iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Am into my last month at the WEA before going freelance in September. If you're around during August and interested in lifelong learning and the policy work of the WEA I'm always happy to talk. Drop me a reply on here or find me on LinkedIn. #lifelonglearning #adulteducation

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

The WEA's Purpose to Pen series has four more online events over the summer featuring: CL Taylor Marsha O'Mahony Liz John Lucinda Hawksley All exploring what inspires them to write. More detail, including how to get tickets, here:

wea.org.uk

Our new lecture series: Purpose to Pen | WEA

We’re excited to be stepping into a new chapter of our fundraising journey with a brand new online lecture series called Purpose to Pen.

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

I'll be leaving WEA at the end of August but I have the rare luxury of overlapping with my successor, making the handover much easier. If you would like to find out more about our work, especially the Lifelong Learning Labs, drop me a line here or via LinkedIn #LifelongLearning

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

There's still time to book for the WEA's flagship event Connect & Learn which this year is taking place in the amazing Redhills Durham Miners Hall. Hear more on volunteering, building partnerships and developing lifelong learning strategy Tickets are available via the link below #lifelonglearning

wea.org.uk

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Free webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history Join us online on 30th June (1pm–2pm) to explore the Centenary Commission on Adult Education's vision for lifelong learning in 2026. Secure your place: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

"If we don’t support young adults to move forward, today’s problem doesn’t fade it just grows up." WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social responds to today's draft report on economically inactive young people: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

wea.org.uk

WEA responds to draft report on Neets | WEA

WEA responds to the draft report on economically inactive young people

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

In case you missed it: great blog from Monica Boulton, posted on Social Prescribing Day but relevant all year round and building on a great discussion at our recent Lifelong Learning Labs roundtable on health & wellbeing

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Exciting job alert - it happens to be mine Senior Policy and Influencing Manager. You will lead our influencing strategy, helping us to raise the profile of lifelong learning in Whitehall and beyond. Happy to have a chat with anyone thinking of applying. Deadline 29 March. Details via the link

wea.org.uk

Why come and work for the WEA? | WEA

Want to help us bring education within reach? Then apply for one of our roles.

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

We believe ESOL classes are a vital tool for empowerment. High-quality English language courses are a fundamental right, essential for fostering the sense of belonging and community integration. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Rising demand for English language courses in West Yorkshire

New arrivals to the UK say the courses help them integrate and improve their communication skills.

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

The @weaadulted.bsky.social Lifelong Learning Labs have got off to a flying start. If you'd like to know more and get involved, follow the links below. The future of lifelong learning is up to us working together.

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

The Lifelong Learning Labs are here and we’re inviting you in. They’re a national experiment exploring what learning unlocks for adults at work, at home and in our communities. Because adults deserve better. Have your say: thewea.info/4axvRCH #WEALabs

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Democracy Club @democracyclub.org.uk · 28/01/2026

We've created all the May 2026 elections in our system. 4,357 English councillors are scheduled for election, across 107 councils. This is in addition to six local authority mayors and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments. Find out if you have an election at whocanivotefor.co.uk

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

And have now read the book. Such a compelling case and an inspiring call to build a collective voice around better support for the arts. Look forward to exploring the links with colleagues in adult education where the positive benefits of creativity can also be found. #arts

Front cover of Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt - a capsule being broken in two and a rainbow pouring out

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Fun, free and online, the WEA's Christmas Day course is ideal if you're looking for a break from a hectic day or wanting to spend time with others. Dip in or enjoy from start to finish. Simple registration by following the link in the WEA's message #ChristmasDay

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Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

“At a time when economic inactivity is a pressing concern, any decision to reduce funding to help groups with more complex barriers into employment seems at odds with the govt’s aim to reach an 80% employment rate.” 🗨️⬇️ @samavanzowindett.bsky.social comments on UKSPF ending in @feweek.bsky.social.

feweek.co.uk

Fewer share prosperity when UKSPF ends in March

Only the UK’s most deprived areas will benefit from a post-Brexit fund for local skills, projects – cutting hundreds of councils off

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

The latest report from the Association of Colleges makes a compelling case for positioning lifelong learning at the heart of health strategies. You can read our full response, including a link to their report, on our website. @aoc-info.bsky.social

Our learners lived experience also proves it:

Joanne lived with depression before joining a WEA cookery course which led to her becoming a teaching assistant at a local school.

“I’ve gone from the cooking class to functional skills, English and maths, and now the teaching assistant course. It's all turned around for me.”

Our top 3 report recommendations:

1- Co-funding for preventative health activities

We say: Social prescribing works. 84% of WEA learners say adult learning improved their wellbeing

2- AoC's recommendation to itself to explore analytical work on preventative approaches in education

We say: The WEA is ready to deepen our own analysis to support this

3- Actions driving progress

We say: We're keen to work with organisations and individuals to make local preventative programmes a reality

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Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

"Beneath the noise, today’s Budget – and the forecasts underpinning it – laid bare the ongoing challenge of persistently low growth combined with rising demand for public services." ✍️ Dr Emily Andrews responds to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.

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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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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

It’s Get the Nation Learning Week, and what does the nation care about more than tea? WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...

youtube.com

Jim and Alfie - Tea

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Broadcaster, Bard of Barnsley, and all-round word wizard Ian McMillan has penned a brand-new poem just for us. It’s a joyful ode to lifelong learning, created exclusively to celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week. What are you inspired to learn this week? #getthenationlearning

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Learning and Work Institute @learnworkuk.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Still, when adults do learn, they thrive. 🚀 Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported. (7/10)

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Get The Nation Learning Week is here, and WEA is proud to be an official supporter of this national celebration of adult education and lifelong learning. Our latest blog tells you all you need to know about this special week: bit.ly/4hujg4U#GetT...

