Learning unit

The North West Learning Team

(museums, archives and libraries)

The new North West Learning Team aims to "Enable, museums, libraries and archives to create a quality learning environment in order that diverse groups of people can access, learn from and enjoy the resources of the three domains."

It covers Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire

The North West Learning Team seeks to:

Raise and maintain the standard of learning and access in museums, libraries and archives

Ensure users needs are at the centre of service planning and provision in museums, libraries and archives

Ensure, museums, libraries and archives serve the needs of and reflect the values and identities of their communities

Ensure the learning provision of museums, libraries and archives is integrated into the strategic planning of local, regional, national and international stakeholders

	Raise the profile of the learning function of museums, libraries and archives
	Inside the sector
	Outside the sector
	Within and outside the region

Increase the range and amount of resources available to support learning and access in museums, libraries and archives

Increase museums, libraries and archives awareness and understanding of the continually evolving concepts of learning and access

Encourage creativity, inspiration and risk taking in order to deliver new and exciting learning opportunities

The NW Learning Team will deliver these strategic objectives through:

	Advocacy
	Support and advice
	Leadership and strategy
	Funding
	Partnerships
	Quality management
	Knowledge and research
	Skills development

Clients:

The Team will work with over 500 museums, libraries and archives in the region to improve services for over 46 million users.

The work of the Team will enhance the contribution museums, libraries and archives make to the emerging regional framework for employment and skills in order that communities in the NW can reach their full potential.

Partners:

The Unit will work with other key regional and national stakeholders including: Resource, Government Office NW, North West Development Agency, Learning and Skills Councils, Learning Partnerships, Local Education Authorities and local strategic partnerships.

The NW Single Regional Agency

The NW Learning and Access Team is currently part of the North West Museums Service. From April 2003 the Unit will be integrated into the emerging Single Regional Agency for the North West (NWMLAC).

Resources

In 2002-3 the Team will consist of a team of 4 full-time staff. This team will have strong values based on a belief in customers; quality; innovation; collaboration, commitment, learning and fun.

Priorities for 2002-3

	Development of "Regional Learning Strategy"
	Advocacy with the key regional stakeholders
	Strategic leadership
	Community profiling
	Adult and community learning
	Measuring impact
	Adult basic skills
	Cultural diversity
	Older learners
	Disability awareness
	Raising attainment in schools
	Website and information resources

Establishing a profile for the Unit as a major stakeholder in the NW

For Further Information:

Contact: 01254 670 211

Paul Parry : paul@nwms.demon.co.uk

Jane Fletcher : jane@nwms.demon.co.uk

The North West Learning Team, NWMLAC,Griffin Lodge, Cavendish Place, Blackburn, BB2 2PN