Lancashire Adult Learning by each of the Health and Wellbeing Board member agencies engaging with them, to improve skills and maximise opportunities for the people of Lancashire.