UCU: The future of 'second chance' education

Motion

Motion text: Conference notes:

the long and proud tradition of FE Colleges, Adult Education Institutes and Prison Education departments of delivering courses for adult students, providing many with a 'second chance' at education
the continuous onslaught of government policies that make it increasingly difficult for adult students to go into further education
the disproportionate effect of these policies on learners with disabilities, those in receipt of benefits, those from ethnic minorities and women (in effect those least able to pay but who have the most to benefit)
the effect this will have on jobs in the sector.
Conference resolves:

to instruct the FEC to vigorously oppose any policies (including withdrawal of funding) that have an adverse effect on the number of adult students taking FE courses
to ask all members to champion the function that FE serves in providing continuing education for all, regardless of age or circumstances.