Get the Nation Learning

The government recently shared its ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper, outlining its aim to get 80% of 16–64-year-olds into work and reduce economic inactivity.

The Learning and Work Institute (L&W) launched the Get the Nation Learning campaign to encourage adult learning. Research commissioned by L&W indicates that lifelong learning enhances adults' employment prospects and their ability to stay in work whilst decreasing their reliance on out-of-work benefits.

Also, employers who invest in workplace training enjoy improved retention and increased workforce productivity.

Get the Nation Learning charter

Adult participation in learning or retraining is at its highest level. In 2024, 52% of adults reported they were taking part in learning in the three years beforehand.

However, the research commissioned by L&W also shows great inequalities in accessing formal learning, highlighting that those not in work, economically inactive, are less likely to participate in learning than those in work.

The government have stated their commitment to combat this inequality with a housing led approach, given the majority of those who are not in work, live in social housing.

The National Housing Federation (NHF) is proud to be among a coalition of organisations who have pledged to increase access to learning.

L&W have produced a charter, which enables organisations like NHF members, to commit to reducing economic inactivity and offering everyone access to learning.

The charter gives organisations the chance to learn from one another, share and understand good practice, and promote what’s working in getting the nation learning.

Sign the charter now on the Get the Nation Learning Website

Get the Nation Learning awards

The Get the Nation Working campaign is celebrating learning providers, employers and organisations, like our members, who are committed to improving adult learning through their Get the Nation Learning awards.

Housing associations do so much to combat inequality in learning, by providing support and training to upskill their residents, staff and wider communities.

This is a great opportunity for members to get recognition for this and raise awareness of the huge value they bring to the communities they work with beyond the provision of housing.

Members can submit a nomination and are eligible for the following:

The Healthier Futures Award recognises organisations improving health and wellbeing through learning in workplaces and communities across the UK. This awards also celebrates individuals who have transformed their mental and/or physical health through learning.
The Stronger Communities Award recognises organisations creating stronger, more inclusive communities by providing adult learning opportunities.
The Talent is Everywhere Award recognises organisations breaking down barriers to learning for people of all backgrounds.

Read the nomination guidance here and submit a nomination here. Please note the deadline for submissions is Friday 25 July 2025.

Who to speak to

Patrick Merton-Jones, External Affairs Manager

020 7067 1041

Patrick.Merton-Jones@housing.org.uk

@PatrickMertonJ

Get the Nation Learning

Get the Nation Learning charter

Get the Nation Learning awards

Who to speak to

Patrick Merton-Jones, External Affairs Manager

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