NNECL membership connects your organisation to a national community committed to improving post-16 education for care-experienced and estranged learners. 

Our members come from across education, social care and the wider sector, from colleges and universities to local authorities, virtual schools, charities, foster agencies, training and apprenticeship providers. What connects us is a shared determination to break down barriers and improve education for care-experienced and estranged learners.

We offer a range of memberships for organisations large and small, giving your team access to specialist knowledge, peer learning, practical resources and opportunities to strengthen your practice.

Being a NNECL member is about more than what you receive. It tells care-experienced and estranged learners your organisation recognises the barriers they may face and, is committed to doing something about them. When you join us, your organisation adds its experience and voice to a powerful national network working to challenge systemic barriers and influence lasting change across post-16 education.

Why become a member?

Connect with professionals across further education, higher education, social care and the wider sector. Share challenges, exchange ideas and learn from people who understand the work you do.

Access specialist knowledge, practical resources and evidence-informed learning to help your organisation understand and address the barriers facing care-experienced and estranged learners.

Take part in webinars, events and peer-learning opportunities exploring new research, emerging practice, policy developments and the issues that matter to your work.

Keep up to date with policy, research and developments affecting care-experienced and estranged learners, with insight and learning from across our national network.

Your experience matters. Our members help shape NNECL’s priorities and strengthen our collective voice. Together, we bring evidence and experience from the frontline to local and national policymakers and to sector leaders, challenging systemic barriers and influencing change.

One membership. Up to six colleagues. A whole national network.

Your membership includes:

• Member-only learning and resources – events, research, policy updates, emerging practice and our monthly members’ newsletter.
• Peer learning and connection – opportunities to learn from and share practice with professionals across our UK-wide network.
• A voice in NNECL – join member discussions, help shape our priorities and share learning and case studies across the network.
• Member extras – one-third off NNECL Annual Conference tickets, use of the NNECL member logo and NNECL support at up to two events hosted by your organisation each year.

NNECL membership is more than a commitment to professional development. It is a visible commitment to care-experienced and estranged learners. For learners, knowing their college or university is part of NNECL means knowing there are people who recognise the barriers they may face and are committed to making education work better for them.

Every organisation that joins makes our network stronger. Together, our members share knowledge, strengthen practice and build the collective evidence and voice needed to influence policy and create lasting change.

Choose the membership that best fits your organisation

Join using the options below, or get in touch if you would like to discuss membership further.