Bedford College Says Community Learning Fund Safe Despite Learning Partnership Changes
A decision by Bedford College to change its learning partnership offering has raised concerns that a fund for community learning projects in the region is now not available.
Bedford College acquired the Learning Partnership two years ago and through it has administered an annual £ 100,000 fund for nonprofits and charities to provide low-level adult learning projects.
But despite consultations on closing the learning partnership, the college said the money – unless central government policy changes – is safe and remains available.
A spokesperson for Bedford College said: ‘More than £ 100,000 has been made available each year by the central government for community projects which help people find employment.
“So far, many groups have received funding and all commitments made will be kept.
“The annual fund will in the future be managed under the Bedford College Group banner based on the organization’s unrivaled experience in preparing adults for the workplace.
“The details are always subject to ongoing consultation which will ensure that the best value is obtained for community groups from this funding.”
Bedford College also pointed out that although the learning partnership was based at the Bedford Learning Center in High Street, this change will not differ from the computer training services that were offered under the Learning Center banner as they were funded separately. .