iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Last week was Get The Nation Learning Week. Read WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social blog reflecting on the week gone by: bit.ly/4nDfRCk #getthenationlearning

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

FE Week @feweek.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

Britain’s oldest adult learning charity, @weaadulted.bsky.social is opening new doors even as others close, as it navigates the shift from skills for life to skills for work @simonparkinson.bsky.social

feweek.co.uk

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Watch @simonparkinson.bsky.social give his final thoughts from Labour Party Conference @teamlabouruk.bsky.social #lab25

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

"No time to waste in rebuilding a culture of lifelong learning " Dr Jo Grady (General Secretary UCU) opens The Ruskin College Lifelong Learning conference 2025 chaired by Professor Graeme Atherton (WEA's Chris Butcher in attendance) @ucu.org.uk @drjogrady.bsky.social

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Nice walk to the @solidar-eu.bsky.social social affairs/education & learning meeting hosted by @feps-europe.eu in #brussels. Great to share the work of the @weaadulted.bsky.social & learn from others across #Europe. Re-affirms that lifelong learning is key to solving many of our shared challenges.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Let’s value and fund all aspects of adult learning. The hope is this reshuffle will bring greater alignment around the skills for work agenda & that is welcome. However, it can’t be at the expense of tailored & lifelong learning. Let me know what your thoughts are

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Massive thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for running this piece. Let me know what you think

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

New Local @wearenewlocal.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Sunderland City Council is on the front foot when it comes to bridging the digital divide. We had the opportunity to ask Nicol McConnell about ‘what really works’ when it comes to getting communities connected. Take a look at her insights ➡️

buff.ly

How We Did It: Bridging the digital divide – keeping communities connected - New Local

Graham Beamish and Marie Pye explain how Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils have saved 1000 years’ worth of care days for children and young people.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Thanks to @newstatesman.com for referencing @weaadulted.bsky.social We really do need to take adult learning to those communities that need it most rather than just what is easy policy wise. We need to protect lifelong learning not cut the funding by 6% www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/te...

newstatesman.com

AI, employment, and the UK’s industrial strategy

Invest 2035 aims to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding jobs. Can the two ambitions coexist?

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Proud to represent @weaadulted.bsky.social with Preeya Searle & our better halves. Honoured that Her Majesty Queen Camilla stopped to shake our hands and ask about our work. Her response when we said what we did “you are much needed” taking this as royal approval. Thanks @holexpolicy.bsky.social

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Difficult blog & post to write and thanks to the WEA team for working on this. The language and rhetoric around this White Paper is troubling & the lack of Govt join up is staggering. The importance being place in growing skills whilst the DfE cut the Adult Skills Fund by 6% beggars belief

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

This is interesting and it does raise the question of why the Government would choose to cut 6% from the Dept for Education’s Adult Skills Fund. Here at @weaadulted.bsky.social we will keep fighting for this decision to be reversed and more investment put into this vital public service

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Good morning spent at Brass Bolton with Helen Clayton from Bolton CVS Nick & Athena (behind the camera) @weaadulted.bsky.social Great to sit in on a digital class for ESOL learners then lots of talk about how we can support adults in their learning journey across GMCA @andyburnham.bsky.social

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

HOLEX @holexpolicy.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Read Sue's new blog for Campaign for Learning. There is significant uncertainty in the economy right now - we cannot lose sight of the potential in growing and investing in the talent of adults. The government needs to rethink, reset and reinvest. @sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

"The involvement of trusted organisations from the VCS and adult education in developing local plans could achieve a more inclusive approach and reassure communities that their voice is being heard." 5/5

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

"Adult education organisations have vast experience of supporting people to build their confidence and to find their own pathways. There is justified concern that benefit and employment reforms will be imposed on some vulnerable groups." 4/5

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

"It is crucial that the lead local authorities draw on this expertise for the benefit of their communities. Organisations who understand the employment barriers faced by different groups will be the key to a more tailored and person-centred approach to progression into work." 3/5

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

"The guidance is clear that expertise is needed to understand the factors contributing to unemployment and economic inactivity. We believe it is those organisations working most closely with local communities who will have this expertise." 2/5

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

WEA's @simonparkinson.bsky.social responds to Get Britain Working Guidance published today: "The WEA welcomes the prominent role for voluntary sector and adult education organisations set out in the DWP’s Get Britain Working guidance published today." 1/5

