1.21 Effective partnership and greater collaboration will make a major contribution to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. At regional level, the co-ordination of strategic planning should involve the new Regional Development Agencies and be led locally by local authorities, working in partnership with other local stakeholders, including employers, unions, voluntary bodies, TECs and providers. Where appropriate - at regional, sub-regional, local or workplace levels - consideration should be given to the formation of Lifelong Learning Forums whose brief should be to review local needs, set targets, co-ordinate provision, open up new learning pathways and monitor progress. Arrangements should be made amongst local partners for appropriate cross representation on committees and boards where this will strengthen collaboration.

1.22 The Government should provide guidance to Local Authorities on their responsibility to secure adequacy of provision in adult learning. After consultation with the Local Government Association, each Local Authority should be required to produce a Lifelong Learning Strategic Development Plan. Within local arrangements, providers, employers and local authorities should co-operate to establish a network of learning centres, widely available to members of local communities, and connected in due course to the proposed National Grid for Learning.

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