The RIBA Learning & Skills Client Forum provides a framework in which the opinions and interests of those who commission Further Education and Lifelong Learning buildings can be voiced, debated and then learned from by other clients and by building professionals. Through its programme of quarterly meetings and annual conferences, the group aims to promote communication and knowledge across the industry, whilst demonstrating that added value can be achieved through design quality.

Each Client Forum is led by a partnership made up of the Chair and Vice-Chair, who represent the client, and the Convenor, who represents architects. The RIBA LSC Forum has recently appointed Andy Wilson, Principal of Westminster Kingsway College as Chair. Liz Rushton, Principal of West Herts college acts as Vice-Chair. John Bryan from Bond Bryan partnership has recently been elected as Convenor. The forum membership is made up of college representatives and architectural practices experienced in the FE sector, as well as Learning & Skills Council and Association of College's officials.

Forthcoming event RIBA Learning & Skills Sector Forum Conference 2009

Having noted the concerns expressed by colleges and consultants during the present funding uncertainty the Forum has reluctantly decided to postpone its annual conference until the autumn. The present funding situation and the absence of information about any revised timetable colleges can expect to design and progress buildings in the future, means that it is impossible to productively consider the topics our conference was intended to cover.

The Forum will continue to endeavour to collect information on the situation as it develops. We will try to pass on any information that is not being made available elsewhere through the JISC Build Sponsors list. If you haven't yet joined this Forum, we recommend you visit http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/BUILD-SPONSORS in order to do so. A further communication will be sent out shortly confirming the rescheduled dates.

We apologise for the inconvenience the postponement of the conference will have caused.

Yours sincerely, 

Andy Wilson, Forum Chair

RIBA Learning & Skills Sector Forum Conference 2009