This research focuses on the National Further Education and Training (FET) Learner Forum. The Forum is one of the largest projects of its kind in Europe and has been cited internationally as an exemplar of Learner Voice practice.
We held first Forum in 2016. It was first started when SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna) made a commitment in its first five-year strategy to include Learner Voice in the development of Further Education and Training (FET) policy. SOLAS turned to AONTAS as Ireland’s national adult learning organisation, with a long history of learner advocacy.
They tasked us to develop an annual national forum for FET learners. It has since grown into an annual series of regional and national events, receiving over 14,000 learner contributions since its inception.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the processes and outcomes of the Forum between 2016 and 2025 and, where appropriate, to make recommendations for the development of the Forum as a space, and process, for adult learner engagement in national policy formation.
The National Further Education and Training Learner Forum is a Learner Voice project designed to bring together adult learners from across Ireland to ask their views on their FET experience. The purpose of the Forum is to ensure that FET meets the needs of adult learners today and continues to do so in future.
We are responsible for delivering the Forum.
We work in collaboration with each of Ireland’s 16 Education and Training Boards to host regional Learner Forum events, to issue an accompanying learner survey, and to build capacity among learners for self-advocacy in Further Education and Training.
This evaluation will assess the current form of the Forum to determine its impact, effectiveness, and fitness for purpose in the context of a new FET Strategy and a changing adult education landscape in Ireland.
The knowledge, insights, and recommendations generated will inform the Forum’s future development.
Aim of this Evaluation
This evaluation aims to provide an analysis of the current context for the Forum, outline the next steps in its development, and improve the current procedures of adult learner engagement in national policy formation.
The report will be a resource for AONTAS and will be used in the future development of the Forum.
The analysis will create new and further opportunities for collaboration between AONTAS, SOLAS, and FET providers in adult education.
The report author will present the report to the National FET Learner Forum Project Advisory Group (PAG) and the National FET Learner Forum Academic Advisory Group.
The report will also be submitted to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science; SOLAS; Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI); Education and Training Boards; and other key stakeholders.
Open to all applicants with a demonstrable research background consisting of:
The successful candidate will be required to:
Suggested themes for the evaluation include but are not limited to:
This is a suggested outline but this list is not exhaustive and other ideas or activities within the scope of the work are welcome.
The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate:
Tenders for this work must include:
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No |
Requirements / Criterion |
Weighing Criteria |
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|
Understanding the Brief |
20% |
|
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Relevant Knowledge, Expertise, Experience, Project Management and Resources Allocated |
40% |
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Content and Quality of Proposed Plan and Methodology |
20% |
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Cost |
20% |
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Total Marks |
100% |
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The minimum scoring required for requirements/criterion is 60% for each. Tenderers must achieve a minimum score of 60% of the total marks available for each qualitative criterion (1-4). Any tender which does not meet this minimum threshold shall be excluded from further consideration.
Those tendering should demonstrate in their proposals a good understanding of the brief.
The highest scores will be awarded to the tenderers with the most appropriate knowledge and experience in delivering similar projects. The tenderer must supply a CV of the person who will be carrying out the work.
This refers to the proposed approach to the design and development given the content in this Request for Tender. Tenderers must demonstrate their capability to bring the contract to a satisfactory conclusion by describing the methodology of approach to accomplish the study within the stated timeframe.
This must include all costs and expenses for the work. Quotations should be inclusive of VAT, and should be quoted in Euro. All prices quoted must remain valid for the duration of the work.
The tender will be to a maximum grant of €7500 (to include all expenses and taxes and charges). A payment schedule will be agreed with the successful tenderer prior to the commencement of the work based on project deliverables.
Before the contract is awarded, the successful tenderer will be required to produce a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, and if the certificate should expire within the course of the contract, a new certificate will be required. All payments under the contract will be conditional on the person/organisation being in possession of a valid certificate at all times.
Any conflicts of interest involving a tenderer must be fully disclosed to AONTAS. Failure to disclose a conflict-of-interest may disqualify a bidder or invalidate an award of contract, depending on when the conflict-of-interest comes to light.
Resulting from this study, AONTAS will retain ownership of any research, materials and/or documentation resulting from the project. All research, materials and/or documentation must be returned to AONTAS on request or in the event that the contract is terminated. No part of the research, materials and/or documentation may be used without the prior consent of AONTAS.
Should be sent via email to recruitment@aontas.com no later than 4pm, 7th of April, 2025.
Following completion of the tender evaluation, the successful tenderer will be notified by email.
A shortlist of the most competitive applicants may be invited to present or provide further information on their bid prior to selection.