South East

The South East is a hub of innovation (25 % of business Research and Development and one third of total government Research and Development is spent in the SE) and needs a skilled workforce. However, while 29% of the population have level 4 qualifications, 40% of the workforce has language, literacy and numeracy skills below level 2 and there is a skill shortage in certain industries including business, hotels and health.

In view of this, SEEDA (South East England Development Agency), have prioritised improved Language, Literacy and Numeracy as vital to the region's continued growth and have funded the Network's activities in this region since 2001.

The Network has a team of Regional Development Officers who between them cover the region providing tailored solutions to local and regional issues.

For the name and contact details of the RDO for your area click on the relevant section of the map above.

In order to drive up the quality and quantity of workplace LLN, the South East Regional Develpment Team carry out a variety of developmental activities.

These have included:

- Organising a programme of seminars to help disseminate best practice
- Developing and delivering workshops tailored to the needs of the region's practitioners including Workbased Learning Providers
- Organising Professional Development for Skills for Life practitioners on specific workplace issues
- Supporting existing networks
- Initiating new local provider networks
- Engaging new stakeholders in workplace LLN
- Assisting large organisations to think strategically about Skills for Life for their workforce
- Providing consultancy, advice and guidance
- Managing the SEEDA funded Level 3 Bridge for vocational tutors

Collating case studies and resources for the Provider Toolkit and National Bulletin
Producing a Provider Directory for the South East.

And new for Autumn 2006, we have the developing Funder Finder service.
Visit this site to find out about latest funding developments , including initiatives like Train to Gain, get ideas about how to fund workplace LLN programmes, examples of how workplace LLN programmes can be made sustainable and tips on successful bidding'.

To find out more about the Network's work in the South East or to see how we can assist your organisation contact:

Sue Batt, mobile 07970 150848
Email: suebatt@workplaceLLNnetwork.co.uk