My Lords, Amendment 9 simply asks for more information and guidance. The Bill has been drafted incredibly narrowly in comparison to the full scope of the LLE. I often told my students when they were performing in their examination pieces that less is more when creating a character on stage but, in terms of the detailed guidance in the Bill, we are left with many questions about how it will work in practice. All we want to do is try to ensure that greater substance and practicality is put into the Bill, thus lessening the need for secondary legislation.
Stakeholders have brought up concerns about not yet knowing the details that, when taken together, will make or break whether the LLE will help more people to enter education for the first time later in life; help them to build on existing skills; or allow them to spread that learning over their lifetime. There are uncertainties around the range of courses, the LLE’s role within the wider funding context and its relationship with minimum entry requirements. More detail needs to be included to ensure that it will be effective in boosting lifelong learning. We need greater clarity on the concepts at the centre of the Bill.
There needs to be strong information, advice and guidance campaigns targeted towards both prospective students and employers, which are vital to the success of the LLE. Prospective students of all ages will need help to navigate the widening pool of options and opportunities available to them, and employers will need support to understand and recognise the various qualifications of potential employees.
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Information, advice and guidance for adult learners is generally underresourced and of variable quality. Moving towards modular and less linear progression
routes is welcome as it brings greater flexibility for the learner. However, it adds to the complexity of the learner journey and therefore advice is needed to navigate choices and make the next steps. Learners will need to have the financial implications of their loan fully explained and set out, striking a balance between ensuring that learners fully understand their obligations and making the options accessible, not onerous or off-putting. Marketing and targeted information through various national bodies, community organisations, councils, charities and faith groups will help to ensure that no individual or community is left behind. This information must be sustained over the longer term to ensure its success as it grows across our societies.
The amendment of the noble Lord, Lord Addington, simply asks for guidance in relation to the provisions of the Bill that are to be provided to students by the Office for Students. We on these Benches fully support the amendment and would support an even wider information campaign to make the LLE a success for all learners.