Adult learning strategy: island and communities impact assessment

2. Executive Summary

2.1.1 This ICIA has considered the potential effects of the Adult Learning Strategy and how it impacts on people living in island communities. The findings here are based on desk research, feedback from adult learners living in island communities and engagement with key stakeholders. These stakeholders include Community Learning and Development teams in the six local authorities with islands and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. The Adult Learning Strategic Forum was set up to develop the Adult Learning Strategy. Its membership also consists of a number of national public sector and third sector organisations through which island communities adult learners can have their voices heard. The full membership is:

• Association of Directors of Education in Scotland
• City of Glasgow College
• CLD Managers Scotland – Adult Learning
• CLD Standards Council
• College Development Network
• Colleges Scotland
• Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
• Education Scotland
• Inverness College
• LEAD Scotland
• Learning Link Scotland
• Newbattle Abbey College
• NHS Education for Scotland
• Open University
• Robertson Trust
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
• Scottish Community Development Centre
• Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
• Scottish Funding Council
• Scottish Government
• Scottish Libraries
• Scottish Prison Service
• Scottish Union Learning
• Skills Development Scotland
• Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Scotland)
• Universities Scotland
• Volunteer Scotland
• Workers Education Association

2.1.2 We have concluded that there will not be any unique impacts on island communities and that a full ICIA is not required at this stage of the strategy's delivery.

2.1.3 Central to the aims of the Adult Learning Strategy is a focus on removing barriers to learning and increasing opportunities for all adult learners, irrespective of where they live and learn. The strategy is therefore likely to have a positive impact on island communities. Specific policy interventions that may emerge as part of the strategy's dynamic action plan may have a different impact on island communities and ICIAs will be conducted accordingly.