What is a learning champion?

What’s your day-to-day job?

I work with communities to identify and respond to training needs, by developing bespoke learning packages. The Highpoint Learning initiative is about building skills, capacity and confidence, enabling residents to take a greater stake in improving the quality of life in their neighbourhood.

It was established by Leicester Housing Association and TREES (the Leicester-based social enterprise agency) but it operates as a partnership between residents, housing associations, local authorities, voluntary agencies and regeneration practitioners.

Why did you choose this career?

I’d worked in training and development at local authorities for 15 years, but was ready for a new challenge. This post attracted me because there was no precedent for it – it’s a new initiative with very few ground rules, and we’re effectively setting a new agenda for community learning.

Being a learning champion is about seeing potential in people and bringing it out – changing their lives for the better and empowering them to have a stronger voice in their community.

Has it been what you expected?

I don’t think any of us knew what to expect. There was a lot of work to get the initiative up and running, but it’s paying off now, with a really innovative events programme.

Recently, we have hosted a one-day conference on safer communities; run a “patch walk” in Leicester giving young people an opportunity to walk around their area with cameras, recording their suggestions for improving it; and organised a Sure Start Parents and Carers forum equipping local people with the skills to take an active role in shaping service delivery.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

People need to be convinced about your intentions. You have to demonstrate the strength of your commitment to a project – by putting in the hours and listening to what people have to say. Once they know you’re serious – and flexible – they’ll work with you.

Some of our projects involve young people who can be hard to reach. If you can harness their energy, the outcome is usually enormously valuable.

What’s the best thing about the job?

Partnership working: bringing people and agencies together to exchange ideas. Getting positive feedback is also good. And watching people grow in skills and confidence.

And the worst?

You occasionally run into regeneration professionals who are suffering from burn-out. You need to be an optimist to succeed and keep a clear focus on solutions.