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Some of the work we have
recently undertaken or are currently
engaged in includes:
Regional Local Authority Adult Learning Group
Old
Hall Associates has been commissioned by the Local Authority adult learning services in one English region to provide secretariat
and support services for a regional grouping through which the work of the Authorities can be co-ordinated, developed and
promoted. OHA personnel:
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convene and chair termly meetings of Heads of Service/lead officers
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contribute to and oversee the successful
delivery of an annual regional conference
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draft and secure agreement on a “vision
paper” for adult learning in the south west
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secure and support the involvement of
Regional Adult Learning Ambassadors, each of whom is well placed to promote the work of individual Authorities and/or the
Group to regional and sub-regional stakeholders
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provide on-site consultancy support to
individual Authorities
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devise and run regional workshops, bringing together staff from across the various services
to share information and to develop models of good practice
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advocate, on behalf of the Group, to regional
bodies including the LSC and act as a focal point for contact across the region
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contribute to regional proposals for externally
funded action projects.
Impacts Project
Late in 2005 Ministers asked NIACE and HOLEX to develop a framework
against which it might be possible to analyse and report on the impact of local adult learning activity. This was favourably
received, and the DfES subsequently asked NIACE to carry forward some small-scale testing of the framework. OHA,
on behalf of HOLEX, contributed to this activity and an OHA Associate was engaged to support five provider
organsiations involved in testing the framework. This work, in each different context, sought to capture evidence
of ways in which adult learning activity is developing individuals, supporting families, strengthening communities and/or
enhancing employability. OHA also advised on formats for action plans and project reports, and our input ensured
that key points were shared across the "testbeds". A final report was sumitted to DfES in March 2006.
It not only reflected how the Imapcts Framework was being used, and offered some refinements to the original model;
the report also provided an assessment of the impact of adult learning as evidenced through these enquiries.
Readers interested in this work are encouraged to contact annie.merton@niace.org.uk
Strategic Direction for Local Authority Adult Learning
OHA has a well-developed strategic support relationship with a
unitary authority which secures LSC-funded adult learning through partnership arrangements with local providers. Drawing
on information available through other work, we have been able to assist this Authority in high-level strategy discussions
with partner providers in advance of planning meetings with Local LSC personnel. In Autumn 2005 the Authority called on
OHA expertise to help prepare an options paper paving the way for necessary decisions regarding the introduction
of a co-ordinated portfolio of PCDL opportunities, changes to local fees policies, the refinement of a first steps strategy
and development of risk-based improvement indicators. This work culminated in preparation of a provider development
plan in line with national LSC guidance. OHA is now working with the Authority to ensure that self-assessment
and progress reporting is fully aligned to latest guidance, and that the Authority and its providers are appropriately prepared
for an impending ALI inspection.
Senior Staff Selection and Support
One local adult learning service, which had previously worked with
OHA personnel, has drawn on Old Hall Associates expertise to devise and deliver a 2-day selection process for a
new tranche of senior managers. We have also been involved, elsewhere, in the appointment of a
Head of Quality Improvement/Curriculum Development. OHA staff have also been contracted by another client
to provide non-managerial support to an interim service leader.
External funding application
OHA has recently provided focused input to help one client prepare an application for ESF
co-financing. The client believes external funding might be vital to sustaining the development of a
community learning infrastructure which targets women of Indian sub-continental ethnic origin. OHA was able to
supply an Associate with a combination of voluntary and community sector expertise and considerable experience in preparing funding
proposals.
National networking, information sharing and representation
Old Hall Associates has an agreed partnership
relationship with HOLEX, the national network of local adult learning providers. We
supply all services to secure a national office for the network; run confidential e-groups for HOLEX members; provide electronic
updates, analysis and advice to subscribing organisations; and represent HOLEX interests through formal contact with DfES,
LSC, ALI and other stakeholder agencies. HOLEX members are able to access the
full range of OHA services at a preferential rate.
OHA Update
In order to keep our clients fully informed, Old Hall Associates issues
a regular newsletter drawing attention to and summarising significant national developments, publications and initiatives.
These papers, issued eight times a year, also offer targeted advice to adult learning providers in responding to consultations,
applying formal LSC guidance etc. Subscriptions to OHA Update can be taken out at any time: please use the CONTACT US facility on this website to request a leaflet outlining the publication further
Community consultaion
OHA is currently undertaking a Borough-wide community consultation
to inform preparation of one Local Authority's Strategy for Extended Learning in Schools and Learning Centres.
Through a combination of questionnaire-based surveys, site visits and focus groups, OHA personnel have piloted the approach
and instruments in two key areas, and will be concluding the consultation exercise in September. A report, with
recommendations, will be available for the Authority by mid-October 2006.
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