Back to About the WEA
THE NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION
WEA
CHARTER
WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
TEMPLE HOUSE,
17 VICTORIA PARK SQUARE,
LONDON E2 9PB
Charity Registration Number 314001
Published by the WEA in July 1994 in accordance with the requirements of the Charter
for Further Education, issued by the Department for Education, September 1993.
WEA CHARTER
Published on 31st July 1994
Section Contents Page
1. Purpose and Mission 1
2. Organisation 2
3. Educational Programmes 3
4. Admissions 5
5. Fees 6
6. Teaching and Learning 6
7. Guidance and Counselling 8
8. Equal Opportunities 9
9. The WEA in the Local Community 10
10. Performance 11
11. Complaints 11
WI.:A Districts: Contact Addresses inside back cover
WEA CHARTER
1. Purpose and Mission
1.1 The WEA is unique in the Further Education Sector. Founded in 1903, the WEA is a national voluntary organisation with charitable status, which operates throughout England and Scotland. Its educational programmes are derived from its charitable purposes and determined by its members through democratic decision - making processes.
1.2 The aim of -the WEA is to promote adult education based on democratic principles in its organisation and practice, through the participation of its voluntary members. In pursuit of this aim, it has the following objects:
i) stimulating and satisfying the demand of adults for liberal education, through direct provision of courses and other activities
ii) providing in particular for the needs of working class adults, and of those who are socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged
iii) providing educational programmes for appropriate organisations concerned with the collective needs of adults in the community and in the workplace
iv) generally furthering the advancement of education to the end that all children, adolescents and adults may have full opportunities of the education needed for their complete individual and social development.
1.3 The WEA exists primarily to provide adults with access to organised learning which develops intellectual understanding, confidence and social or collective responsibility. Particular features of its approach to the provision of learning opportunities for adults include:
i) valuing and making use of students' life experience
ii) involving students in organising provision and planning their own learning
iii) targeting students who have benefited least from the school system and from opportunities for further and higher education
iv) collaborating with other organisations and agencies to meet the needs of adult learners for educational guidance, equal access to provision, and for relevant, progressive learning opportunities
v) offering high quality learning experiences underpinned by regular monitoring and evaluation of the programme
vi) encouraging student ownership of the learning process, providing explicit outcomes to learning programmes, recording achievement, and, where appropriate, offering external accreditation.
vii) employing appropriately qualified and experienced staff
viii) providing staff development opportunities for professional staff and training for voluntary members
ix) promoting and supporting the voluntary movement by which the Association governs itself and decides its future strategy.
1.4 Operating nationally, regionally and locally, the WEA is organised to locate and respond to the present and future needs of adult learners. Its voluntary structure and flexibility of -response are invaluable in
achieving its aim and objects. Its national dimension uniquely enables the building of relevant operational experience.
The WEA commits itself to improving continuously its quality standards in its governmental, organisational, financial and educational practices. In its approach to managing quality the WEA aims to become a Total Quality organisation. It recognises that the test of its ambition will be practices and provision recognised for their high standards, reliability and successful achievements. It commits itself to practices and provision which incorporate the principle of equal opportunities.
2. Organisation
2.1 The WEA has three primary levels of organisation:
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i) the local Branch, of which there ate approximately 700.
WEA Branches are run by voluntary members, with administrative and financial support from WEA Districts. The Branches are responsible for the organisation of the programme in their areas, and are involved in determining the educational needs of their potential students and of organisations in the communities they serve. They may arrange accommodation for classes, publicise their programme, recruit and enrol students, and monitor and evaluate their educational activity.
ii) the District, which is the key operating unit of the WEA. There are thirteen of these in England, together with a Scottish Association.
Each District has an administrative office, and professional and administrative staff.
Each District has its, own budget, sets out its educational programme, determines student fee levels, and appoints part-time tutors who are the main teaching resource of the WEA.
iii) the National Association, which establishes the policy framework for the Association and is ultimately responsible through its Trustees (the National Executive Committee) for the conduct of the affairs of the WEA.
The National Association maintains a National Office with professional and administrative staff.
2.2 A guiding principle of organisation within -the WEA is decentralisation. This is based on the desirability of WEA students determining their own educational needs and development, on our focus within communities, and on the need to support and sustain the WEA's democratically determined social purpose.
3. Educational Programmes
3.1 The WEA is committed to Liberal Adult Education by its constitutional objects. Its educational programmes are not constrained by the need to conform to the requirements of external academic or vocational qualifications, although these do feature in the overall provision.
