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Aplogies for Cross posting. Leaders or Followers? The place of regions in promoting adult learning and skills Thursday 15 March 2007 The MegaCentre Bernard Road Sheffield S2 5BQ The English regions share common features. They also differ in significant ways and have diverse geographical, demographic and economic profiles. There are also huge inequalities in wealth and poverty, opportunities and aspirations within and between regions. The government and many national organisations, including the Learning and Skills Council, have established regional offices and agencies charged with overseeing developments to respond to the particular needs of each region. The past ten years have seen much debate about devolution and decentralisation in the United Kingdom. Powers have already been devolved to Scotland and Wales, and London has an elected mayor. There has been a referendum for a regional assembly in the North East. Conversely, local government powers and autonomy have eroded during the same period. This is now being challenged through debates about city regions, double devolution and local government reform. The recent Leitch report has implications for the role of Regional Development Agencies and economic advancement and social inclusion in the regions. What does all this mean for lifelong and life wide learning? Can the regions make a difference to people, economies and the environment? Do they add value to national or local dimensions? The conference aims to: provide an opportunity to learn about regionalisation and regional value in planning, organising and funding life wide learning provide a forum to debate the value of the regional approaches to learning for adults showcase effective practice developed in the English regions This conference will be relevant to all those with responsibility for or an interest in policy, planning, funding, or managing any form of learning for adults. Arrival and Registration is at 9.45am and ends with tea at 3.30pm For further details, look up: http://www.niace.org.uk/conferences/Conferences.htm <http://www.niace.org.uk/conferences/Conferences.htm> Enquiries to Gurjit Kaur on 0116 204 2833; e-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>