We share a vision of better informed, educated and more confident citizens, able to take greater responsibility for their financial affairs Our work

 

How to get involved

Working in partnership with financial education sector bodies during 2009/10, we aim to reach 120 colleges – over a quarter of the UK total – and other training providers.

These projects offer trusted intermediaries, such as student and learner support workers, the means and confidence to plan and embed financial capability provision for their learners. So far, up to 30,000 learners have benefited from planned activities in pilot areas. This year’s projects should reach at least another 50,000 across the UK.

To find out how you can get involved, please email us at: further.education@fsa.gov.uk

England

We are funding the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS) to run Money for LiFE in colleges and with other training providers.

The three pilot regions during 2008/09 were the Southwest, Yorkshire and Humberside and London, and their activities benefited around 15,000 learners. An event was hosted by the Lord Mayor of London in April to celebrate the success of this work. The following case studies of their money week activities in March 2009 can be downloaded:

For 2009/10, NSAFS will extend Money for LiFE England-wide over three phases, with the aim of enhancing the financial capability of over 30,000 learners:

  • Phase 1, during induction week, will involve 16 colleges, nine of which will come from the NSAFS network of colleges. The themes will cover awareness and rights and responsibilities on financial matters.
  • Phase 2, between October 2009 and January 2010, will extend to 48 colleges. The theme of this phase will be to help learners recognise the signs of financial difficulty and take action. At the end of this phase, learners will be asked to enter a prize draw by taking a pledge to improve their financial wellbeing.
  • Phase 3 will be a Money Week in March 2010. Target participation is 75 colleges and five other training providers across England.

Northern Ireland

We are funding the Adult Learner Finance Project (ALFP) to run the further education project. ALFP is a partnership between the Educational and Guidance Services for Adults and the National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland.

Last year, ALFP supported Money for LiFE activities in all six Northern Ireland colleges, benefiting over 2,500 learners. This year, ALFP plans to coordinate a Money Week with all colleges in September and to extend the project to the agricultural colleges (CAFRE) and to at least two independent training providers.

Scotland

We are funding the college association, Scotland's Colleges, to provide financial capability training to guidance staff and student representatives.

Last year, delegates from 22 colleges attended the workshops. Over half went on to run activities in their colleges, benefiting about 4,000 learners. Workshops will be held across Scotland again this year. The aim is to reach 10,000 learners.

Wales

We are funding fforwm, the college association in Wales, to plan and coordinate Money for LiFE money weeks with college staff.

In February 2009, nine colleges participated, benefiting over 4,000 learners, despite disruptions caused by heavy snow. The next Money Week is planned for January 2010, aiming to reach over 7,000 learners in 15 colleges.