A new research report launched today (Thursday, 10 April) at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, highlights the transformative impact of adult education in Northern Ireland and the need for improved approaches to measuring it.
The report, ‘Measuring the Impact of Adult Education in Northern Ireland: Current Practice and Ways Forward’, explores the current data collected by Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, how it's gathered, and why more robust impact measurement is needed—particularly for non-formal adult education.
Commissioned by the Department for the Economy, the research was carried out by the Alliance for Lifelong Learning, through AONTAS (the National Adult Learning Organisation of Ireland) and the Forum for Adult Learning Northern Ireland (FALNI).
It builds on findings from the Northern Ireland Community Education Census (2021–2022), which revealed a focus on ‘counting outputs’ in adult learning rather than capturing its deeper social and economic impact.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, welcomed the report, saying: “Education can make a huge contribution to personal development, improving our skills base, raising productivity and equipping people to take up good jobs, in line with my economic priorities. I welcome this hugely valuable research and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to support and promote adult education in all its forms.”
Key recommendations include creating a space for adult learners’ voices to shape policy; better alignment between funders and providers; and enhanced collaboration to strengthen impact measurement.
John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland and Chair of the Alliance for Lifelong Learning, said: “Lifelong learning has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth… This research will provide crucial insights to shape future policy and ensure that everyone, regardless of age or background, has access to the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.”
Phillip Brett MLA, Chair of the Economy Committee, also welcomed the report, saying: “This Report highlights the tangible, real-life impact of adult learning participation… We must address low participation by giving providers the resources they need and supporting greater collaboration across this diverse sector.”
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