Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion. Consultation Events

DIUS consultation: Focusing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) on Community Cohesion Consultation events for organisations involved in outreach provision. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) is currently consulting (until 4 April) on proposals to focus ESOL funding more specifically on fostering community cohesion and integration in our communities. The consultation document can be viewed at www.esolconsultation.org.uk . NIACE is pleased to be working with DIUS to support the consultation process, and has agreed to hold three events for organisations involved in outreach work that supports learners and local communities with English language needs. The events will bring together the voluntary and community sector, ESOL providers and relevant agencies, in a process that will help to shape the future direction of ESOL funding policy. Friday 14 March 2008, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Leeds Monday 17 March 2008, 10:00am to 1:00pm, London Wednesday 19 March 2008, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Birmingham The aim of the events is to provide an opportunity for participants to comment on the proposals outlined in the consultation document, and provide feedback that will assist DIUS in thinking about a range of issues around focusing ESOL on community cohesion, including: · Identifying national priority groups for funding · Aligning local authority planning and LSC funding to meet community need · Outreach provision and the voluntary and community sector · Quality and training · Employer engagement Participants are encouraged to view the consultation document prior to the events. Hard copies will be available at each venue. Please complete the form at the link below and return it to Gurjit Kaur in our Conferences Team by Monday 10 March 2008. http://www.niace.org.uk/documents/DIUS-ESOL-RSVP.doc