MESH Regional Networking Event: Exploring ESOL and Devolution

Exploring ESOL & Devolution: Combined Authorities and the development of ESOL provision in Yorkshire & Humber

The MESH team are delighted to invite you to our spring Regional Networking event. Please join us for a morning of stimulating discussion and networking opportunities focused on migrant learners and ESOL delivery in Yorkshire and Humber, followed by Lunch and an opportunity to network with colleagues from across the region.

The landscape of ESOL delivery in England is changing. In an increasing number of areas, responsibility for ESOL delivery through the Adult Skills Fund (formerly AEB) is being devolved to Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs). Many MCAs are developing increased flexibility in their support for ESOL, in response to local needs. A recent report published by the Bell Foundation and AoC, Supporting ESOL in Devolved Authorities, emphasises that there are opportunities for the development of localised frameworks, working with providers and other stakeholders to ensure that ESOL demand is met in a more nuanced and context-sensitive way.

In Yorkshire & Humber we have two established MCAs with a developing programme of support for ESOL, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The York & North Yorkshire MCA is currently in process of moving towards responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund including support for ESOL. Other parts of the region including East Yorkshire and N/NE Lincolnshire are part of recently formed new MCAs. In this rapidly changing landscape, it is vital that the full range of ESOL providers, tutors and other stakeholders in the region are included in conversations about how support for the sector may develop.

We would love to welcome you for this MESH ESOL Regional Networking event. We will explore possibilities for developing ESOL in the new landscape, and provide the space for discussion of both the concerns of ESOL tutors & providers and the aspirations of our emerging MCAs. Please join us and make sure your voice is heard!

Agenda:

10:30 Introduction and updates: The MESH team

10:45: Alastair Feeney, Bell Foundation Policy and Public Affairs Officer: An Overview of MCA approaches to ESOL

11:00 Sara Patel, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Project Lead - Skills for Work & Life: Support for ESOL in West Yorkshire

11:15: Ryan Hunt, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Senior Development Manager – Skills: Support for ESOL in South Yorkshire

11:30: Roundtable discussion

11:45: Break

12:00: Combined Authorities & ESOL workshop - how can Combined Authorities best support and develop ESOL delivery in Yorkshire & Humber?

12:45: Plenary discussion

13:00 Lunch

Our summer Networking Event is at the Function Room, St Georges Conference Centre, 60 Great George St, Leeds LS1 3DL. Visit the Centre Website for more information.

Lunch will be vegetarian. Please let the MESH team know BY 26TH JUNE 2025 if you have any dietary restrictions by emailing us at info@yhmesh.org.uk.