Good education lies at the core of a successful democracy. The formal and informal structures and provision of education touch every citizen's life. The quality of front-line provision lies in the hands of hundreds of thousands of teachers, tutors, lecturers and other workers in education and care settings. Much of its governance is led and carried out by volunteers. Unions and professional associations, a critical part of the democratic jigsaw, play a leading role in shaping principles and practice. Regulation and inspection have an equally decisive role. The non-profit sector impacts more and more on provision for learners in a multitude of settings. The business sector is increasing significantly its stake in educational provision.

As the 21st century unfolds, government and policy makers need to draw on independent sources to ensure the national education system not only survives, but flourishes. Governments, by their very nature, cannot take a long-term strategic view.

In their turn, government agencies do not usually challenge the system or the orthodoxies which they have helped create. They do not propose options that might alienate their constituencies; nor do they always engage with the best international thinking.

The commercial sector has a vital part to play in the delivery of high quality resources for education. However, it cannot be independent of its profit motives.

NET seeks to improve the quality of education across the nation by contributing to contemporary debate, shaping new ways forward for education, providing innovative services, and making a difference to learners, in particular those who experience disadvantage. The Trust contributes, in policy and practice, to the debate about how public services in the 21st century are being delivered increasingly by the third sector.

From an independent perspective, the Trust works to influence and to foster practical partnerships with:

• families and community-based organisations
• early years providers
• state/independent schools and further education colleges
• youth, adult and continuing education
• higher education
• private and non-profit organisations providing education
• media organisations and NGOs.