Network organization structure

The network organization consists of a management body with a coordinating main coordinator, an administrative coordinator, and a web editor. Additionally, the organization includes national host organizations with country coordinators in the Nordic countries and contact persons in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.

NMRS must be informed of any changes in national coordinators and contact persons. A complete and updated overview of the management body, main coordinator, host organizations, national coordinators and contact persons, as well as the web editor, must be available on NLL's website.

The working language of NLL is primarily Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian. English is used in the context of international collaboration.

Management body and main coordinator function

The management body is elected by EK-U in accordance with the mandate of NLL for the period 2025-2030 after an application process.

The management body is responsible for the overall Nordic network organization and should function as a Nordic hub and be a resource and collaboration platform for NLL. As the primary working language in NLL is Scandinavian, the management body must be able to operate the business based on the Scandinavian languages.

The management body must perform its tasks in accordance with this Programme Document, the standard terms of the Nordic Council of Ministers' contracts, and other guidelines from EK-U and the Secretariat.

The tasks and responsibilities of the management body include:

Overall coordination and management of NLL
Main coordinator function
Supporting the link between NLL's activities and policy development within lifelong learning in the countries and within the framework of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Organizational development within defined goals, content, and budget
Contact with and contracts for host organizations, etc.
Contact with NMRS, EK-U, the Nordplus administration, national EU agenda coordinators, civil society, and the business community, among others
Communication and dissemination.

The management body appoints a main coordinator (1 full time equivalent), who is a coordinating focal point for NLL, responsible for the daily management of the network organization. Additionally, the main coordinator is responsible for developing NLL's organization within the defined goals, themes, and methods and preparing budgets and plans for host organizations and national contact points.

Furthermore, the management body appoints an administrative coordinator (1 full time equivalent), who support the main coordinator and a web editor (0.5 full-time equivalent), whose primary responsibility is to manage NLL's website and newsletter.

Host organizations

The composition and designation of host organizations in the Nordic countries, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are decided by EK-U to ensure a broad representation of stakeholders in lifelong learning. Host organizations should be supportive and engaged educational and knowledge environments within lifelong learning, such as authorities, educational institutions, adult education organizations, and labour market organizations. Host organizations are appointed for the entire programme period 2025-2030 but may be changed midway through the programme period.

National coordinators and contact persons

National coordinators in the countries are appointed in dialogue between the host organization, main coordinator, and the national EK-U member. The role of the national coordinator corresponds to 0.5 full-time equivalent.

Contact persons in the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are also appointed in dialogue between the host organization, main coordinator, and EK-U member. The role of the contact person corresponds to 0.25 full-time equivalent.

The coordinator/contact person is primarily tasked with the Nordic cooperation. However, the coordinator/contact person must also have extensive knowledge into the national field of lifelong learning and act as an ambassador for NLL and the environments they represent. The coordinators/contact persons' primary task is to promote dialogue and coordinate activities in accordance with the priorities and themes of NLL's business plan. Additionally, they must recruit members for the Nordic networks and collaborate with national reference groups, authorities, etc.

The main coordinator settles the budget and plan for NLL's national operations and annually follows up on them. NLL does not cover overhead costs in connection with the salary coverage of coordinators/contact persons.

Networks and working groups

NLL must establish and operate networks in the Nordic region across sectors and national borders.

It is the responsibility of the coordinator to ensure that the competences of the network contribute to fulfilling its purpose. This is achieved through targeted recruitment of members to ensure that the network as a whole possesses expertise in the subject matter and knowledge of the target group's needs. At the same time, the network must establish the necessary links both nationally and at the Nordic level and ensure the involvement of relevant environments and sectors. Individual network members are responsible for disseminating results and spreading Nordic experiences through their own organizations and networks.

As a rule, all Nordic countries should be represented in the network, and a balance between different sectors within both formal and informal adult education, working life, research, etc., must be sought. Furthermore, representation and diversity in the composition of the network is to be aimed for, as described in the section on cross-cutting perspectives.

The networks remain active until 2030, unless the mid-term evaluation indicates a need for establishing new networks or adjusting existing ones.

For tasks with a more limited timeframe, temporary working groups, expert networks, etc., can be formed.