Dr Fiona Aldridge is Director for Policy and Research at Learning and Work Institute, responsible for leading L&W’s programme of research and development, and ensuring that our work influences policy and practice, by providing a credible and influential voice on learning, skills and employment.

Fiona has more than 20 years’ experience in the adult learning and skills sector, and currently works across a range of policy areas including apprenticeships and T Levels, with a particular focus on building the capacity of local areas, providers and employers to lead and respond to changes in post-16 education and skills.

Since 2001, Fiona has led L&W’s series of surveys on Adult Participation in Learning, which provides a unique overview of patterns and trends in learning among adults in the UK. Fiona was involved in advising the Foresight Review into the Future for Skills and Lifelong Learning and is now working closely with DfE to support its work around the development of the National Retraining Scheme.