Simon Parkinson
@simonparkinson.bsky.social
CEO at WEA (The Workers Educational Association). Passionate about bringing adult learning within reach of individuals & communities across England & Scotland
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
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 Simon Parkinson
Britain’s oldest adult learning charity, @weaadulted.bsky.social is opening new doors even as others close, as it navigates the shift from skills for life to skills for work @simonparkinson.bsky.social
feweek.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Britain’s oldest adult learning charity, @weaadulted.bsky.social is opening new doors even as others close, as it navigates the shift from skills for life to skills for work @simonparkinson.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
Watch @simonparkinson.bsky.social give his final thoughts from Labour Party Conference @teamlabouruk.bsky.social #lab25
October 1, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Watch @simonparkinson.bsky.social give his final thoughts from Labour Party Conference @teamlabouruk.bsky.social #lab25
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"No time to waste in rebuilding a culture of lifelong learning " Dr Jo Grady (General Secretary UCU) opens The Ruskin College Lifelong Learning conference 2025 chaired by Professor Graeme Atherton (WEA's Chris Butcher in attendance) @ucu.org.uk @drjogrady.bsky.social
September 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
"No time to waste in rebuilding a culture of lifelong learning " Dr Jo Grady (General Secretary UCU) opens The Ruskin College Lifelong Learning conference 2025 chaired by Professor Graeme Atherton (WEA's Chris Butcher in attendance) @ucu.org.uk @drjogrady.bsky.social
Nice walk to the @solidar-eu.bsky.social social affairs/education & learning meeting hosted by @feps-europe.eu in #brussels. Great to share the work of the @weaadulted.bsky.social & learn from others across #Europe. Re-affirms that lifelong learning is key to solving many of our shared challenges.
September 16, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Nice walk to the @solidar-eu.bsky.social social affairs/education & learning meeting hosted by @feps-europe.eu in #brussels. Great to share the work of the @weaadulted.bsky.social & learn from others across #Europe. Re-affirms that lifelong learning is key to solving many of our shared challenges.
Let’s value and fund all aspects of adult learning. The hope is this reshuffle will bring greater alignment around the skills for work agenda & that is welcome. However, it can’t be at the expense of tailored & lifelong learning. Let me know what your thoughts are
The Government now has a perfect opportunity to reset its approach to lifelong learning following the weekend’s Ministerial reshuffle. @simonparkinson.bsky.social shares his thoughts. www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b...
Reshuffle can lead to lifelong learning reset | WEA
The Government now has a perfect opportunity to reset its approach to lifelong learning following the weekend’s Ministerial reshuffle.
www.wea.org.uk
September 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Let’s value and fund all aspects of adult learning. The hope is this reshuffle will bring greater alignment around the skills for work agenda & that is welcome. However, it can’t be at the expense of tailored & lifelong learning. Let me know what your thoughts are
Massive thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for running this piece. Let me know what you think
In a recent @weaadulted.bsky.social report, 84% of those with pre-existing mental-health conditions said that taking an adult-learning course had improved their wellbeing – so why isn't adult education part of the NHS prevention strategy?
@simonparkinson.bsky.social
feweek.co.uk/wheres-adult...
@simonparkinson.bsky.social
feweek.co.uk/wheres-adult...
July 31, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Massive thanks to @feweek.bsky.social for running this piece. Let me know what you think
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
Sunderland City Council is on the front foot when it comes to bridging the digital divide.
We had the opportunity to ask Nicol McConnell about ‘what really works’ when it comes to getting communities connected.
Take a look at her insights ➡️
We had the opportunity to ask Nicol McConnell about ‘what really works’ when it comes to getting communities connected.
Take a look at her insights ➡️
How We Did It: Bridging the digital divide – keeping communities connected - New Local
Graham Beamish and Marie Pye explain how Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils have saved 1000 years’ worth of care days for children and young people.
buff.ly
July 14, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Sunderland City Council is on the front foot when it comes to bridging the digital divide.
We had the opportunity to ask Nicol McConnell about ‘what really works’ when it comes to getting communities connected.
Take a look at her insights ➡️
We had the opportunity to ask Nicol McConnell about ‘what really works’ when it comes to getting communities connected.
Take a look at her insights ➡️
Thanks to @newstatesman.com for referencing @weaadulted.bsky.social We really do need to take adult learning to those communities that need it most rather than just what is easy policy wise. We need to protect lifelong learning not cut the funding by 6% www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/te...
AI, employment, and the UK’s industrial strategy
Invest 2035 aims to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding jobs. Can the two ambitions coexist?
www.newstatesman.com
June 18, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Thanks to @newstatesman.com for referencing @weaadulted.bsky.social We really do need to take adult learning to those communities that need it most rather than just what is easy policy wise. We need to protect lifelong learning not cut the funding by 6% www.newstatesman.com/spotlight/te...
