The VALUE (Volunteering & Lifelong Learning in Universities in Europe) Networkcomprises 20 organisations representing Universities (Unis), Volunteering Organisations(VOs) & networks/associations (from both sectors) from 13 European countries. Itsprincipal aim is to both facilitate & stimulate the development of cooperation betweenUnis & the volunteering sector in the delivery of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL) tovolunteers/VO staff – that is: flexible learning opportunities & accreditation pathwaysthat respond to both formal & informal learning gained through volunteering activities.Both VOs & Unis have their own sectoral European networks but none bringing the 2sectors together. There is however:a) isolated pockets of excellent practice in collaborative workingb) high demand amongst the 2 sectors for such a network - as demonstrated bythe breadth of partnershipc) a range of literature from the Uni sector emphasising the need for institutionsto respond more effectively to non-traditional learning & to build partnerships for LLL, &from the VO sector emphasising the need for more systematic recognition ofvolunteering skills/knowledge to enhance the volunteer’s life, educational & careeraspirations & achievement.Unis & VOs bring complementary strengths: Unis their expertise/ experience indevelopment of flexible accreditation & pedagogic structures & VOs their sophisticated& wide-ranging engagement with EU citizens from every walk of life irrespective ofbackground or educational attainment. It is estimated that there are 100m volunteerscurrently working across the EU (ref. CEV statistics). Both sectors already collaboratesuccessfully & VALUE will further develop this in terms of volume & quality.It will do this by:a) presenting & exploring models of cooperation & illustrating good practiceb) building a web based resource kit to support such activitiesc) producing a report on VO-ULLL partnering in 12 partner countriesd) organising a final conference for VOs, Universities & learners to shareexperiences.The Network includes VOs & Unis with experience of partnership working & novicepartners wishing to develop such cooperation. Experienced partners will aim to diversify& innovate collaboratively, & novice partners will start to explore new cooperativearrangements.