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper. In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%. Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here: bit.ly/4oBgdKV

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Stephen Evans @stephenevans.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

New @learnworkuk.bsky.social report out today. Thanks @feweek.bsky.social for great article on it. Full thread from me tomorrow, delayed by today’s L&W away day (there was truffle making).

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

he first fringe session of the day sees @andrewcities.bsky.social CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

We're at the Centre for Policy Research fringe on men and boys, with @mimsdavies.bsky.social shadow minister for women and @drlukeevans.org.uk shadow health minister. @conservatives.bsky.social #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

Now at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social livestream on health inequality: Professor Arpana Verma speaking on the importance of listening to communities and supporting hyper local organisations when tackling health inequalities. Dr @beckymontacute.bsky.social in the chair. #CPC25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

New Statesman session on cross sector collaboration to address mental health crisis. Emphasis on strengthening communities and building the capacity of voluntary sector as trusted agencies. @debbieabrahamsmp.bsky.social @sojanjosephmp.bsky.social @newstatesman.bsky.social #Lab25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

"We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks this afternoon calling out rising racism in the UK. And it’s exciting to see Further Education finally recognised as central to the UK’s economic growth and skills agenda." read more: bit.ly/4pPcYAQ #lab25

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

@local.gov.uk session about the importance of resetting relationship between central and local government. Key is breaking down departmental silos and increasing flexibility - local people shouldn't be constrained by administrative boundaries. @allymcgovern.bsky.social #LAB25

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

In case you missed it: "Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with." feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...

feweek.co.uk

Adult learning can help rebuild community and resist hate

Far-right narratives thrive in disconnected communities but adult learning fosters a sense of belonging

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Read our response to @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social writing in @feweek.bsky.social about adult skills moving to DWP. The WEA welcomes a more integrated approach, but fear many adult learners will still lose out Full response and a link to the FE Week in our bio. bit.ly/4msr8F4

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Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

To find out how to reform the levy and unlock opportunity & growth, read levying up here fabians.org.uk/publication/... Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.

fabians.org.uk

Levying up | Fabian Society

Fabian Society

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

A new report from the Communications & Digital Committee recognises the challenge of raising adult media literacy levels. Read our response to the report at wea.org.uk/news-views/n... and read the full report at publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Read our response to the British Future & Belong Network report, The State of Us, which includes evidence from the WEA to support the connection between adult learning and stronger communities bit.ly/3GPeCAD

bit.ly

WEA responds to The State of Us report | WEA

WEA responds to The State of Us report addressing division across UK

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Some thoughts from me on the perilous position adult education finds itself in after being overlooked in the Spending Review All eyes now on the post-16 strategy to recognise the real value of lifelong learning #spendingreview #adulteducation #lifelonglearning

wea.org.uk

The Spending Review – Cuts ahead unless we act | WEA

The Spending Review – Cuts ahead unless we act

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

The WEA Impact Report was published earlier this week showing how adult learning contributes to improved mental health & wellbeing, progression into work and more resilient communities. Adult learning was largely overlooked in the Spending Review but surely impact like this is worth investing in.

wea.org.uk

The WEA impact: our Impact Report | WEA

Discover the positive impact that the WEA has made through innovative and effective educational programs.

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

⏰ Not long to go until our annual WEA conference✨ For those of you attending tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming you. If you aren't able to make it in person? You can still join us online, by following the link here: thewea.info/conferenceon...

WEA conference poster with five images of WEA learners inside a diamond-shaped image frame

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Great to see Marmalade Trust tackling the stigma of loneliness for #LonelinessAwarenessWeek. It's not easy to make connections but we've been struck by the stat in the new WEA survey that 86% of learners made new friends. It's vital to create opportunities and safe spaces. #MeetingLonelinessTogether

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

WEA learners talk about improvements in mental health, progression into work and building resilient communities. Taken together it makes a powerful case for improving investment. #SpendingReview #LifelongLearning

wea.org.uk

The WEA impact: our Impact Report | WEA

Discover the positive impact that the WEA has made through innovative and effective educational programs.

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

"When you look to nations across the world, they're all putting more money into adult education. And we're not" Excellent contributions from Sue Pember of @holexpolicy.bsky.social and others at the Education Select Committee. Let's hope Parliamentarians are listening ahead of the #SpendingReview

parliamentlive.tv

Parliamentlive.tv

Education Committee

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The WEA @weaadulted.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

UNISON has always been at the forefront of the campaign to support Lifelong Learning. Tomorrow afternoon, The Learning & Work Institute and the WEA will look at how UNISON can continue to support adult education. Join the free event tomorrow: thewea.info/4m90Ybr

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Good to see @jonathandaviesmp.bsky.social calling a Westminster Hall debate on the future of public libraries. Libraries and community adult education go hand in hand and both need new investment. Looking forward to hearing more - debate starts at 9.30am on Wednesday 14 May. #LibrariesChangeLives

commonslibrary.parliament.uk

Future of public libraries

There will be a Westminster Hall debate on the future of public libraries at 9:30am on 14 May 2025. The debate will be opened by Jonathan Davies MP.

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Louis Coiffait-Gunn @louiscoiffait-gunn.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Ask your MP to take part in Wednesday's debate on public libraries - we can share a template letter for you, a briefing for them commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-bri... #LibrariesChangeLives

commonslibrary.parliament.uk

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

ICYMI - summary of the recent meeting of the APPG on the Future of Work at which WEA Chief Exec @simonparkinson.bsky.social spoke

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Chris Butcher @weachrisbutcher.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Baroness Smith describes 6% cut to Adult Skills Fund as "relatively small" but will continue to "make the case". We know the dire impact it will have on adult learners so making the case feels especially urgent.

Baroness Smith and Dame Ann Limb at Lifelong Education Institute conference

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