About Us
Skills for Life Network is the key news, information and signposting resource for teachers, managers, supporters and learners of functional skills and GCSE maths and English, digital skills, ESOL, employability and SEND.Â
Developed in 2003 by practitioners Barbara Zealley and Caryn Loftus, Skills for Life Network was subsequently part funded by the Learning and Skills Council and played a key role in communicating the Government’s Skills for Life Strategy.
Fully self-supporting since 2007, Skills for Life Network is managed by an editorial team and inspired by a vibrant community of subject specialists who are actively engaged in supporting teaching and learning in the Further Education and Training sector. Â
Our team
Mo Ollier
Communications Lead
Mo is skilled in coaching, curriculum development and performance management. A highly successful FE Business Manager, she has developed flagship functional skills and mental health awareness programmes for the NHS. Mo leads on communications and stakeholder engagement.
Barbara Zealley
Director and Editor
Previously Head of Skills for Life and Client Services for Stockport MBC Continuing Education Service, Barbara is an experienced post-16 maths and English practitioner, manager, teacher trainer and quality improvement consultant. Barbara has been Principal Editor for Skills for Life Network since 2003.
Yvonne Richards
Content Lead
Yvonne is an inclusive learning specialist, and has worked extensively with neurodiverse learners and SEND learners in the FE sector. An experienced Information, Advice and Guidance professional, Yvonne also advises on the Careers section of the Skills for Life Network website.
Richard Zealley
Web Development Lead
A digital skills specialist with over 30 years’ experience in the software industry, Richard leads on the development of the Skills for Life Network website. Richard also teaches digital skills to young people through his work as a Code Club volunteer.
Be part of it
Find out about opportunities to showcase your organisation, courses, resources and career opportunities to the Skills for Life Network community.
"Skills for Life Network is the really important source of information for everyone with an interest in Skills for Life. It's also the best vehicle for making sure that information on our programmes, events and services reaches the right people - it's our first choice for advertising."
"The Network is brilliant for finding out about new qualifications, courses and resources that are available. It's also great to know that there are people out there who can help me out!"
"This is a brilliant information dissemination vehicle!"
"I have found the Network invaluable. Being able to access up to date information has helped the University, with support from its partner colleges, to respond quickly to the current training needs of practitioners."
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