3.2 The WEA's offer of educational programmes is made within the following
framework:
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ii) Programmes are planned and provided in cooperation with other providers of adult education to avoid unnecessary duplication of activity.
iii) At any time there will be an exceptionally wide range of courses on offer throughout the WEA. However, the range within any specific locality will of necessity be more limited.
iv) Information i) Programmes offered at any particular time are determined locally, and reflect the wishes of existing and potential students, as well as local priorities for development.
on planned educational activities and on local contact points is available from District Offices. Districts and Branches will welcome suggestions from individuals and groups on courses for which there might be a demand, and will consider such proposals in future programme planning.
3.3 The following practical information will help prospective students to determine whether or not the WEA can meet their educational needs.
i) The majority of courses are of 1 1/2 hours to 2 Y2 hours duration each week, for periods ranging from 5 to 20 weeks.
ii) Courses are held in mornings, afternoons or evenings depending on local circumstances and the needs of students.
iii) The typical course is taught by a part-time tutor, appointed by the WEA on the basis of teaching ability.
iv) Class sizes will vary from course to course, the limit to size being determined by the need to maintain high quality learning.
v) From its commitment to open access, the WEA does not impose entry requirements on most courses.
vi) Examinations are not set in the great ma'ority of courses, although various means of assessing learning are used.
vii) Generally, fees are charged to students, except in specified circumstances which may vary from District to District.
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viii) Almost all classes take place in accommodation which is not owned by the WEA, and is selected on the basis of its availability and suitability. Some accommodation may not have been originally designed for educational purposes.
ix) Where the WEA provides residential courses, provision and cost of accommodation is usually part of the course fee. Details of such courses are available from District Offices and the National Office.
3.4 The nature of the WEA's social ethos and educational activity means that it is sympathetic to the needs of students with learning difficulties and/or physical incapacities. District Offices will provide information on educational activities which meet such needs.
4. Admissions
4.1 Arrangements for admissions to courses are made by Districts and these arrangements vary between Districts. Procedures are designed to be as simple as possible, by allowing either:
i) enrolment in advance by application to the local Branch Secretary, or
ii) enrolment at the first meeting of a course, or
iii) enrolment after a course has started.
4.2 Since few courses have any entry requirements, enrolments are normally accepted on a 'first come, first served' basis.
In the event of a course exceeding a predetermined maximum number of students, usually advice and guidance will be offered in finding a suitable alternative educational programme.
4.3 Students enrolling on a course will be provided with general information about the WEA upon request.
During their period of study, students at WEA classes have specific membership rights within the Association.
5. Fees
5.1 In accordance with the WEA's decentralised decision-making, fee levels for students are established at District and Branch level.
5.2 Details of fees and concessions for particular groups in the community (e.g. those in receipt of benefits) are contained within local publicity or are obtainable from the local WEA Branch or District Office.
5.3 WEA District Offices can also provide details of any other schemes or funds to assist with course costs in their areas.
6. Teaching and Learning
6.1 The core activity of the WEA is the provision of quality adult education, based upon maximising student and tutor involvement in programme definition, curriculum development and teaching and learning processes.
The WEA aims to ensure that its tutors and active volunteers are equipped to carry out these duties effectively by:
i) employing appropriately qualified and experienced staff
ii) implementing a National Training Strategy which provides staff development opportunities and training for voluntary members
iii) maintaining District training programmes which provide opportunities for all tutors and active voluntary members to attend structured training
iv) adopting a Quality Statement that emphasises valuing and making use of student life experiences.
6.2 The details of course content and teaching/learning methodology are arrived at through consultation with students and tutors in the classroom, and are subject to modification and development throughout the course, thereby encouraging student ownership of the learning process.
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The WEA will ensure that this takes place and is effective by developing and implementing (by 1996/97) a process for the definition of anticipated, and description of actual, learning outcomes. This will be an individual and collective activity involving both tutors and students. It will provide a framework for regular oral reporting by tutors to students on progress during the course and a record of student achievement at the end of the course.
6.3 The WEA works closely with accrediting agencies (Open College Networks, Universities, etc.) to ensure that, wherever appropriate, students are able
to achieve qualifications or accumulate transferable credits. At the beginning of the course students will be clearly informed about study requirements, assessment structures and any additional costs associated with accreditation.
