Chaired by Paul Saunders (Commercial Director, Gateway Qualifications), this SIG examines policy change, Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provision, employer engagement and adult workforce priorities. Members also explore emerging trends, new opportunities and timely challenges affecting adult learning and skills delivery.
Welcome to the Adult Skills Special Interest Group. I am privileged to chair the group on behalf of AELP, helping to steer the conversation about adult skills. Upskilling the existing workforce, meeting the needs of the country, addressing the rapid technological changes, will only happen if we invest in adult skills. The impact and wider benefits of adult education providing social economic value resulting in a more cohesive society cannot be undervalued.
I want members to raise the challenges and opportunities that will feed into the wider AELP policy team. Everyone who attends sets the agenda and conversation, any point raised is important. Devolution continues, but the national investment in adult funding wanes. How can we as a group influence the government and policy makers to ensure adult skills are a priority and investment is increased to ensure all adults can progress.
A little about me. I have over two decades of strategic leadership experience in adult skills, qualifications, and the apprenticeships sector. In my role as Commercial Director at Gateway Qualifications I help shape programmes that directly support adult learners, workforce development, and lifelong learning. I follow the adult funding policy landscape closely and the evolving skills needs of employers and wider communities.
I look forward you being part of the conversation. See you soon. Paul.
Adult Skills Special Interest Group