Proud to represent @weaadulted.bsky.social with Preeya Searle & our better halves. Honoured that Her Majesty Queen Camilla stopped to shake our hands and ask about our work. Her response when we said what we did “you are much needed” taking this as royal approval. Thanks @holexpolicy.bsky.social
May 14, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Proud to represent @weaadulted.bsky.social with Preeya Searle & our better halves. Honoured that Her Majesty Queen Camilla stopped to shake our hands and ask about our work. Her response when we said what we did “you are much needed” taking this as royal approval. Thanks @holexpolicy.bsky.social
Difficult blog & post to write and thanks to the WEA team for working on this. The language and rhetoric around this White Paper is troubling & the lack of Govt join up is staggering. The importance being place in growing skills whilst the DfE cut the Adult Skills Fund by 6% beggars belief
Technical skills shortages and misaligned strategies... our General Secretary and Chief Executive @simonparkinson.bsky.social gives his thoughts on the government's latest immigration white paper: thewea.info/our_thoughts
WEA's thoughts on the Immigration White Paper | WEA
The WEA's General Secretary and Chief Executive gives his thoughts on the government's new immigration White Paper.
thewea.info
May 13, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Difficult blog & post to write and thanks to the WEA team for working on this. The language and rhetoric around this White Paper is troubling & the lack of Govt join up is staggering. The importance being place in growing skills whilst the DfE cut the Adult Skills Fund by 6% beggars belief
This is interesting and it does raise the question of why the Government would choose to cut 6% from the Dept for Education’s Adult Skills Fund. Here at @weaadulted.bsky.social we will keep fighting for this decision to be reversed and more investment put into this vital public service
The public services which provide most in-kind benefits to those on lower incomes are education, legal aid and social care.
These services play a vital role in achieving the Government’s overarching goal to raise living standards.
These services play a vital role in achieving the Government’s overarching goal to raise living standards.
May 9, 2025 at 4:53 PM
This is interesting and it does raise the question of why the Government would choose to cut 6% from the Dept for Education’s Adult Skills Fund. Here at @weaadulted.bsky.social we will keep fighting for this decision to be reversed and more investment put into this vital public service
Good morning spent at Brass Bolton with Helen Clayton from Bolton CVS Nick & Athena (behind the camera) @weaadulted.bsky.social Great to sit in on a digital class for ESOL learners then lots of talk about how we can support adults in their learning journey across GMCA @andyburnham.bsky.social
April 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Good morning spent at Brass Bolton with Helen Clayton from Bolton CVS Nick & Athena (behind the camera) @weaadulted.bsky.social Great to sit in on a digital class for ESOL learners then lots of talk about how we can support adults in their learning journey across GMCA @andyburnham.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
Read Sue's new blog for Campaign for Learning. There is significant uncertainty in the economy right now - we cannot lose sight of the potential in growing and investing in the talent of adults. The government needs to rethink, reset and reinvest.
@sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social
@sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social
As the government ponders an economic reset in response to the tariff shock, Susan Pember, Policy Director at HOLEX calls for an adult education reset.
Read more:https://bit.ly/SR2025AdultEducation
Read more:https://bit.ly/SR2025AdultEducation
April 9, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Read Sue's new blog for Campaign for Learning. There is significant uncertainty in the economy right now - we cannot lose sight of the potential in growing and investing in the talent of adults. The government needs to rethink, reset and reinvest.
@sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social
@sahn14.bsky.social @cforlearning.bsky.social
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
Join us for our next APPG event on 24 April, focusing on skills for a thriving economy
With an expert panel including @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social, Pearson, @cipd.bsky.social, BCS and @simonparkinson.bsky.social of @weaadulted.bsky.social
Register now: www.futureworkappg.org.uk/events/2vna2...
With an expert panel including @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social, Pearson, @cipd.bsky.social, BCS and @simonparkinson.bsky.social of @weaadulted.bsky.social
Register now: www.futureworkappg.org.uk/events/2vna2...
Skills for a Thriving Economy — APPG on the Future of Work
As industries evolve and technology reshapes jobs, how can we ensure that workers and businesses have the skills they need to thrive? Join policymakers, industry leaders, and skills experts as we exp...
www.futureworkappg.org.uk
April 7, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Join us for our next APPG event on 24 April, focusing on skills for a thriving economy
With an expert panel including @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social, Pearson, @cipd.bsky.social, BCS and @simonparkinson.bsky.social of @weaadulted.bsky.social
Register now: www.futureworkappg.org.uk/events/2vna2...
With an expert panel including @laurenedwardsmp.bsky.social, Pearson, @cipd.bsky.social, BCS and @simonparkinson.bsky.social of @weaadulted.bsky.social
Register now: www.futureworkappg.org.uk/events/2vna2...
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"The involvement of trusted organisations from the VCS and adult education in developing local plans could achieve a more inclusive approach and reassure communities that their voice is being heard." 5/5
April 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"The involvement of trusted organisations from the VCS and adult education in developing local plans could achieve a more inclusive approach and reassure communities that their voice is being heard." 5/5
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"Adult education organisations have vast experience of supporting people to build their confidence and to find their own pathways. There is justified concern that benefit and employment reforms will be imposed on some vulnerable groups." 4/5
April 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"Adult education organisations have vast experience of supporting people to build their confidence and to find their own pathways. There is justified concern that benefit and employment reforms will be imposed on some vulnerable groups." 4/5
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"It is crucial that the lead local authorities draw on this expertise for the benefit of their communities.