6.4 The WEA will address curriculum development by:
i) responding to demand and the needs of local communities served by WEA Branches and Districts.
ii) establishing Course Development Units composed of staff working in particular subject areas. These units will draw upon the expertise of full and part-time staff to ensure:
academic co-ordination and leadership at practitioner level
the establishment of a range of nationally available courses conforming to WEA Quality Assurance measures
the development and maintenance of relations with key partners and client groups
the promotion of the WEA as a 'leading edge' provider in specific curriculum areas
the provision of staff development opportunities.
iii) maintaining a National Education Development Fund which defines and helps to resource priority areas for activity on a year-by-year basis in relation to strategic planning objectives.
6.5 WEA educational provision is organised at District level and each District
will:
i) ensure that it has a Committee composed of professional staff and voluntary members to oversee its educational work
ii) ensure that opportunities exist for students to comment on the educational work and quality assurance procedures
iii) ensure that individual students are aware of the structures through which this can be achieved.
7. Guidance and Counselling
7.1 The WEA will seek to ensure that all professional staff are equipped to provide basic guidance to adult students enquiring about educational opportunities. This will include specific guidance about WEA provision and a contact point for other institutions.
7.2 At the beginning of each course students will be:
i) informed of what is expected of them during the course
· On externally accredited/credit-bearing courses this will be defined by the accrediting body.
· On all other courses this will be arrived at through tutor/student consultation In agreeing learning outcomes.
ii) informed of their rights to comment on WEA provision and the procedures for doing this
iii) informed, where appropriate, of Health and Safety issues and given advice on security arrangements
iv) offered advice, where appropriate, on the most suitable educational programme on the basis of the student's existing knowledge, skills and experience.
7.3 During each course of study students will:
i) enjoy the benefits of the culture of mutual support that is fostered by the WEA. This is based upon equality between tutor and students and between individual students, and offers an informal supportive framework in which personal difficulties can be addressed.
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ii) have access to information on the range of WEA courses locally available
iii) have access to information on opportunities for further study both within the WEA and with other institutions as appropriate.
8 Equal Opportunities
8.1 The WEA commits itself to the establishment of good equal opportunities policy and practices. To this end it has introduced an Equal Opportunities Policy Statement which provides a framework for action in three areas:
i) education provision
ii) participation in decision-making
iii) employment practices.
8.2 The WEA will take positive steps, within available resources, towards implementing and encouraging equal opportunities practices in its education provision by redressing any inequities in access, opportunity and participation in course provision, by paying special attention to accessibility, curriculum design and delivery, student support and student costs.
8.3 The WEA will take positive steps to remove barriers to involvement by its members at local, District and National level and will positively encourage participation by suitable training and support.
8.4 The WEA is committed to ensuring that all staff and prospective staff are treated fairly on their relevant merits and abilities.
In order to achieve this, the following areas will be subject to review, to ensure that they do not discriminate against members of any particular
group:
i) recruitment, interview and selection procedures
ii) training opportunities
iii) general terms and conditions of employment.
8.5 The implementation of-the policy will be:
i) supported by a process of training for voluntary members and staff
ii) monitored at National and District level.
The policy and its efficacy will be subject to review at least every three years.
8.6 Responsibility for ensuring that detailed arrangements are in place for the implementation of the WEA Equal Opportunities Policy Statement at National and District level resides with the National Executive Committee. In determining such arrangements, due consideration will be given to:
i) ensuring that potential students from under-represented or disadvantaged groups are encouraged to participate in educational provision through means which are consistent with the WEA's ethos, policies and practices
ii) ensuring that student enrolment processes do not inhibit participation from socially excluded groups.
9. The WEA in the Local Community
9.1 At local level, details of the appropriate WEA Branch Secretary are included on all publicity materials or can be obtained from the local library or WEA District Office. Local WEA Branch Secretaries should be able to respond to most enquiries regarding the educational provision in their area. Similarly, the appropriate WEA District Office will also offer assistance in relation to general enquiries.
9.2 WEA Branch Committees, which determine the programmes in their area, are elected annually. All members of WEA classes are entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Branch and stand for election to the Branch Committee.
9.3 The WEA seeks to maintain and develop its long established practice of working with and for other voluntary and community organisations at local, District and National level. The WEA welcomes approaches from any such organisations regarding possible course provision in accordance with the WEA's Aim, Objects and Mission Statement.
9.4 WEA Branches develop their programmes in response to expressed needs and demands in their local community. Accordingly, WEA Branches welcome suggestions and ideas from individuals and organisations in their area regarding possible future educational activity.
