Values are the beliefs that guide our attitudes and actions, helping us to determine what is important. World Values Day is an annual event that celebrates the positive influence that values have on us, our communities, and the world we live in. This year it takes place on Thursday 19 October, with a theme of 'Values Bring Us Together'.
As an organisation, we hold a set of values that are intrinsic to the work we do and what we believe in. ASDAN stands for Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network, but putting the acronym aside, we stand for so much more.
What’s ASDAN’s mission?
ASDAN’s mission is to engage, elevate and empower young people in greatest need, aged 11-25. We define young people in greatest need as those living in poverty, without support for their emotional and social needs, those with a special educational need or disability, those not engaged or succeeding in their education, who miss an English and/or maths pass at 16 or subsequently, and who are at risk of becoming NEET.
What’s ASDAN’s goal?
Our goal is to engage them through relevant and motivating courses to achieve meaningful learning outcomes, which elevate them to go on to further education, training and work, and empower them to take control of their lives. We do this by developing courses with an accessible and practical pedagogy for learners; and by working with our partner educators to foster the personal, social and work-related abilities of young people in greatest need.
We know the development of personal, social and work-related abilities is vital for learners of all abilities because:
- strengthening these abilities supports academic and vocational learning
- they are particularly effective in re-engaging young people in greatest need
- they are important for accessing knowledge and skills at work
- they are especially important for entry level work
- they equip learners to live well and make full use of their abilities
We believe that young people should have the opportunity to discover, develop and make use of their abilities to affirm their identities, contribute to society, and challenge educational and social inequalities.
We want an education system that values the unique and diverse achievements we see every day in all our learners, holding all achievements in high esteem.
Learner at Warmley Park School, Bristol, developing cooking skills through ASDAN's Personal Progress qualification.
What are ASDAN’s values?
Our five values are the foundation for what ASDAN believes are most important to guide our work, to help us achieve our mission, and gain a common purpose across our teams and trustees. They form a vital part of what ASDAN stands for.
Ethical
We are proud to be a charitable organisation – we approach our work with integrity and aim to do the right things in the right ways for the right reasons.
We have ambitious plans for growth, but will only grow at a pace that guarantees our quality.
We strive to make effective use of technology in socially responsible ways.
Diverse
We seek to achieve diversity in our outlook, our people and our courses.
We are committed to ensuring equality of access and opportunity for learners, educators, our staff and trustees.
Real
We work closely with educators, learners, employers and community organisations to keep our courses real and relevant.
We understand the challenges of teaching and the courage it requires and aim to support educators in practical ways.
Collaborative
We work with all those who share our vision to help learners make full use of their abilities.
We aim to be good partners – locally, nationally and internationally.
Innovative
We are future focused – committed to helping children and young people prepare for their adult lives.
We have a restless curiosity about effective pedagogy and assessment.
If you’d like to work with us or find out more about ASDAN memberships, do get in touch.