Last week, we were extremely proud to launch our latest research report, ‘Strength in Words’, which explores the barriers people in work face when trying to access ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision.
For many migrants gaining access to ESOL can be difficult. At the same time, people from migrant communities with lower English proficiency often encounter several challenges navigating day-to-day life, such as accessing healthcare and other services, engaging with schools if they have children, and securing good quality housing.
Our research explores the barriers to accessing ESOL faced by those in work and investigates how ESOL providers and employers can respond to these challenges. Through surveys and interviews, we aim to provide deeper insights and share alternative ESOL models.
The research launch took in Parliament and was a great success. It featured an inspiring speech from Helen Hayes MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and Chair of Education Committee, alongside speeches from the High Trees CEOs, Anna Coffey and Grace English, and Senior Researcher, Harry Jenkins. As well as excellent contributions from our panellists Diana Sutton from The Bell Foundation, Ayo Akande representing the Greater London Authority and David Hale from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Events like these present the opportunity for conversations about potential new ESOL models and working together to improve access to ESOL for those in work!
Read our research here.