Summer Institute 2009: Workplace Literacy and Essential Skills
June 25 - 27, 2009

Frances Graham 

Frances Graham is currently Head of Skills and Government Initiatives at Investors in People UK. She has been responsible for creating and developing a strategy for aligning literacy and numeracy to the Investors in people Standard which is a business improvement tool and a quality framework. This work has also included partnerships with unions, TUC and unionlearn and engagement with all employers with a emphasis on the Third Sector (voluntary organisations, NGOs and the not for profit sector) 

Frances was previously Chief Executive of Workbase Training – a small, national not for profit organisation.  She was been responsible for the development of Workbase Training from a small part-time training project to a specialist national UK organisation that consults on and promotes literacy and numeracy as part of organisational learning and, development in workplaces. Workbase excellence was marked by the achievement of a National Training Award in 1991 and a Regional Training Award in 1994. 

Frances has been involved in the development and delivery of training strategies, programmes, materials and projects. These have included:

• the development and delivery of training programmes including management development, communication skills at all levels and quality initiatives for a variety of organisations;
• Trade Union Learning Fund initiatives on basic skills and lifelong learning opportunities;
• a paper based and CD rom called ‘Learning for Work’ series.

 In addition to previously working as a literacy tutor in workplaces, Frances is also an Investors in People UK Approved adviser and also chaired Investors in People Recognition Panel.  Frances initiated and was involved in developing Investors in People for the Voluntary Sector in London and she promotes and publicises Investors in People particularly in relation to skills at public seminars and workshops.

Frances received a commendation in the Key Crusade category for promoting Investors in People to the voluntary sector and trade unions. 

Prior to developing Workbase, Frances was involved in the education field establishing learning opportunities for adults, particularly immigrants and teaching English. Her interest in education is paramount and she is active was a governor at a local primary school. 

Frances lives in London and takes full advantage of the theatre, museums and modern dance that London offers.