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Great webinar this morning by @holexpolicy.bsky.social credit to Kat Hayes from the Depart for Education for trying to answer tough questions around cuts to the Adult Skills Fund & the impact this will have. @weaadulted.bsky.social will continue to lobby against the cuts

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Libraries Gave Us Power @lgupbook.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

The first @weaadulted.bsky.social courses began in Jan 1908 in Rochdale and Longton & delivered by RH Tawney. The archives at London Met Uni are an incredible resource where you can trace the incredible challenges faced in setting up this remarkable achievement.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

@feweek.bsky.social @ukshane.bsky.social @weaadulted.bsky.social Any chance just a small bit of the £700m underspend could be reallocated to the Adult Skills Fund? Just asking

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

"A cut in adult education budgets coinciding with challenging new benefit rules will remove a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable in our communities." Read @simonparkinson.bsky.social response to the government's Spring Statement: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #SpringStatement

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

This Thursday, L&W chief exec @stephenevans.bsky.social will be speaking at this @weaadulted.bsky.social webinar on how we can protect adult learning. 📅 Thursday 27 March ⏰ 5pm-6pm Register now. ⬇️

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Ahead of the Spring Statement, our Chief Executive and General Secretary, @simonparkinson.bsky.social, has written an open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves outlining the benefits of adult learning. Read letter online: thewea.info/chancellor_l... #adulteducation #budget #springstatement

Dear Chancellor,

There is no question that the economy faces considerable challenges and you will have tough choices to make in the weeks ahead.

It is essential that reductions in spending do not become quickly counterproductive by storing up bigger financial pain in the near future. And not only financial pain but a human cost too.

The proposed cuts to adult learning are a case in point. They are not efficiency savings as the sector is already running in the most streamlined manner possible.

The Adult Skills Fund faces a 2%/3% cut across all the Combined Authorities coupled with a 6% cut for non-devolved ASF across the rest of the country. This will impact courses due to begin in September – courses which would support some of those in our most disadvantaged communities.

At the WEA alone this will reduce learner numbers by at least 2,000 (out of a current 30,000 each year). This would scale up to tens of thousands of lost learners across the sector.

This at a time when other Government policies are trying to encourage people towards adult learning. The announcement of the 6% ESFA cut came on the same day as the announcements on benefits reform. Those reforms seek to support and motivate people with disabilities and long term medical conditions into work. That requires having the tailored courses available to them in the neighbourhoods in which they live – something which the community adult learning sector currently specialises in but would not be able to do if budgets are cut.

The benefits of adult learning are well understood. In the last iteration of the WEA’s Impact report we found that 42% of learners on our skills courses went on to get a job or go into further education. More broadly, 83% of learners reported increased wellbeing and 91% visited their GP less often than the national average. All of these impacts save the Treasury money and are further scaled up across the community learning sector.

Follow the weblink to read the full letter.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Deeply frustrated as I post this. For a mission led Government who put skills at the heart of the agenda to cut the Adult Skills Fund by 6% is bizarre. This will affect thousands of adult learners. @weaadulted.bsky.social will campaign on their behalf against these cuts & I call on you to join us

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Richard Hull @richardhull54.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

This has been a really important, interesting and wide ranging discussion - like many governments, the UK gives far too little priority to #AdultEducation and #LifeLongLearning With @clancyfirefox.bsky.social, @iainj.bsky.social, Prof. Jonathan Michie, @simonparkinson.bsky.social

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Really enjoyed doing this and representing @weaadulted.bsky.social Happy to connect with anyone here who would like to discuss further. Thanks again Frank & Stan

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Can participation in adult learning grow to meet need? Where can the funding be found to invest in provision which benefits everyone? Join us on the 13 March as we host expert speakers exploring current practice and future challenges #lifelonglearning #adulteducation

wea.org.uk

Free event: reconstructing adult learning | WEA

Join our special free webinar on Thursday 13 March from 4 pm-5.30 pm.

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

HOLEX @holexpolicy.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

See HOLEX asks of government below and view the full spending review submission at www.holex.org.uk/policy/ 📣

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Really enjoyed hosting @amandaruggeri.bsky.social for @weaadulted.bsky.social 1st open lecture of 2025. Over 400 participants for the important and timely issue. More resources coming and a massive thanks to all the team that made this happen

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Libraries Gave Us Power @lgupbook.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Minutes from the 1903 Provisional committee which would form the WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social. Representing workers were G Alcock (Railway Servants), WR Salter (Brushmaker), & AH Thomas (Engineer). From documents held by London Met Special Collections

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Reminder that the latest Policy Insights from @prospectmagazine.co.uk includes a chapter from WEA's @simonparkinson.bsky.social . Essential skills in literacy, numeracy and digital are in urgent need of support in the Spending Review and need higher profile in regional growth strategies

prospectmagazine.co.uk

Tackling the learning divide

To raise living standards in every part of the country, the government must raise the level of essential skills in every community

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Really looking forward to this. A massive thanks to @amandaruggeri.bsky.social former support with this. An important and timely issue so sign up now before it becomes full.

