Call to Learn - a new fund for the South West

Unionlearn in the South West is pleased to announce the arrival of the 'Call to Learn' project which will help unions and their partners to set up collective learning funds in the south west of England.

It will do this by providing up to £6,000 to support unions through the stages of establishing a fund and by offering information, advice, brokering and training for representatives of unions and partner organisations.

Collective learning funds are union-led initiatives designed to stimulate co-investment in the development of the workforce. During 2009-11 collective learning funds were piloted by unionlearn in the North West and the Midlands to test different models in different contexts. 'Call to Learn' will build on this experience as it extends good practice and encourages innovation in the South West. Unions can come forward with ideas for the type of collective fund they want to establish. This could be for the south west region, for a sector, workplace or group of workers. It could include a range of membership; for example staff, retired staff and other members of a local community.

The project will encourage new or strengthenedworking relationships for unions; with companies, skills agency partners, learning providers and community organisations. It will encourage a greater understanding of potential learners and their needs by sponsoring equality monitoring and learning equality reviews as features of these collective fund structures and this is expected to lead to increased participation in learning.

Ultimately, though encouraging collaborative approaches, including the co-financing of learning, the project will assist people in the south west to access learning opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them.

How long is the funding available?

For details of how to apply to the fund:

Call to Learn Prospectus
Call to Learn Prospectus Appendix - guidance for unions
Call to Learn Application form