Plans to offer lifelong loans in England must be accompanied by in-depth support and information that ensures the entitlement is ¡°empowering and not restrictive¡±, Universities UK says.

Responding to a consultation on the planned scheme, which would allow adult learners to access funding for four years of post-18 education, the body that represents 140 institutions across the UK says that although it welcomed the reforms, advice and guidance must be ¡°at its heart¡±.

Learners should be given progression pathways and the opportunities available must be effectively communicated by careers advisers, providers and the lifelong loan entitlement (LLE) portal, it says.

¡°This will require an information campaign backed by ongoing support for providers, on knowing what you can study, where and how ¨C treating the entitlement as empowering not a restricted allowance,¡± UUK¡¯s submission adds.

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It is hoped that LLE ¨C scheduled for introduction in 2025 ¨C will open up opportunities for working adults who have never considered ÖйúAƬ and give them the chance to engage in flexible studies, for example taking single modules or building up a full degree over time.

The universities minister Michelle Donelan has?likened its potential impact?to that of the NHS on health in post-war Britain.

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UUK says that in order to protect student choice, the government should remove equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) rules which prevent students from accessing loan funding for a second degree in a non-science subject, if they already have a degree. This was a?key point of debate?as the plans made their way through Parliament.?

It says: ¡°Without this change, the people that businesses need won¡¯t be able to access the relevant training.¡±

In order to succeed, UUK says the LLE portal must offer clear information including a learner¡¯s remaining entitlement, where they can spend it and a record of historic and ongoing qualifications.

The body also recommends that the Department for Education explore the concept of a home institution, based on geographical location or where a learner already has a history of study ¨C which could take on responsibility for the students¡¯ record and be a point of contact and advice.

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Its submission adds that financial support must be tailored and responsive to different circumstances, while providers should also be offered sustainable funding with fees proportionate to a full qualification.

Steve West, the president of UUK and vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England, said the organisation has ¡°long campaigned for adults of all ages to be able to access high-quality, flexible learning opportunities that fit around existing work or caring commitments¡±.

He stressed that universities are ¡°willing to pilot, innovate and collaborate with employers, colleges, and government so flexible learning delivers the biggest benefits to society and individuals¡±.

But he cautioned that for the new system of learning to succeed, ¡°it must be easy for learners to understand and use and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy for all involved¡±.

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tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com