NIACE and Inclusion forge strategic alliance

The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education is partnering up with the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion in the first step of a possible merger later this year.

Their strategic alliance will first aim to deliver new services, events and carry out more research across the employment and skills sectors.

NIACE chief executive David Hughes said: “NIACE and Inclusion have collaborated successfully in previous years, and we share ethos and values in tackling acute disadvantage and promoting people’s success and prosperity in the learning, skills and employment systems.

“There is widespread agreement that the fracture between the employment support and skills systems is a pressing challenge for the next parliament. Building on our 2015 Manifesto, this strategic alliance puts us in a fantastic position to tackle those challenges head on in a new, creative and sustainable partnership for the next five years and beyond.”

Dave Simmonds, Inclusion’s chief executive, added: “We are convinced that together we can have a greater impact on policy and practice in learning, skills and employment. We want to create a powerful new voice for those that need high quality learning, support to find work, and have opportunities to progress in their careers.”

“Our strategic alliance will combine our expertise to offer more to our stakeholders. It will create exciting opportunities to deliver new services, more research and new ideas in the challenging times ahead. Together we will forge a partnership that will be firmly focused on improving skills and employment support for everyone, but especially for those who need it most.”

Natalie Thornhill