I would like to update you on the latest developments at SELLLN as we move towards the conclusion of this first phase of the SELLLN project.

I am delighted to say that our objectives, as laid down in the original business plan, have been met and in some cases exceeded.

• Suites of progression agreements have been successfully negotiated in all sector priority areas, providing learners with well over four thousand pathways to higher education
• Over forty high quality conferences, seminars and events have been held. These have provided staff development opportunities around key issues and debates in vocational and applied education, whilst embedding the partnership between further and higher education
• Over fifty projects have been completed, leading to the development of new innovative curricula, information resources, an online information, advice and guidance service and other interventions to support learners’ progression

A report will be available on www.sellln.org shortly, which showcases SELLLN’s work over the last three years. To order a printed copy, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  .

The network has received very positive feedback from its partners, and indeed HEFCE. A second phase of the SELLLN project will run from August 2010 to July 2011, building on the legacy of the first, with an additional focus on Employer Engagement. Two members of staff will be recruited to facilitate the delivery of this second phase.

I would also like to let you know that the following people will be leaving the SELLLN central team on May 14, 2010:

• Ruth Keynes, Director
  
  Ruth Keynes joined SELLLN as Progression and Credit Manager in May 2007, before taking over as Director. She has had responsibility for credit and curriculum development initiatives. She has also successfully steered through the programme of progression agreement development, a number of which offer progression to highly competitive degree programmes,  and all of which provide  life changing opportunities to people living and working in south east London. As Director, she has been responsible for the strategic direction of the network and the line management of the central team.
  
  
• Candy Kobrak, Deputy Director
  
  Candy Kobrak started working for SELLLN in April 2007 as Information, Advice and Guidance Manager, and went on to become Deputy Director. She has successfully managed a number of innovative information, advice and guidance developments. These include the online IAG service Take it Higher, a number of information resources including a vodcast, a website providing information to employers about qualifications, and leaflets for learners about SELLLN’s progression agreements. She has also led on the well-received programme of staff development events. As Deputy Director, her responsibilities have included managing SELLLN’s finances and its marketing activities.
  
  
• Tracy Holtham, Administrator
  
  Tracy Holtham started working for SELLLN as the Administrator in April 2007. She coordinated its highly regarded programme of conferences, seminars and events. She has run the SELLLN central office and has been a first point of contact for partners and for SELLLN’s extended team. She has provided administrative support to a number of key functions, such as the finances and the management of development projects. Tracy also contributed to the development of SELLLN’s marketing strategy.
  
  
• Emma Swift, Progression Coordinator
  
  Emma Swift joined SELLLN in January 2009 as its Administrative Assistant, and then took on the role of Progression Coordinator. As Administrative Assistant she provided administrative support across all of SELLLN’s functions. She took lead responsibility for content management of the website, including copy writing and editing news and events, and she continued to do so when she became Progression Coordinator. In her new role, she supported the programme of progression agreement development, liaising across the team of Lifelong Learning Coordinators. She has also put her creative design skills to excellent use, art working promotional leaflets and designing a report that tells the story of the first phase of the SELLLN project.
  
  
• Natalia Ivanovski, Research and Liaison Officer
  
  Natalia Ivanovski started working for SELLLN in January 2007, initially as Researcher where she was involved in establishing the relationships that now make up the network. Her extensive mapping and analysis of partners’ curriculum offer informed the development of the progression agreement programme. She then became Progression Coordinator where she was instrumental in facilitating negotiations of agreements. Natalia contributed significantly to the design concept and copy style of SELLLN’s learner facing literature, and wrote the first suite of leaflets. As Research and Liaison Officer, Natalia has monitored and evaluated progression agreements and projects funded by SELLLN. 

Anne Poulson will be talking over direct management of the network to ensure a seamless transition to the second phase of the project, which I am sure will build on the successes of the first.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the last three years, and hope that you will continue to benefit from the network as SELLLN moves into phase two.

With best wishes

Ruth Keynes, Director