Tools and guides

Good PLE mirrors the practices of the commercial world in putting a lot of effort into understanding its customers. Successful PLE initiatives have clearly defined audiences, groups of users or participants - this targeted approach helps ensure that the PLE being delivered actually achieves what it sets out to do.

PLE providers often have very specific goals in mind when they undertake their work - and the PLE delivered may aim to help with a life issue such as divorce or eviction, or focus on a particular group in society, such as young people or black and minority ethnic communities.

Good PLE materials make sure they are able to explore the issues in a person centred way; by thinking through the barriers that people might face. For example, someone might be worried or anxious about their situation due to stigma or embarrasement. They might be confused about who to talk to and what their rights are. They may also need to understand the range of options available to them and the practical things they need to consider to make sure they can chieve the best outcomes.

The resources we have chosen provide some good practise examples in producing PLE resources and cover a range of topics and activities from awareness raising to self-help.