Organisations who understand the employment barriers faced by different groups will be the key to a more tailored and person-centred approach to progression into work." 3/5
Organisations who understand the employment barriers faced by different groups will be the key to a more tailored and person-centred approach to progression into work." 3/5
April 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"It is crucial that the lead local authorities draw on this expertise for the benefit of their communities.
Organisations who understand the employment barriers faced by different groups will be the key to a more tailored and person-centred approach to progression into work." 3/5
Organisations who understand the employment barriers faced by different groups will be the key to a more tailored and person-centred approach to progression into work." 3/5
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"The guidance is clear that expertise is needed to understand the factors contributing to unemployment and economic inactivity. We believe it is those organisations working most closely with local communities who will have this expertise." 2/5
April 3, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"The guidance is clear that expertise is needed to understand the factors contributing to unemployment and economic inactivity. We believe it is those organisations working most closely with local communities who will have this expertise." 2/5
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
WEA's @simonparkinson.bsky.social responds to Get Britain Working Guidance published today:
"The WEA welcomes the prominent role for voluntary sector and adult education organisations set out in the DWP’s Get Britain Working guidance published today." 1/5
"The WEA welcomes the prominent role for voluntary sector and adult education organisations set out in the DWP’s Get Britain Working guidance published today." 1/5
April 3, 2025 at 4:45 PM
WEA's @simonparkinson.bsky.social responds to Get Britain Working Guidance published today:
"The WEA welcomes the prominent role for voluntary sector and adult education organisations set out in the DWP’s Get Britain Working guidance published today." 1/5
"The WEA welcomes the prominent role for voluntary sector and adult education organisations set out in the DWP’s Get Britain Working guidance published today." 1/5
Great webinar this morning by @holexpolicy.bsky.social credit to Kat Hayes from the Depart for Education for trying to answer tough questions around cuts to the Adult Skills Fund & the impact this will have. @weaadulted.bsky.social will continue to lobby against the cuts
April 2, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Great webinar this morning by @holexpolicy.bsky.social credit to Kat Hayes from the Depart for Education for trying to answer tough questions around cuts to the Adult Skills Fund & the impact this will have. @weaadulted.bsky.social will continue to lobby against the cuts
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
The first @weaadulted.bsky.social courses began in Jan 1908 in Rochdale and Longton & delivered by RH Tawney. The archives at London Met Uni are an incredible resource where you can trace the incredible challenges faced in setting up this remarkable achievement.
March 30, 2025 at 11:43 AM
The first @weaadulted.bsky.social courses began in Jan 1908 in Rochdale and Longton & delivered by RH Tawney. The archives at London Met Uni are an incredible resource where you can trace the incredible challenges faced in setting up this remarkable achievement.
@feweek.bsky.social @ukshane.bsky.social @weaadulted.bsky.social Any chance just a small bit of the £700m underspend could be reallocated to the Adult Skills Fund? Just asking
🧑🏫 'There’s desperation from policymakers for them to succeed'
James Scott, CEO of TSCG on why so many are t-eed off with T Levels - but how we can make them work
James Scott, CEO of TSCG on why so many are t-eed off with T Levels - but how we can make them work
feweek.co.uk
March 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM
@feweek.bsky.social @ukshane.bsky.social @weaadulted.bsky.social Any chance just a small bit of the £700m underspend could be reallocated to the Adult Skills Fund? Just asking
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
"A cut in adult education budgets coinciding with challenging new benefit rules will remove a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable in our communities."
Read @simonparkinson.bsky.social response to the government's Spring Statement: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #SpringStatement
Read @simonparkinson.bsky.social response to the government's Spring Statement: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #SpringStatement
March 26, 2025 at 2:55 PM
"A cut in adult education budgets coinciding with challenging new benefit rules will remove a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable in our communities."
Read @simonparkinson.bsky.social response to the government's Spring Statement: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #SpringStatement
Read @simonparkinson.bsky.social response to the government's Spring Statement: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #SpringStatement
Reposted by Simon Parkinson
This Thursday, L&W chief exec @stephenevans.bsky.social will be speaking at this @weaadulted.bsky.social webinar on how we can protect adult learning.
📅 Thursday 27 March
⏰ 5pm-6pm
Register now. ⬇️
📅 Thursday 27 March
⏰ 5pm-6pm
Register now. ⬇️
💻 Join our webinar this Thursday where we'll be talking to Lord David Blunkett, Baroness Sue Garden and Stephen Evans about how we can work to protect adult education in light of planned budget cuts.
Sign up to our webinar taking place from 5pm-6pm: thewea.info/openmeeting_
Sign up to our webinar taking place from 5pm-6pm: thewea.info/openmeeting_
March 26, 2025 at 9:44 AM
This Thursday, L&W chief exec @stephenevans.bsky.social will be speaking at this @weaadulted.bsky.social webinar on how we can protect adult learning.
📅 Thursday 27 March
⏰ 5pm-6pm
Register now. ⬇️
📅 Thursday 27 March
⏰ 5pm-6pm
Register now. ⬇️