Agored Cymru - A Big Issue Cymru Big List Subscriber

Agored Cymru develops qualifications for use in Wales. It is a charity and social enterprise working in Wales to support local people in their learning. It is a membership organisation with over 300 recognised centres (members) led by an elected board. CEO Janet Barlow (pictured below) explains more...

Q: Can you explain more about what Agored Cymru does?
We are based in Bangor and Cardiff with a staff of about 50 people working across Wales. We offer a range of units and qualifications to recognise learning and we are very proud that we are a bi-lingual organisation offering all our units and qualifications in Welsh as well as English. We are a membership organisation and our members (colleges, schools, health boards, the voluntary sector and training providers) deliver our awards across the whole of Wales. 

Q: What are Agored Cymru’s goals?
We believe that people should be given recognition and proof of their learning. As an awarding organisation we work with external agencies and our approved centres to create and deliver units and qualifications to help people to improve their quality of life and their employment prospects. 

Q: Why is Agored Cymru a part of The Big Issue Cymru’s Big List?
The organisation, members and staff believe that everyone has potential for growth and a good quality of life. Our awards have helped thousands of people to achieve for the first time. We hope that involvement with the Big Issue will encourage many other organisations contact us to help them make a difference.

Q: How does the ethos of Agored Cymru fit in with that of The Big Issue Cymru?
Agored Cymru’s roots are in the Open College Network movement which started over 25 years ago. The network was based on the belief that many people missed out on the chances that schools offered them and that they should be encouraged to realise their potential. 

Q: What are Agored Cymru’s plans for the future?
Between now and next July we will be offering over 100 new qualifications. We will continue to look for opportunities to provide qualifications that respond to the Welsh needs, for example we will be looking carefully at how we can provide qualifications for 14-19 year olds that respond to the priorities identified in the current review of qualifications.  We have grown considerably in the last two years and we hope that we will continue to grow.

Q: Why is Agored Cymru a success?
We are successful because we are a Welsh organisation, working in Wales for Wales and its people. We have always tried to take account of Welsh Government’s initiatives and we have been lucky enough to enjoy their support as well as the support of our members across Wales. The company is managed very inclusively and our staff are incredibly dedicated and believe in and love the work they do. 

Please visit our website - www.agored.org.uk - where you will find out more about us, including how to contact us if you want to know more

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