In our 120th year, the WEA is staying true to its original mission to bring education within reach.
The input of our learners and members has always played a large role in shaping what we teach and how we deliver learning. This year, as we celebrate our anniversary, we are looking forward and making ourselves fit for the future. To do this we need to find new and more creative ways of listening and responding to feedback from our learners and members, beyond our formal survey routes.
There are now three ways for our learners and members to give feedback and suggestions and to get involved. We encourage our whole community to participate as much as they are able!
1. Give your feedback and suggestions by submitting this form (this form has now closed)
Tell us about the things you love and want us to keep, or the things that drive you mad that you want us to change. Perhaps there are little things that we could do that would make things easier while you study or help you make decisions on what to do next? Are there courses you’d love us to run? This form has now closed but please look out for further opportunities.
2. Join our Learner & Member Voice events in November & December
Choose from in-person events in your region to online events, to discuss the key topics coming out of the feedback forms and developments planned by the WEA. We will provide expenses for travel up to £20 and reward you with a £10 voucher for Amazon or Costa coffee to thank you for attending. To express an interest in attending an event, please can learners and members .
We are particularly keen to hear from:
- ESOL learners
- Learners with learning and other disabilities
We are also hosting a female only event, following feedback from learners who due to religious and cultural needs have expressed a desire for a female-only space.
Specific events have been arranged where we have a high population of learners likely to need this support. However, language and accessibility support needs will be provided at all events.
3. Attend our Learner & Member Conference on 1st March
This year, the WEA annual conference is being opened up to all learners and members. At the conference, we will hear and discuss the findings of the feedback and suggestions exercise and the Voice events. Learners and members will hear the WEA’s response and join us to develop solutions.
Details of the conference agenda, venue in London (you will also be able to join online), and registration will be shared in the new year. But please do hold that date!
4. What happens with all this input?
At each stage, our Council and Education Committee will reflect on our findings and scrutinise our plans to respond to the feedback we receive.