It was responsible for the professional development of all those working in community learning and development, further education, higher education, libraries, archives and information services, and work based learning across the UK.
[1] SSCs are recognised by governments throughout the UK as the independent, employer-led organisations which ensure that the skills system is driven by employers' needs.
It is the cornerstone of UK-wide policy to widen participation in education and training, to promote social inclusion and to increase prosperity.
[4] Lifelong Learning UK ceased to operate as a Sector Skills Council on 31 March 2011.
The Institute for Learning (IfL) and sector skills body LLUK professional standards have been incorporated by the Government backed Education and Training Foundation, set up in October 2013 to support the further education sector.