Useful links

Learning and Skills Beacon status is supported by a number of organisations and initiatives. Their websites are listed below as well as those of other key organisations within the education sector.

• Association of Colleges (AOC)

  The AOC provides a single focus for promoting the interests of further education colleges in England and Wales.

• Association of Learning Providers (ALP)

  The ALP is a membership organisation run by a voluntary board. It works within the sector to support and influence government strategy in education.

• Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

  The CBI is a source of expert advice and information and a forum for the generation of ideas, best practice exchange and networking for its members. It is the premier lobbying organisation for UK business on national and international issues.

• Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS)

  DIUS works on further and higher education, innovation, science and technology, intellectual property, and supporting evidence-based policy making across government. It is responsible for all post-19 learning - from basic literacy to postdoctoral biochemistry and for improving the nation's skills at every level.

• Learning and Skills Council (LSC)

  The LSC is a non-departmental public body which exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. It is responsible for planning and funding high quality education and training.

• National Education Business Partnerships (NEBPN)

  The NEBPN is the umbrella organisation and national voice for 126 Education Business Partnerships working in the 11 regions.

• National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)

  NIACE represents the interests of adult learners and potential learners in the further education system.

• Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)

  The new Ofsted brings together the wide experience of four inspectorates. It inspects and regulates care for children and young people, and inspects education and training for learners of all ages.

• Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA)

  QCA is a public body, sponsored by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). It maintains and develops the national curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations.

• University for Industry (UFi)

  Ufi is the organisation behind learndirect. It has a mission to use technology to transform the skills and employability of the working population, in order to improve the UK’s productivity. learndirect has become the largest e-learning network of its kind in the world.