9.5 The WEA is an outreach organisation and, where possible, seeks to take provision to students at the most appropriate locations, such as community centres and village halls. The WEA seeks to co-operate and/or work collaboratively with other providers of adult education to maximise the use of scarce resources at the local level.
10. Performance
10.1 The WEA aims to conform to the information requirements of the Department for Education (DfE), the Scottish Office Education Department (SOED) and the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC). Such public information is available from National and District Offices.
10.2 Copies of any FEFC and other Inspection Reports on the WEA are available at National and District Offices.
11 Complaints
11.1 The WEA recognises that should any student or employee feel aggrieved at the service provided by the WEA in relation to its educational provision, government and organisation, or employment practices, then such oral or written complaints will be dealt with efficiently and courteously by the WEA, utilising efficient and transparent arrangements to ensure resolutions satisfactory to both the complainant and the WEA.
11.2 The National Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that such arrangements are in place at both District and National level. Satisfactory arrangements require that:
i) complaints are considered fairly and speedily
ii) procedures are clear and well publicised
iii) initial response to complaints should be provided within 1 0 working days
iv) complainants are entitled to be given reasons for the rejection of complaints, should any complaint be rejected.
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11.3 The organisational and service structure of the WEA requires clarity in the identification of the appropriate levels at which complaints are addressed.
i) Educational activities within the WEA are largely provided at local level, and accordingly complaints which relate to WEA educational services and facilities should be addressed, in the first instance, to the relevant District Secretary. It is anticipated that District Secretaries will attempt the early resolution of such complaints at local level. This may involve reference to relevant staff of the District, as well as local WEA Branches.
ii) Complaints which relate to the government and organisation of the WEA should be addressed, in the first instance, to the relevant District Secretary. Where such complaints refer to matters which have implications for the National Executive Committee in its role as trustees of the National Association, then such complaints should be addressed to the General Secretary, or redirected to the General Secretary by the District Secretary who may have received the complaint in the first instance.
iii) Complaints made under 11.3i) and 11.3ii) above may, as a final stage in the complaints procedure, be subject to the review and adjudication of the National Executive Committee.
iv) Complaints which relate to matters subject to the WEA's contracts of employment with its staff are subject to the provisions of the WEA's Grievance Procedure. All WEA employees are entitled to receive copies of the Grievance Procedure which details their rights under the Procedure.
v) Complaints against the WEA's employment policies and practices from individuals not subject to a contract of employment with the WEA should be addressed to the General Secretary.
National Association
Temple House, 17 Victoria Park Square, London E2 9PB
Tel: 081-9831515 Fax: 081-9834840
District Offices
Cheshire, Merseyside & West Lancashire
7/8 Bluecoat Chambers, School Lane, Liverpool Ll 38X
Tel: 051-7098023 Fax: 051-7080046
Eastern
Botolph House, 17 Botolph Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RE
Tel: 0223-350978 Fax: 0223-300911
East Midland
16 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4GF
Tel: 0602-475162 Fax: 0602-243513
London
44-46 Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TR
Tel: 071-388726113878966 Fax: 071-3835668
Northern
51 Grainger Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 5JE
Tel: 091-2323957 Fax: 091 -2303696
North Western
4th Floor, Crawford House, University Precinct Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9GH
Tel: 061-2737652 Fax: 061-2744948
South Eastern
4 Castle Hill, Rochester, Kent ME1 1 QO
Tel: 0634-842140 Fax: 0634-815643
South Western
Martin's Gate Annexe, Bretonside, Plymouth PL4 OAT
Tel: 0752-664989 Fax: 0752-254195
Themes and Solent
6 Brewer Street, Oxford OX1 1 ON
Tel: 0865-246270 Fax: 0865-204282
Western
40 Morse Road, Redfield, Sdstol SSS 9L3
Tel: 0272-351764 Fax: 0272- 411757
West Mercia
78180 Shedock Street, Birmingham B5 6LT
Tei:021-6666101 Fax:021-6222526
Yorkshire North
6 Woodhouse Square, Leeds LS3 1 AD
Tel: 0532-453304 Fax: 0532-450883
Yorkshire South
Chantry Buildings, Corporation Street, Rotherham S60 1 NG
Tel: 0709-837001 Fax: 0709-372121
Scottish Association
Riddle's Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 3PG
Tel: 031-2263456 Fax: 031-2200306
All correspondence to District Offices should be addressed to the District Secretary.