Over the past year, NIACE staff have been guided and advised by a group of 11 dynamic and well-informed commissioners, led by Lord Boswell of Aynho, in conducting an independent inquiry into the state of adult literacy in England. Lord Boswell is well equipped for this role and passionate about the issue. As well as being a former minister for education, his wife was a literacy tutor and he has employed people whose lives were positively affected by developing their literacy skills. The resulting report, launched on International Literacy Day, 8 September 2011, at the British Library, is entitled "Work, Society and Lifelong Literacy." The author stresses that the experiences of other countries suggest that there are some essential truths about what makes for successful adult literacy policy and practice. Attending to them is not only economically desirable, it is a moral imperative. The author suggests that one must train teachers; engage with families; and ensure that the most disadvantaged people in the society are encouraged, supported and offered opportunities. The responsibility for this rests not just with government but also with providers of adult literacy learning, civil society organisations, employers and adult literacy teachers; it is a collective responsibility.