This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Launch of Lifelong Learning Forum
16/12/2003
The new Scotland-wide Lifelong Learning Forum held its first meeting in Glasgow today.
The Forum will build on the knowledge and experience of stakeholders across sectors to help ensure the aims and objectives of the Executive's Lifelong Learning strategy are met. It will also develop actions and solutions to key learning issues.
At the Forum's first meeting, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Lewis Macdonald said:
"The Forum is an excellent example of real partnership which will deliver real results.
"It will engage key stakeholders in discussing lifelong learning priorities and in identifying how these can be achieved.
"We hope everyone on the Forum will come willing to offer ideas, creative solutions and good practice. We expect real results from the Forum - its lifelong learning panels will be tasked with coming up with actions and solutions to ensure we deliver coherent, high-quality and relevant learning opportunities in Scotland."
The Forum remit is :
• Review progress of Executive Lifelong Learning strategy
• Act as a sounding board and contribute to new policy initiatives
• Encourage partnership across the private, public and voluntary sectors.
The Forum will meet annually, and will be chaired by Mr Macdonald. Lifelong learning panels will be set up at the first meeting today to examine specific issues, develop action plans and to progress work. Two panels, with membership drawn from the Forum and beyond, will be set up initially to look at technology enhanced learning and management and leadership in the workplace.
Membership of the Forum is drawn from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, including learning providers, the business community, student and trade union groups and other organisations involved in lifelong learning.
The Executive made a commitment to set up a Lifelong Learning Forum in the Lifelong Learning Strategy published in February.