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Governance and financing of lifelong learning

The ETF focuses on public-private-civic cooperation in governance, particularly the capacity and role of social partners at the various governance levels, putting human capacity development at the centre of territorial strategies for sustainable development. Systems reviews inform policy options for good governance within a multi-level approach, in which policy and budgetary decisions are taken both up and down the dimensions of public authority and along the dimensions of social partnership.

More participatory governance models respecting diverse contexts and priorities can enhance effectiveness and improve accountability in vocational education and training (VET) policies and systems. The Torino Process engages stakeholders, including the private sector and social partners in policy making and implementation as a vital component in modernising systems. Delegating governance responsibilities to sub-national, regional, and local levels of government, establishing coordination mechanisms at national and sector levels, and improving autonomy at school level are also key features of multi-level governance models.

The ETF seeks to strengthen system coordination mechanisms, with an emphasis on legislation, institutional settings – including coordination between national, local and sectoral levels – and financing.

Financing is an essential element of good governance. The ETF has developed innovative concepts and tools to support partner countries in moving from a technical view, focused on monetary and resourcing aspects, towards a holistic approach, based on an analysis of the financial sustainability of vocational education strategies. For more information, see:

  • a paper on Financing vocational education and skills development which highlights the importance of investing in this policy area and the main challenges in our partner countries
  • a methodology to assess the governance and financing of vocational education strategies
  • a series of guideline documents on three key aspects of financing – training levies, incentives, and formula funding
  • a tool for policy and social dialogue on VET financing offering a geometric and a conceptual framework for modelling critical questions relating to funding and financing schemes.

Join ETF Open Space for more information on VET costing and financing within a multi-level governance community.