Key facts

Is a partnership of 14 organisations including further education colleges, universities, local authorities, local enterprise partnerships and independent training providers working across Sussex to help people access and progress onto and through higher-level learning. Set up in 2005, it was one of the UK’s first lifelong learning networks.

Is governed by senior leaders from our member organisations. They come together quarterly as a board to provide strategic direction for the partnership. The board is chaired by Professor Ruth Whittaker, University of Brighton.

Has a wider partnership with other national organisations and initiatives such as The Careers & Enterprise Company, Hastings Opportunity Area, and the National Careers Service. SLN works with its partners to share best practice and bolster the support being provided to learners across the region and beyond.

Forms partnerships with other local networks, such as Skills East Sussex and Coastal West Sussex, which focus on building a resilient and robust regional economy by understanding the local labour market and addressing skills and educational shortages.

Has brought in more than £9 million in funding since 2015 to support learners to make informed choices about their futures and achieve their goals through tailored learning programmes.

Reaches more than 70 educational and 200 community organisations through a range of activities and direct funding.

Has empowered more than 20,000 learners to make informed choices about their futures and the educational pathways that will enable them to achieve their aspirations.

Commissions insightful research on some of the key challenges for learners engaging in successful educational programmes, and provides recommendations on how the partnership can collectively address them.

Manages and delivers a series of annual best-practice and knowledge-sharing events, as well as providing online resources to support continuous professional development for educational practitioners.

Provides current labour market intelligence to help inform strategic curriculum planning and support careers information and advice in line with real labour market demands.