Morecambe Bay Hospitals Lifelong Learning Project

Our Lifelong Learning project was established in October 2000 to make staff aware of opportunities for learning and to encourage staff to take up learning. The hospital joint unions initiated this project to promote learning for all - but particularly for those who in the past had little access to training at work.

The project is supported through partnership working - partners comprise hospital unions, Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, TUC Learning Services, local Further Education colleges, Adult Information & Guidance organisations, and local careers organisations.

Our aim is to ensure everyone in our organisation has access to opportunities to learn whatever their job, working hours or circumstances. We recognise that learning is fundamental in helping people to develop confidence and self esteem as well as enhance job opportunities.

The project has achieved national recognition for its success in raising the profile of lifelong learning in Morecambe Bay. We put our success down largely to the commitment and work of the learning reps.

During the course of the projects, we have had to respond to external changes that have significantly affected our work. DfES Individual Learning Accounts have finished, but the NHS Learning Accounts started and are gaining momentum. We have also recently had a change of project worker and project manager. We have successfully coped with these changes through a strong and inclusive partnership approach, from which all parties have benefited.

Our aim in producing this pack was to encourage and support others to follow a similar course by sharing our experiences and some of the documents that we produced. We welcome your feedback, contact details at the Trust are below.

Partners: Amicus-MSF - Unison - RCN - RCM - AEEU - SOR - CSP - BAOT