Home > News > February 2008 > 29 February 2008

Open University receives unionlearn Quality Award

The Open University was presented with a unionlearn Quality Award by John Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, at a reception held earlier this week to celebrate the work of union learning reps (ULRs).

The award was made for The Open University's Recognising Achievement course, developed together with Leeds Unite (T&G section). The Open University is one of 25 education providers that have received the award since it was launched in June last year. Awards are made to providers who demonstrate that unions and union learners are considered in the design, development and delivery of courses and programmes.

John Denham said: "I am delighted to present the unionlearn Quality Award to The Open University in recognition of their work with trade unions. The OU is playing an important role in raising skills levels throughout the country and helping individuals to develop their full potential.

"I would like to pay tribute to the 18,000 people who have helped over 400,000 workers back into learning – with over 150,000 last year alone. With their real-life experience and credibility, I see ULRs playing a critical role in inspiring trust and fostering ambition in others, giving them the confidence to demand - and make full use of - opportunities to improve their skills.

"Raising the skill levels of all our people is the key to delivering a successful economy and a fairer society. Union learning representatives are instrumental in boosting employer participation in the Skills Pledge and Train to Gain, ensuring that every business and employee has access to skills training.

"That is why we will invest an additional £3m per year in union learning, so that by 2010 there will be 22,000 trained ULRs helping over 250,000 workers back into learning each year. But ULRs should have an even wider role and an even greater impact. I urge ULRs to work with their MPs – as allies in Parliament – advising them on how best to promote skills development in companies, constituencies, regions, and ultimately nationwide."

Carol Baume, Head of Planning and Development at The Open University, said: "The University is delighted to receive this award. The award further recognises The Open University’s sustained work to enable everybody to fulfil their potential, whatever their previous qualifications. Recognising Achievement allows students to gain credit points for experience of past learning at work, which is a vital first step on the way to achieving a degree."

Liz Smith, unionlearn Director said: "I am delighted to see The Open University receive the unionlearn Quality Award for its outstanding work. Unionlearn is working closely with the OU to encourage trade unions members to make the step into higher education and this is opening up real possibilities of change for individuals all over the country."

External links

unionlearn

The Open University

Training Reference is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.

Training and development books

Discover books on a variety of training and development topics at the Training Reference Bookshop

Source suppliers

Visit the Training Reference Directory to view supplier details for a wide range of courses, products and services.

Sponsored links

Back to top