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Coming up this week: debate in the House of Lords (Thursday 6th) and deadline for submissions to Treasury for Spending Review (9th). In our briefings @weaadulted.bsky.social has shown the positive impact of adult learning despite years of underfunding. Keep an eye on our socials for more detail.

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Thank you @simonparkinson.bsky.social for citing our Adult Participation in Learning Survey in @prospectmagazine.co.uk showing stark disparities in access to learning. 🗞️ www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/pol... 📑 Read the 2024 survey: learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...

prospectmagazine.co.uk

Tackling the learning divide

To raise living standards in every part of the country, the government must raise the level of essential skills in every community

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Important and Welcome inquiry and a chance for @weaadulted.bsky.social @holexpolicy.bsky.social and others to highlight the benefits of and challenges to Post 19 Adult learning. An important part of the F.E. Sector which is often overlooked.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Great to represent @weaadulted.bsky.social with @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social at yesterday’s meeting with Skills Minister Baroness Smith. Talked all things Adult Literacy and it was clear the Minister was engaged & had good questions. Hopefully we can build on this and promote this important issue

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Just received official confirmation that all the £300m additional FE funding from the budget is for 16-19s. £50m as one off grant for “workforce recruitment & retention” challenges, rest via funding rates. Same challenges in Post 19 further education but again no extra funding. Just makes it harder

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Shocking lack of investment in Adult Community Ed highlighted by @theifs.bsky.social annual report. Particular decline in venue based Community Ed. We need to ensure the wider economic and societal benefits of community education are not lost @weaadulted.bsky.social www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

wea.org.uk

WEA's thoughts on annual education report | WEA

Read WEA's thoughts regarding the Institute for Fiscal Studies' Annual Education report, highlighting the reduction in investment towards adult learning.

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

NEW: The UK has larger skills inequalities between different parts of the country than most other European countries. 🌍 ‘Worlds Apart’, our 2nd #AmbitionSkills report, supported by City and Guilds and NOCN, shows these inequalities are set to widen. learningandwork.org.uk/resources/re...

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Excellent weekend in beautiful #Northumberland Lovely cosy cottage, great country and costal walks. Good start to #2025

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

Thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for carrying this. Real chance that further devolution can empower local communities. It is vital that the importance of Adult Community Education in supporting this is recognised and funded. Yes to local skills provision & also yes to learning that builds communities.

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 17/12/2024

Nice evening representing @weaadulted.bsky.social at the 140th Birthday celebrations of Toynbee Hall. We are all part of a movement which seeks to show the importance of Adult Community Education in improving social justice across the U.K.

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Reposted by Simon Parkinson

Ryan Swift @ryanswift93.bsky.social · 13/12/2024

As we look ahead to the English Devolution White Paper, @rosielockwood.bsky.social and I have a new essay out exploring the different ways in which the footprint of devolution deals can be determined. www.ippr.org/articles/the...

ippr.org

The shape of devolution | IPPR

Finding the right shape of the footprints to devolve power to in England is a complex exercise that requires consideration of a wide range of issues includ

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

Happy 25th birthday to @coalfieldsregen.bsky.social & launch of their new strategy. @weaadulted.bsky.social named as a strategic partner & thanks to Grahame Morris MP, Steph Peacock MP & @sarahlonglands.bsky.social for their speeches. Liked Sarah’s reference of a Fat Boy Slim lyric. Any Guesses?

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

For those interested in reading the full report the link is here oe.cd/5Q5. This little paragraph from the country notes is interesting & matches what adult learners tell us here @weaadulted.bsky.social

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Simon Parkinson @simonparkinson.bsky.social · 10/12/2024

Interesting to read the country notes for England. I wonder to what extent Multiply helped the numeracy scores. Agree the poorer outcomes for older learners is due to under investment & perhaps an over focus on higher level quals @weaadulted.bsky.social will continue to advocate for older learners

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