Third sector engagement and participation in the learning and skills sector

In February 2012, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) commissioned research to examine the make-up, dynamics, and scale of the third sector to maximise its engagement and participation in the delivery of learning and skills. A provider typology was produced at an early stage based on a definition of the third sector as comprising registered charities, community interest companies, industrial and provident societies, voluntary and community organisations (including unincorporated charities and community organisations), social enterprises, trusts and foundations, and co-operatives and mutuals. This excluded from the analysis other organisations and providers such as further education colleges, local authorities and private training companies. The research, which included a literature review, quantitative provider survey, provider focus groups, a statistical analysis of learner and provider data and the development of good practice case studies, has been the largest study of its type into the third sector and has provided a significant and rich source of evidence. The research was delivered by a partnership of Skills-Third Sector, the Third Sector National Learning Alliance (TSNLA) and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) with support from Fairtrain, HOLEX, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) and BIS.

The research has demonstrated that the third sector has a number of strengths and is well placed to contribute to the government's priorities for learning and skills. However there remain a number of challenges that need to be addressed, by government and its departments and agencies, those organisations with a remit to support and represent third sector providers and the third sector itself, if the contribution the third sector makes to society and the economy is to be fully recognised, valued and supported. A set of strategic objectives and priority actions have been developed and are recommended to overcome these challenges. These are to: demonstrate the benefits of working with the third sector; further develop the capability and capacity of the third sector to deliver learning and skills; improve third sector learning and skills delivery; and develop effective collaboration within and with the third sector. The research also resulted in a strategic framework which will drive implementation of the research findings during the next phase of the project.

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