RLN North East ¦ RLN North West ¦ RLN Yorkshire & The Humber ¦ RLN East Midlands ¦ RLN West Midlands ¦ RLN East ¦ RLN London ¦ RLN South East ¦ RLN South West |
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Regional and National Language Networks Project
As part of its response to the independent Nuffield Inquiry report into language needs for the UK for the next 20 years, the DfES contracted with CILT, the National Centre for Languages to 31 March 2007, subject to an annual review, to develop Regional and Language Networks ([R]LNs). The development of these has proceeded at different speeds in the different regions and nations with core funding from the DfES, initially providing a half time Manager in each region. Managers have now been appointed in all regions of the UK, in some cases working with a team funded by other stakeholders, such as Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the UK Trade & Investment offices and Learning and Skills Councils within the regions.
This financial commitment followed recommendations from Language Skills Capacity Audits in the regions and the recognition of the need to to develop the international communications skills of exporting and internationalising companies.
In the Nations:
The relationship of the Language Network Wales with CILT Cymru was strengthened through the co-location of a Wales Manager in Cardiff with CILT Cymru, to the satisfaction of the Welsh Assembly Government. The Language Network Wales is now fully integrated into the work of CILT Cymru, the Welsh National Centre for Languages.
Northern Ireland has now committed to the formulation of a Language Strategy and Language Network Northern Ireland linked to Northern Ireland CILT (NICILT) will be actively assisting with its formulation.
Language Network Scotland is well established and maintains a strong working partnership with Scottish CILT (SCILT).
Partnerships
Strategic links with key intermediary and provider partners, such as UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Learning and Skills Councils (LSCs), the Chartered Institute of Linguists, Institute of Translation and Interpreting, Business Links, Higher and Further Education bodies, Specialist Language Colleges and schools, have been reinforced at national level and underpinned by consistent and continuing partnership activity at regional level, including the funding support mentioned above.
