You may be aware that a recent research project was commissioned by OFFA to explore approaches to outreach for mature learners with low or no prior qualifications. The research was carried out by the Open University in partnership with Birkbeck University of London, the University of Leeds and the University of Bristol. UALL was represented on the steering group for the project.

This work has recently concluded, and at the start of July, OFFA held a launch event in in London, and published:

• a report(link is external), which draws on five case studies of specific approaches to outreach for disadvantaged adult learners
• a three-step evaluation tool(link is external), which universities and colleges can use to inform the development of their outreach for adult learners
  
  Both publications have been combined and are featured below...

OFFA are now encouraging universities and colleges to use the evaluation tool, and build this in to the ongoing development and delivery of their access agreements and wider institutional strategies.

With best wishes,

Lucy

For regularly updated information about UALL, including events, go to: www.uall.ac.uk(link is external)