Welcome to LCN

LCN is a unique movement of learning communities:

'striving to ensure that all citizens share in the benefits of a learning society'

LCN is a responsive organisation dedicated to meeting members’ changing needs. The Network provides opportunities to impact on local agendas and Government Policy.

Mission

To support learning communities by creating a voice that raises local profile, uses local and regional expertise and encourages effectiveness through networking and the sharing of good practice.

Benefits
LCN...

	Provides a national and local arena for discussion
	Provides an opportunity for active collaboration
	Provides a communication channel to local and national government
	Provides access to other Learning Towns and Cities/Lifelong Learning Partnerships
	Offers the opportunity to share best practice
	Offers the opportunity to apply for joint funding
	Offers easy access to up-to-date policy and research
	Provides a mechanism for the voice of local partnerships to be heard

Members

	LCN was founded in 1996 on the vision of five UK cities and is run by practitioners for practitioners at all levels.
	Membership extends to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland plus the Channel Islands with international links to the EU network and Australia and is open to learning partnerships (in the broadest sense) representing towns, cities, counties and regions – our communities

Achievements to date

	Held a one-day national conference *The Broadening Role of FE/HE in Learning Communities*, which provided a platform to explore the role of FE and HE institutions in working with communities.
	In conjunction with DfES and LGA published a good practice guide - *Towns, cities and regions in the learning age – a survey of learning communities*
	Produced a response to the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal
	Worked with the Learning Partnerships Team at DfES
	Ran a series of regional roadshows – commissioned by DfES – on the emerging agenda with the LSC
	Published a report on the regional roadshows - *Skills for Social Inclusion and the Knowledge Economy: Towards a Shared Vision*
	Held regular meetings with Ministers, senior civil servants, LSDA, NIACE, LGA and other influential bodies
	Supported emerging learning communities
	Worked with the Neighbourhood Renewal Team