Appendix B

Letter from the Secretary of State for Education and Employment

Sanctuary Buildings Great Smith Street
Westminster London SW1P 38T
Telephone 0171 925 5000

The Rt Hon David Blunkett MP

14 April 1998

Professor R H Fryer
Principal
Northern College for Residential Adult Education
Wentworth Castle
Stainborough
Barnsley S75 3ET

Dear Professor Fryer

FUTURE WORK OF THE NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP

I am writing to set out my priorities for your work over the next six months or so.

First may I place on record my thanks for the contribution made by the National Advisory Group in preparation of the Lifelong Learning Green Paper "The Learning Age". I do hope that Group members can discern the clear impact of their work upon the document.

Over the consultation period, that is by end July, I would like the Group to let me have further advice, in the form of short working papers, on practical ways of taking forward the issues raised in the Green Paper relating to:

• the contribution of lifelong learning to community development and capacity building, including the role of the Adult and Community Learning Fund;

• the identification and promotion of means by which we can open up access to learning for those adults currently least engaged with the education system;

• measures to stimulate and broaden demand for learning from mature adults, particularly from under represented groups;

• identifying and disseminating practical examples of effective partnerships for planning and delivery of lifelong learning locally.

I welcome the willingness of members of the Group to work with us to stimulate and to participate in "The Learning Age". Such debate will be very important in helping to generate a wide range of views and ideas about moving the agenda forward.

It would be helpful to have the Advisory Group's views of the priorities for practical action, taking account of likely competing pressures on resources nationally and locally whatever the outcome of our comprehensive review of spending. Ideas about ways of building on and disseminating effective models and practice in community education would be especially valuable.

I would also be grateful if you would provide me with a detailed list of the proposed work schedule.

In taking forward this work I know you and members of the Group will keep in touch as appropriate with the work of other advisory groups we have established, and with the social exclusion unit, so that your advice complements other strands of development.

Felicity Everiss and her team will work closely with the Group and will keep you informed about responses to "The Learning Age" and emerging issues and ideas.

Best wishes

DAVID BLUNKETT