4. WORKSHOPS 4.2 Linking with the Voluntary Sector Presenter: David McNulty, Education and Training, Blackburn Council The voluntary sector is huge, made up largely of many small local groups which have developed much credibility, trust and acceptance. The sector underpins the provision of informal, community-based learning which is the key to drawing entrenched non-learners back into learning. The sector thus underpins the ConneXions strategy and the whole concept of social inclusion, as well as the lifelong learning ethos. It is central to the process of increasing participation and attainment, and thus to achieving learning targets. Issues In attempting to engage successfully with the voluntary sector, Learning Partnerships need to : be aware of characteristics of voluntary sector organisations, be sensitive to their unique needs, and engage them on their terms be aware of the diversity of the sector - from large national organisations such as Age Concern and Groundwork to small, very locally-focused groups be aware of the limitations of any voluntary organisation or group of voluntary organisations being able to properly "represent" the community consider an audit of providers in their area to identify and contact all relevant organisations. Informal, even social, links are important for identifying small voluntary organisations overcome the inherent scepticism in many voluntary organisations of the motives of large statutory providers.