More than 70 jobs reprieved at education charity after funding authority reverses £1.3m cut

An adult education charity has received a £1.3m grant reprieve for the next 12 months, saving more than 70 jobs.

The Workers Educational Association provides a wide range of adult education courses and was set to lose its grant funding in north-east England.

The charity originally received funding from the now defunct North of Tyne Combined Authority but was not in line to receive a grant from the newly formed North East Combined Authority following the north east’s new devolution deal.

The devolution agreement is between the government and local authorities in Northumberland, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham.

It will see power transferred and a £1.4bn investment fund over 30 years.

The WEA claimed under the newly formed NECA, it would not receive the £1.3m in funding that was previously agreed, putting 72 north east jobs at risk.

But bosses at NECA have agreed to continue funding the WEA for another year.

“We are in early discussions with NECA about the terms and conditions of the grant funding, which amounts to £1.3m for 24/25.” the charity said.

“We are aware that the funding is for a year and is being described as a transitional arrangement.

“While we recognise that no funding is guaranteed beyond the end of the year, nevertheless we also understand that the situation will be kept under review. 

“Future funding decisions should be based on a full understanding of learner need in the region and the best way of meeting that need.”

The funding will allow the charity to continue supporting more than 1,600 learners in the region.

Simon Parkinson, chief executive and general secretary of the WEA, said it was important for NECA to recognise the significance of the charity’s community learning services.

Parkinson said: “We are delighted that NECA has reconsidered its decision to de-fund the WEA. 

“We play a critical role in disadvantaged communities, building confidence, community connections and skills. 

“Our provision complements that of colleges, reaching those who would not consider returning to learning in a traditional environment.”

Parkinson said this agreement means the charity has been put on the same grant-funded footing as colleges.

The North East Combined Authority said it was establishing a new provider base to deliver adult education across the region from August, following a recent council meeting.

“The North East Combined Authority is using its devolved adult education budget to improve local skills; helping residents to learn in their communities, improve their confidence and quality of life, and ensure that local employers have people with the skills they need,” the authority said.

The authority agreed that local further education colleges and local authorities would be grant funded, because of the scale of learning they deliver to residents, including statutory courses and community learning.

“We have consistently said we want to ensure all learners are supported to continue their learning journey as we transition to the new North East Combined Authority,” the authority said.

“Therefore, during the first transitional year of devolved funding, in order to minimise disruption for our residents and communities, it was agreed to award funding to five further providers to support their learners. This includes the Workers Education Association.

“We are working with providers in receipt of this proposed funding during this transitional year to ensure that it focuses on learners, supports their learning outcomes and creates stability for residents.”