Monitoring Lifelong Learning Networks
We have developed an electronic template to monitor Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs), which provides a 'snapshot' picture of their progress and achievement. This monitoring mechanism collects financial data from LLNs as well as learner outcomes, using a consistent structure, length, and reporting timeframe.
The template is electronic and was e-mailed to LLN directors along with guidance in August 2008. LLNs are required to return the completed template by e-mail to the LLN team, lln@hefce.ac.uk, by 31 October in each year.
The new monitoring template follows the recommendation of the interim evaluation of LLNs published in April 2008. This report advised that we introduce a standardised monitoring mechanism across all LLNs that captures both quantitative and qualitative data.
Monitoring guidance
The monitoring template collects information on financial expenditure, progression agreement developments, information, advice and guidance, details of LLN learner constituencies, and activity undertaken to embed and sustain core LLN processes. We will monitor additional student numbers (ASNs) through HESES and HESA data.
Latest guidance on ASNsQualitative information
We recognise that quantitative information is not sufficient to show the broad and diverse achievements of LLNs. Therefore parts of the template capture a small amount of qualitative information. LLNs can submit a commentary alongside the report, which, in line with advice already issued in February 2007, will need to include consideration of equality and diversity.
Reporting
In order to standardise reporting dates, all LLNs are required to submit the template on 31 October each year.
We expect that LLNs will also include a detailed report with the template. This should examine the process of the network over the funding period, and need not follow the suggested page limit.
LLNs whose funding period concludes before the reporting date of 31 October should submit a final report with their template at the end of the funding period.
LLNs whose funding period concludes in the months immediately after the October submission date should submit a final report, but do not need to submit the monitoring template again, unless there have been changes since the October submission.
The monitoring template has replaced previous monitoring requirements, not the entire LLN monitoring and evaluation strategy.
Analysis of monitoring reports
We have undertaken a broad analysis of LLN monitoring reports submitted for the 2008-09 and 2007-08 academic years.
Lifelong Learning Networks: analysis of 2009 monitoring reports
[ Download the LLN monitoring report as Adobe PDF 124K ]
Lifelong Learning Networks: analysis of 2008 monitoring reports
[ Download the LLN monitoring report asAdobe PDF 394K ]
We have also published an analysis of the characteristics of LLN learners as flagged by partner institutions on the 2006-07 and 2007-08 HESA and ILR returns.
This data analysis mainly relates to LLN learners connected to additional student number places, and is part of a broader range of evidence being collected to evaluate the success of the programme. By its nature it does not demonstrate the full extent of the impact that LLNs have been making in terms of developing, promoting and implementing progression agreements which can be seen in the analysis of the 2008 monitoring reports but provides a useful insight into how LLNs and partner institutions have utilised the additional student numbers awarded.
Further information
Further details are available from Vicky Waite, e-mail v.waite@hefce.ac.uk, tel 0117 931 7254.
Last updated 28 June 2010