ESOL Pathfinder

1
ESOL Pathfinder

• Research Topic
• To investigate whether Language / Cultural
  Awareness training will enable frontline staff to
  deal more appropriately with a wide range of ESOL
  learners.

2
Working with JobCentre Plus

• Initial Objectives
• To identify issues and barriers faced by JCP
  staff when dealing with speakers of other
  languages
• To offer focused language and cultural awareness
  training to frontline staff
• To establish channels of communication between
  ESOL and JCP staff

3
Aims of the Training

• Cultural Awareness
• To raise awareness of the issues affecting
  refugees and asylum seekers in the UK
• To dispel some of the myths relating to refugees
  and asylum seekers
• To raise awareness of the needs of speakers of
  other languages
• To consider cultural variables e.g. personal
  space, body language, behavioural norms
• To provide useful factual information regarding
  support organisations

4
Aims of the Training

• Language Awareness
• To raise awareness of issues involved in
  communicating with people whose first language is
  not English
• To introduce some techniques for checking
  understanding
• To reflect on cross-linguistic / cross-cultural
  communication
• To consider the impact of ineffective
  communication on the customer and advisor

5
Evaluation

• Advisors identified the following benefits
• Better understanding of the asylum process
• Greater awareness of language and cultural issues
• Realisation of barriers faced by second language
  speakers
• Strategies for support in initial interviews
• Knowledge of organisations offering support
• a great deal of information needed to carry out
  my job effectively

6
Evaluation

• Requests were made for
• Further sessions to include input from speakers
  of other languages
• More information on cross-cultural issues
• Establishment of mentoring programmes
• Training for mentors
• System to facilitate ongoing liaison between ESOL
  Tutors and JCP Advisors

7
Immediate Outcomes

• JCP advisors organised information sessions for
  ESOL students interested in forthcoming JCP posts
• Customers needing short intensive English for
  Work courses identified by JCP
• Focus group with customers to identify specific
  language needs
• Course designed by ESOL Tutors and JCP staff
• JCP advisors involved in ESOL residential course
  Preparation for Work
• Action Plan drawn up for future collaborative
  work
• Links with Ethnic Outreach workers established
• JCP Basic Skills Managers attended ESOL providers
  meeting to clarify procedures

8
Further Outcomes

• 75 of JCP Advisors returning evaluation 6 months
  on identified longer term positive impact on
  their work
• Triangular relationships established for Customer
  Support
• Language and Cultural Awareness Training pack
  disseminated via national Pathfinders forum
• Training was adapted and delivered to other
  college staff (DISC, library, Student Services,
  Customer Support, key teaching staff across the
  college and Business Training Staff)