On 19 March, the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SIAE) organised the first training of the national network of quality counsellors in adult education in 2026. The event brought together 23 professionals from across Slovenia who together form one of the key professional networks in this field.
As the national coordinator of the network, the SIAE systematically provides professional support, development activities and opportunities for professional development among quality counsellors. These professional development meetings provide an important space for the exchange of experiences and collaborative learning.
The meeting offered participants an opportunity for in-depth work and the sharing of experiences from the practice of quality in adult education. Discussions focused on current topics in the field of quality assessment and quality development , including:
- a review of current information and developments in the field of quality in adult education;
- the interim evaluation of Resolution on the Adult Education Master Plan in the Republic of Slovenia (ReAEMP) for the 2022–2030 period, with particular emphasis on quality assessment and development and measures related to the network of quality counsellors;
- quality assessment and development, alongside discussion on the comprehensiveness of internal quality systems within organisations, including annual reporting;
- self-assessment instruments for basic competences, presented in cooperation with Alenka Štrukelj from the Research and Development Unit at SIAE;
- planning the promotional initiative Quality Day within Lifelong Learning Weeks 2026 and the network’s joint professional activity for this year.
A dedicated session was devoted to strengthening the role of quality counsellors and exploring their place within organisational and systemic structures. Participants then continued their work in the online learning environment, where they completed a more comprehensive questionnaire on various aspects of the quality counsellor’s role and position within the organisation.
A dedicated session was devoted to strengthening the role of quality counsellors and exploring their place within organisational and systemic structures. Participants then continued their work in the online learning environment, where they completed a more comprehensive questionnaire on various aspects of the quality counsellor’s role and position within the organisation.
At every training session, I learn something new that I can apply in my work as a quality counsellor.
Your ability to connect us counsellors and foster cooperation in addressing quality-related challenges is invaluable.
The professional development meeting was carried out within the framework of the ESF+ project Strengthening the Competencies of Professionals in the Field of Managing an Innovative Educational Institution (2024–2028). Through these meetings, the SIAE not only strengthens professional expertise, but also reinforces the values of cooperation, collaborative learning, the exchange of best practices and mutual support within the network.
The next professional development meeting will take place in the autumn. Until then, counsellors will continue their active work in pairs as part of the joint professional activity, alongside ongoing communication in the online learning environment.
Jasmina Orešnik Cunja (jasmina.oresnik.cunja@acs.si), SIAE