5.6 Equity and inclusion should be at the centre of a policy for lifelong learning. This will mean adopting measures designed to widen opportunities, increase participation and overcome the barriers faced by those currently excluded from the benefits and pleasures of learning throughout life. Learning, and having access to it throughout life, should be thought of as a normal part of everyone's membership of our society. It should constitute a key element of modern citizenship. There should be no penalties attached to the particular modes, routes or methods of learning chosen by learners to achieve their goals. Those responsible for funding learning should give particular attention to this principle, adapting their funding regimes and methodologies to promote equity.

5.7 Particular attention should be paid to the aims and principles of inclusive learning set out by the Tomlinson Committee. Resources should be so deployed as to further the principles of equity and inclusion, with appropriate rewards going to those organisations and institutions which can demonstrate their genuine commitment to creating a learning culture for all and manifest this in their achievements. Lifelong learning, in its legitimate variety of forms and practices, should increasingly become available to the mass of people, rather than to only an earnest elite. To ensure progress in this, Government and all other funders, providers and regulators of learning should set targets and review progress towards the achievement of widening participation.

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