Dudley Adult and Community Learning (ACL) has been recognised at a regional level after collecting the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Innovation in Adult Learning Award 2026 for its Comm‑Cast project. The accolade was presented at the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards held at STEAMhouse, Birmingham, on 8 July.
Comm‑Cast: skills, confidence and community media
The Comm‑Cast programme supports neurodiverse learners to acquire podcasting and media production skills. Organisers say the project helps participants boost confidence, enhance communication and improve employability while producing podcasts that aim to raise awareness and challenge stigma.
- Award: West Midlands Combined Authority Innovation in Adult Learning Award 2026
- Project: Comm‑Cast — podcasting and media production for neurodiverse learners
- Event: West Midlands Adult Learning Awards, STEAMhouse, 8 July 2026
Local learner wins regional recognition
Alongside the service’s award success, one of its learners, Matthew Atkins, was shortlisted in the Adult Learner of the Year – Skills for Life category. Matthew was one of just three finalists across the West Midlands. The programme contributed to the development of his communication skills and has led to a voluntary role for him in community media.
“This double success highlights the life‑changing impact of adult learning in Dudley,”
said Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure. He added the recognition underlines how inclusive education can transform lives and strengthen local communities.
Track record and local implications
Dudley ACL’s 2026 award builds on previous recognition. In 2025 the service secured two awards, including one for Inclusive and Innovative Recruitment Champion, and in 2023 a tutor from the service was named Inspirational Tutor of the Year. Council leaders have framed these honours as evidence of the value of accessible adult education in Dudley.
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Inspirational Tutor of the Year (tutor from Dudley ACL) |
| 2025 | Two awards including Inclusive and Innovative Recruitment Champion |
| 2026 | West Midlands Combined Authority Innovation in Adult Learning Award (Comm‑Cast) |
For Dudley residents, the awards highlight a local learning service that not only delivers vocational skills but also offers routes into community activity and employment. The Comm‑Cast project, in particular, demonstrates how targeted provision for neurodiverse adults can yield both individual benefits and content that engages wider audiences on issues of stigma and inclusion.
Local authorities and community organisations often point to such examples when planning adult education and training budgets, and the recognition may influence future support for similar initiatives across the borough.
