Senior management is working hard to address a reduced funding offer for traditional non-accredited learning, which acts as a stepping-stone for communities to engage in skills-based learning.

Further, as an organisation, we have had to rapidly increase our level 3 offer, which is predominantly online without fully addressing the skills needs of staff and tutors, which has caused a number of problems over the past 2 years.

These problems are being addressed, which is necessary for the continuation of the WEA as a learning provider.

Even more shocking was that many of the tutors didn't understand the assessment processes - not just in the WEA, but assessment in general.

I have tweaked and reviewed our processes three times now. During the latest review in July 2023, I felt that using Canvas to set and mark assignments was starting to undermine good pedagogy. The emphasis was on passing the assessment rather than the learning experience and skills gained. This also takes far too long.

Going forward, the process is too long - tutors are gaining skills in using Canvas but forgetting the learner journey. For new courses going forward, I am tasking the subject specialist tutor (with my support) to create a storyboard (Similar to the Gilly Salmond model) that examines what the course will 'look' like, how it will 'feel' and what other skills the learner will gain. Only then can they create the assignments. All of the technical side will be created by the Digital Development Team.

When the course is complete and ready to go. I will review the process again to gauge success or otherwise.