About Us
What we do
The Helena Kennedy Foundation was set up by Dame Ann Limb DBE CBE DL in 1998 to take forward in a practical way the recommendations of Learning Works, the seminal report by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC- President of the Foundation – which drew attention to the needs of adult learners nationally.
Learning Works identified that there were over 15 million adults of working age with few or no formal qualifications, many of whom faced significant barriers to continuing with or
returning to education.
The Foundation exists to overcome social injustice by providing financial bursaries, mentoring and support to disadvantaged students from the further and adult education sectors, enabling them to complete their studies in higher education and move on successfully into employment.
Who we are
In its early years, the Foundation was operated entirely by volunteers. In December 2004, in order to respond to the growth of the organisation, the Board of Trustees took the decision to recruit a small team of paid staff. As the organisation has continued to expand, the team at the Foundation consists of one full time and one part time member of staff. All other people involved continue to work on a voluntary basis for the Foundation.
Who we help
The Foundation’s beneficiaries are primarily disadvantaged students who have overcome significant barriers in order to continue with their education at university level. We support students who are in transition emotionally and often geographically. All the Foundation’s students experience severe financial hardship as well as social and cultural disadvantage, combined with difficult personal circumstances.
Baroness Helena Kennedy
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC is one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers.
History
The Helena Kennedy Foundation was set up by Dr Ann Limb CBE DL in 1998 to take forward in a practical way the recommendations of Learning Works, the seminal report by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC – President of the Foundation – which drew attention to the needs of adult learners nationally.