1. Smart engagement and low cost/low risk solution development for employers Kevin Pascoe, UALL Conference, March 2012 Engaging with employers via the workforce

2. Widening Participation Initiative Some potential students are harder to reach than others – but that does not mean they are not worth the effort. Using their mutual strengths, The Open University and Unison have made opportunities available to people fully engaged in the workplace and with busy lives. THE Judging Panel Comments, October 2010

3. THE PARTNERS

4. Initial Partnership Model Initial widening access focus on non- traditional learner engagement on a range of OU courses Learner demand led to a focus on vocational relevant FHEQ L4 learning Emerging workforce development role UNISON strategic focus key

5. Cymru Wales WULF Projects Team - ULRs, WULF Project Managers Role - Recruit learners, sponsor staff on introductory modules, peer support network

6. Team – TU engagement lead, Employer engagement lead, IAG staff Role – Provide accessible modules/ courses, enhanced workplace advice and guidance, Open Educational Resources, face to face module tasters

7. Challenges for NHS Aging workforce Not enough young graduates in future Not enough posts at Associate Professional grade – Band 4 – or people to fill them in future Need for flexible way of up skilling to FHEQ level 4 plus shift working a challenge and need run a service Tight budgets and service targets

8. Team – HCSW Development Coordinators Role – Sponsoring support workers on FHEQ L4 study and progression routes The final component

9. Achievements so far 1200 Welsh NHS and care sector support workers on OU courses in the last four years through the partnership Demand from individuals outstrips the funding available – WULF projects & other Union signposted solutions adopted by NHS employers and financial burden shared

10. Lessons to take forward Workforce engagement can lead to strategic employer engagement Smart use of union learning funds can lever lots more funding ULRs are key to success There can be a Win-Win-Win around higher skills for individuals, unions and employers

11. Any Questions?