1.5 The first and most urgent task is for the Government to set out a strategic framework for the promotion of lifelong learning in this country and to win widespread support for it. Everyone should be able to envisage their own place in the new framework and their own contribution to the development of a culture of lifelong learning for all, whether as funders or providers, public authorities, employers, trade unions, voluntary organisations or individuals. Above all, a new strategic framework is needed in place of the partial, fragmented, uneven and incomplete arrangements which currently exist in the United Kingdom.

1.6 The strategic framework should be based on a clear vision of lifelong learning for all. It should embrace both compulsory and post-school education, in all its forms, and be based upon the eight core principles set out in Section Five of our report. It should inspire and engage the imagination, commitment and energy of people in all walks of life, making the case by explaining the changes in work, the community and technology. It should indicate the role of lifelong learning in maintaining the country's competitiveness in a global economy and in the development of new skills, dignity, confidence and opportunities for all its people. It should also explain the contribution of lifelong learning in securing greater social cohesion in this country.

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