Inform · Inspire · Celebrate
The conference came at a crucial time for the tertiary sector as a new Welsh Government considers its priorities for adult learning and skills. It was a chance for learning providers, policy makers and partners across the tertiary sector to discuss the national context for adult learning, share examples of good practice, and engage in discussions shaped by learners and practitioners.
The event opened with a welcome and outline for the day from Kieran Keogh and Sarah Quibell, Co-Chairs of the Adult Learning Partnership Wales Network
A key highlight was the joint practitioner and learner panel, chaired by James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr. The panel brought together Gina Powell, 2025 Inspire! Learner Voice Award winner, and Kerrie Ann Watson from Carmarthenshire Adult Community Learning, who shared their personal adult learning experiences, alongside Sharron Lusher (University of Wales Trinity Saint David) and Christopher Roberts (Bridgend College and 2026 Inspire! Tutor Award winner), who provided insights into adult learning provision and learner voice.
We were delighted that Cefin Campbell MS, Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, delivered the keynote address.
We heard from Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute, who delivered a session titled “Adult learning in Wales and beyond: The golden thread”, alongside Aoife Crawford, Research and Policy Officer at the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), who presented on “Adult literacy in Ireland: Policy and practice.”
The day featured three engaging workshops:
- The active classroom: Small changes, big difference, exploring practical approaches to enhancing teaching and engagement.
- From reflection to improvement: Strengthening self-evaluation practice, focusing on embedding reflective practice to drive quality.
- Stronger together: The role of the third sector in lifelong learning, examining partnership working and community impact.
The event concluded with reflections from Kieran Keogh and Sarah Quibell, before Reina van der Wiel, Senior Equality and Inclusion Manager at Medr, closed the day.
