Chris Butcher
@weachrisbutcher.bsky.social
Senior Public Policy Manager at WEA. The WEA (Workers' Educational Association) has been "bringing adult learning within reach" for over 120 years.
https://www.wea.org.uk/
He/Him
https://www.wea.org.uk/
He/Him
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Last week was Get The Nation Learning Week. Read WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social blog reflecting on the week gone by: bit.ly/4nDfRCk #getthenationlearning
November 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Last week was Get The Nation Learning Week. Read WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social blog reflecting on the week gone by: bit.ly/4nDfRCk #getthenationlearning
Reposted by Chris Butcher
It’s Get the Nation Learning Week, and what does the nation care about more than tea?
WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...
WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...
Jim and Alfie - Tea
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:01 AM
It’s Get the Nation Learning Week, and what does the nation care about more than tea?
WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...
WEA Volunteer, Jim and Lifelong Learning Advocate, Alfie take a minute to swap secrets to brewing the perfect cuppa. #getthenationlearning www.youtube.com/shorts/ZiUHx...
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Broadcaster, Bard of Barnsley, and all-round word wizard Ian McMillan has penned a brand-new poem just for us. It’s a joyful ode to lifelong learning, created exclusively to celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week. What are you inspired to learn this week? #getthenationlearning
November 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Broadcaster, Bard of Barnsley, and all-round word wizard Ian McMillan has penned a brand-new poem just for us. It’s a joyful ode to lifelong learning, created exclusively to celebrate Get the Nation Learning Week. What are you inspired to learn this week? #getthenationlearning
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Still, when adults do learn, they thrive. 🚀
Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported.
(7/10)
Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported.
(7/10)
November 3, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Still, when adults do learn, they thrive. 🚀
Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported.
(7/10)
Nearly all (94%) of those engaging in learning identify at least one benefit, with self-confidence, personal development, the love of learning, and jobs and skills gains the most reported.
(7/10)
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Get The Nation Learning Week is here, and WEA is proud to be an official supporter of this national celebration of adult education and lifelong learning. Our latest blog tells you all you need to know about this special week: bit.ly/4hujg4U#GetT...
November 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Get The Nation Learning Week is here, and WEA is proud to be an official supporter of this national celebration of adult education and lifelong learning. Our latest blog tells you all you need to know about this special week: bit.ly/4hujg4U#GetT...
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper.
In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.
Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:
bit.ly/4oBgdKV
In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.
Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:
bit.ly/4oBgdKV
October 21, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Adult learning deserves better: a Pre-24 not Post-16 Education White Paper.
In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.
Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:
bit.ly/4oBgdKV
In a 38,910 word document, adults are mentioned just 0.13%.
Read WEA CEO @SimonParkinson6 full response here:
bit.ly/4oBgdKV
Reposted by Chris Butcher
New @learnworkuk.bsky.social report out today. Thanks @feweek.bsky.social for great article on it. Full thread from me tomorrow, delayed by today’s L&W away day (there was truffle making).
October 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
New @learnworkuk.bsky.social report out today. Thanks @feweek.bsky.social for great article on it. Full thread from me tomorrow, delayed by today’s L&W away day (there was truffle making).
Reposted by Chris Butcher
he first fringe session of the day sees
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25
October 6, 2025 at 8:31 AM
he first fringe session of the day sees
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25
@andrewcities.bsky.social
CEO of @centreforcities.bsky.social in conversation with Mayor Paul Bristow of Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority #CPC25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
We're at the Centre for Policy Research fringe on men and boys, with @mimsdavies.bsky.social shadow minister for women and @drlukeevans.org.uk shadow health minister. @conservatives.bsky.social #CPC25
October 6, 2025 at 10:25 AM
We're at the Centre for Policy Research fringe on men and boys, with @mimsdavies.bsky.social shadow minister for women and @drlukeevans.org.uk shadow health minister. @conservatives.bsky.social #CPC25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Now at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social livestream on health inequality: Professor Arpana Verma speaking on the importance of listening to communities and supporting hyper local organisations when tackling health inequalities. Dr @beckymontacute.bsky.social in the chair. #CPC25
October 6, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Now at the @smfthinktank.bsky.social livestream on health inequality: Professor Arpana Verma speaking on the importance of listening to communities and supporting hyper local organisations when tackling health inequalities. Dr @beckymontacute.bsky.social in the chair. #CPC25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
New Statesman session on cross sector collaboration to address mental health crisis. Emphasis on strengthening communities and building the capacity of voluntary sector as trusted agencies. @debbieabrahamsmp.bsky.social @sojanjosephmp.bsky.social @newstatesman.bsky.social #Lab25
September 29, 2025 at 11:01 AM
New Statesman session on cross sector collaboration to address mental health crisis. Emphasis on strengthening communities and building the capacity of voluntary sector as trusted agencies. @debbieabrahamsmp.bsky.social @sojanjosephmp.bsky.social @newstatesman.bsky.social #Lab25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
"We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks this afternoon calling out rising racism in the UK. And it’s exciting to see Further Education finally recognised as central to the UK’s economic growth and skills agenda." read more: bit.ly/4pPcYAQ #lab25
September 30, 2025 at 3:52 PM
"We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s remarks this afternoon calling out rising racism in the UK. And it’s exciting to see Further Education finally recognised as central to the UK’s economic growth and skills agenda." read more: bit.ly/4pPcYAQ #lab25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
@local.gov.uk session about the importance of resetting relationship between central and local government. Key is breaking down departmental silos and increasing flexibility - local people shouldn't be constrained by administrative boundaries. @allymcgovern.bsky.social #LAB25
September 29, 2025 at 3:54 PM
@local.gov.uk session about the importance of resetting relationship between central and local government. Key is breaking down departmental silos and increasing flexibility - local people shouldn't be constrained by administrative boundaries. @allymcgovern.bsky.social #LAB25
Reposted by Chris Butcher
In case you missed it:
"Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with."
feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...
"Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with."
feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...
Adult learning can help rebuild community and resist hate
Far-right narratives thrive in disconnected communities but adult learning fosters a sense of belonging
feweek.co.uk
September 18, 2025 at 1:50 PM
In case you missed it:
"Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with."
feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...
"Adult education... is rooted in local communities and designed to build trust, openness and purpose... they’re meeting people they might not otherwise cross paths with."
feweek.co.uk/adult-learni...
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Read our response to @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social writing in @feweek.bsky.social about adult skills moving to DWP. The WEA welcomes a more integrated approach, but fear many adult learners will still lose out Full response and a link to the FE Week in our bio. bit.ly/4msr8F4
September 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Read our response to @patmcfaddenmp.bsky.social writing in @feweek.bsky.social about adult skills moving to DWP. The WEA welcomes a more integrated approach, but fear many adult learners will still lose out Full response and a link to the FE Week in our bio. bit.ly/4msr8F4
Reposted by Chris Butcher
To find out how to reform the levy and unlock opportunity & growth, read levying up here fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.
Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.
Levying up | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 8:56 AM
To find out how to reform the levy and unlock opportunity & growth, read levying up here fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.
Thanks to Youth Futures Foundation & @cipd.bsky.social for supporting the research.
Reposted by Chris Butcher
A new report from the Communications & Digital Committee recognises the challenge of raising adult media literacy levels. Read our response to the report at wea.org.uk/news-views/n... and read the full report at publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
July 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A new report from the Communications & Digital Committee recognises the challenge of raising adult media literacy levels. Read our response to the report at wea.org.uk/news-views/n... and read the full report at publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...
Reposted by Chris Butcher
Read our response to the British Future & Belong Network report, The State of Us, which includes evidence from the WEA to support the connection between adult learning and stronger communities bit.ly/3GPeCAD
WEA responds to The State of Us report | WEA
WEA responds to The State of Us report addressing division across UK
bit.ly
July 16, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Read our response to the British Future & Belong Network report, The State of Us, which includes evidence from the WEA to support the connection between adult learning and stronger communities bit.ly/3GPeCAD
Some thoughts from me on the perilous position adult education finds itself in after being overlooked in the Spending Review
All eyes now on the post-16 strategy to recognise the real value of lifelong learning
#spendingreview
#adulteducation
#lifelonglearning
All eyes now on the post-16 strategy to recognise the real value of lifelong learning
#spendingreview
#adulteducation
#lifelonglearning
The Spending Review – Cuts ahead unless we act | WEA
The Spending Review – Cuts ahead unless we act
www.wea.org.uk
June 13, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Some thoughts from me on the perilous position adult education finds itself in after being overlooked in the Spending Review
All eyes now on the post-16 strategy to recognise the real value of lifelong learning
#spendingreview
#adulteducation
#lifelonglearning
All eyes now on the post-16 strategy to recognise the real value of lifelong learning
#spendingreview
#adulteducation
#lifelonglearning
The WEA Impact Report was published earlier this week showing how adult learning contributes to improved mental health & wellbeing, progression into work and more resilient communities. Adult learning was largely overlooked in the Spending Review but surely impact like this is worth investing in.
The WEA impact: our Impact Report | WEA
Discover the positive impact that the WEA has made through innovative and effective educational programs.
www.wea.org.uk
June 13, 2025 at 7:27 AM
The WEA Impact Report was published earlier this week showing how adult learning contributes to improved mental health & wellbeing, progression into work and more resilient communities. Adult learning was largely overlooked in the Spending Review but surely impact like this is worth investing in.
All looking good and preparing for start
#lifelonglearning
#lifelonglearning
June 11, 2025 at 8:10 AM
All looking good and preparing for start
#lifelonglearning
#lifelonglearning
Reposted by Chris Butcher
⏰ Not long to go until our annual WEA conference✨ For those of you attending tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming you. If you aren't able to make it in person? You can still join us online, by following the link here: thewea.info/conferenceon...
June 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
⏰ Not long to go until our annual WEA conference✨ For those of you attending tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming you. If you aren't able to make it in person? You can still join us online, by following the link here: thewea.info/conferenceon...
Great to see Marmalade Trust tackling the stigma of loneliness for #LonelinessAwarenessWeek. It's not easy to make connections but we've been struck by the stat in the new WEA survey that 86% of learners made new friends. It's vital to create opportunities and safe spaces.
#MeetingLonelinessTogether
#MeetingLonelinessTogether
June 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Great to see Marmalade Trust tackling the stigma of loneliness for #LonelinessAwarenessWeek. It's not easy to make connections but we've been struck by the stat in the new WEA survey that 86% of learners made new friends. It's vital to create opportunities and safe spaces.
#MeetingLonelinessTogether
#MeetingLonelinessTogether
WEA learners talk about improvements in mental health, progression into work and building resilient communities. Taken together it makes a powerful case for improving investment.
#SpendingReview
#LifelongLearning
#SpendingReview
#LifelongLearning
June 10, 2025 at 1:06 PM
WEA learners talk about improvements in mental health, progression into work and building resilient communities. Taken together it makes a powerful case for improving investment.
#SpendingReview
#LifelongLearning
#SpendingReview
#LifelongLearning