The ESOL Equality Impact Assessment – the implications

[Background] [Aims] [Objectives] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

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.

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Aims

Participants will increase their knowledge and understanding of the BIS ESOL Equality Impact Assessment and government policy on adult learning.

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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.

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Programme

12:30  Arrival and registration (tea/coffee and sandwich lunch available)

13:15  Welcome and introduction to the day from the Chair
          Alastair Thomson, Principal Advocacy Officer, NIACE

13:30  The ESOL Equality Impact Assessment – a briefing
          Alastair Thomson, Principal Advocacy Officer, NIACE

14:00  The ESOL Equality Impact Assessment
           – an analysis of the proposed changes and implications for learners
          Chris Taylor, Programme Manager and Lead Officer for ESOL, NIACE

14:15  Discussion groups
          Identify and share potential opportunities and problematic areas

15:00  Feedback

15:15  Next steps and closing comments
          Chris Taylor, Programme Manager and Lead Officer for ESOL

15:30  Close of seminar and networking (tea/coffee available)

15:40  Depart

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Event Information

Arrival and registration is at 12:30pm for a 1:15pm start. The event will end at 3:30pm

Event fee per person: £85 (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee)
NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.

Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed
NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.

Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person)

Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration

Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions

If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact:

events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

Event:           Thursday 21 July 2011

Closing Date: Thursday 7 July 2011

Cancellations are non-refundable

The full fee is payable prior to the event Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event

A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille

Places are to be reserved online – scroll up and click on Apply Now

Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted

Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail

Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event

NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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