At this year’s Conservative Party Conference, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) has partnered with the Health Foundation to co-host an open fringe panel discussion: ‘Investing in FE – The key to a healthier, more prosperous society?’
A well-resourced and widely accessible Further Education system is an essential building block for the UK’s health post-pandemic. The link between poor quality employment and negative health outcomes grows stronger and, in the context of the levelling-up agenda, it is essential that we include public health in the debate around lifelong learning and future skills funding. Education provides the skills and attributes that directly shape our health and enable full participation in society. Through further education, people gain the specialist knowledge they need to secure good jobs and improve their health. Investing in further education could lead to a healthier, more prosperous society
The government’s levelling up plans aim to increase prosperity, widen opportunity, and ensure that no region is left behind. As work gets underway on the levelling up white paper, further education now needs to be moved up the government’s agenda to better balance investment across physical and human capital. Further education is a route into good quality work – helping people to develop the necessary skills and attributes – and therefore an important public health intervention.
** Note: This event will take place in the conference secure zone. To access the secure zone you will need to obtain a pass directly from the Conservative Party.**
