The Forum for Access and Continuing Education (FACE) facilitates the exchange and dissemination of information and practices in lifelong learning and widening participation to higher education. By promoting collaboration and innovation between providers and practitioners, FACE aims to support and encourage a socially inclusive framework for lifelong learning, challenging exclusion and fostering full participation. As a large multi-sector network we play a key role as a pressure group, service provider, staff development forum, national policy shaper, information service and event organiser. FACE membership has grown rapidly over the years reflecting the changing boundaries of lifelong learning practices in HE and beyond. It has developed into the largest network of its type in Europe with growing national and international partnership arrangements. In turn, the FACE annual conference have become a major event in the higher education diary, bringing together practitioners, senior managers, policy makers, researchers and many others concerned with lifelong learning and access to HE.