The ESOL Equality Impact Assessment - the implications

NIACE policy briefing seminar Thursday 21 July 2011, NIACE Renaissance House, Leicester LE1 6TP 12:30pm to 3:40pm A half day seminar for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) providers, stakeholders and policy makers Background The Government has announced that an ESOL Equality Impact Assessment, is underway and John Hayes, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) Minister has confirmed that the result will be published before the summer recess. This assessment of the impact of the proposed funding changes on ESOL learners is likely to be significant. The proposed changes in ESOL funding are likely to have a serious impact on current learners, especially women. The Government plans to remove the discretionary Learner Support Fund (currently £4.5m). In addition, the change in the programme weighting from 1.2 to 1.0 and the introduction of fees may prevent many existing learners from progressing next September. This policy seminar, held immediately after the Equality Impact Assessment is released, will brief participants, consider the implications and will help to improve the broader impact of the proposals. Audience - All ESOL providers - Local and region policy makers and stakeholders Aim Participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of the BIS ESOL Equality Impact Assessment and government policy on adult learning Objectives -to examine the current policy context for ESOL -to critically analyse the proposed changes in ESOL funding - to examine the EIA and its implications for ESOL learners in all settings For further details and to apply for a place on line look up: http://www.niace.org.uk/campaigns-events/events/the-esol-equality-impact-assessment-the-implications Enquiries to NIACE Events Team on 0116 204 2833 or events@niace.org.uk