WIREDGOV

Lifelong Learning UK is about to commence the first annual collection of workforce data developed specifically for work based learning and adult and community learning providers. The data collected will allow a better understanding of the workforce, and will help work based learning and adult and community learning providers by:

• informing planning processes for the sector
• providing information to prompt government action
• supporting recruitment, retention and development of staff
• benchmarking their organisation against the sector
• demonstrating compliance in an environment of self regulation (for example, in such areas as equality and diversity)

The need for a better understanding of the whole of the further education sector workforce is identified in The Workforce Strategy for the Further Education Sector in England.

Workforce data collection has provided a comprehensive overview of the profile of all staff working in further education colleges since 2001/02 in the form of the Staff Individualised Record, also collected by Lifelong Learning UK.  Until now, no similar approach to collecting workforce data from work based learning providers or adult and community learning providers has so far existed.  A data collection process for this part of the sector marks an important step to understanding the nature of the entire workforce.
All work based learning providers and adult and community learning providers are invited to participate in the data collection process, which opens on 1 December. 

Lifelong Learning UK is now accepting expressions of interest from providers wishing to take part. To learn more please visit:  www.lluk.org/workforce-data-collection.htm