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• LLN evaluation steering group

Evaluation of Lifelong Learning Networks

Evaluation of LLNs is the robust investigation of the effectiveness, quality and impact, both of LLNs themselves and LLN policy.

We have established an evaluation steering group to provide ongoing advice and guidance to HEFCE. The group meets at least twice a year and provides guidance and expertise to ensure that HEFCE's evaluation of LLNs is of high quality and by appropriate methods.

The evaluation strategy

This will have three stages; each is designed to expand on and complement the previous one:

• interim evaluation (spring 2007)
• peer evaluation (September 2007 and ongoing)
• summative evaluation (2009-10).

Interim evaluation

This formative interim evaluation was conducted by the Centre for Higher Education Research and Information at the Open University. The report, published in April 2008, outlines a series of conclusions and recommendations to both LLNs and HEFCE, to improve both LLN practice and policy development.

Interim evaluation of Lifelong Learning Networks

Peer evaluation

The LLN National Forum has facilitated the development of a peer evaluation framework for pairs of LLNs. Further information is available on the LLN national forum's web-site.

Summative evaluation

A form of summative evaluation will be undertaken at the end of the funding period. A detailed specification to evaluate the initiative as a whole will be drawn up in 2008/9, guided by experience and evaluation evidence to date. Key to this stage will be to consider the long term sustainability of LLNs plus their responsiveness and ability to contribute to other developments such as 14-19 curriculum development and employer engagement.

Further information

For further information, please contact Vicky Waite, e-mail v.waite@hefce.ac.uk, tel 0117 931 7254.

Other evaluation activity with relevance to LLNs

Additional work being undertaken through the Learning and Skills Council (LSC)

At the moment there are two areas of work which the LSC is supporting that will seek to engage LLNs:

• Joint HEFCE/LSC phase 2 evaluation of the overarching principles and operational criteria for a common approach to credit across further and higher education. HEFCE and LSC are taking forward this work on behalf of the Joint Forum for Higher Levels and have jointly commissioned SQW Consulting to undertake second-phase evaluation work, involving a series of LLN pilot studies.
• In addition, the LSC is working with NIACE, through the 2007-08 project grant across a range of work focusing on the delivery of higher level skills and in the context of the LSC's higher education strategy.

Further information is available from: Janet Ryland, Qualifications and Framework Developments Director, Learning and Skills Council, 024 7682 3432, janet.ryland@lsc.gov.uk.

Evaluation of the Higher Level Skills Pathfinders

The Government published its implementation plan for the Leitch Review of Skills - 'World Class Skills' - in June 2007. This announced an early review of the Higher Level Skills Pathfinders.

For further information, contact David Heron, e-mail d.heron@hefce.ac.uk.

Last updated 28 June 2010