Glossary
NIACE
NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds. The organisation campaigns for – and celebrates the achievements of – adult learners, young and old, and in all their diversity. NIACE is the largest organisation working to promote the interests of learners and potential learners in England and Wales.
NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - England and Wales) is a non-governmental organisation working for more and different adult learners.
NIACE began in 1921 as the British Institute for Adult Education: it is a voluntary organisation, a charity and company limited by guarantee owned by its members. It has a broad-based membership, with individual and corporate members, ranging from universities, colleges and local authorities to the BBC, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, the Trades Union Congress and Ofcom.
The British Film Institute, the Arts Council and the Basic Skills Agency all grew out of Institute initiatives. NIACE headquarters are in Leicester and Cardiff and the organisation employs more than 200 staff.
NIACE seeks to influence the decision-makers who are responsible for the policies which affect adult learning. It operates across all sectors of post-compulsory education and training, and works with other agencies to secure the interests of all adult learners. NIACE aims to achieve its overall objectives by:
- Influencing, monitoring and contributing to policy and practice
- Promoting learning and strengthening the voice of learners
- Acting in all sectors of adult education; and
- Working regionally, nationally and internationally.
NIACE is a respected campaigning and advocacy organisation. It has strong links to adult education organisations in Europe and internationally, such as the European Association for the Education of Adults and the International Council for Adult Education.