About Glasgow ESOL Forum

Glasgow ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Forum was created in 1998 by ESOL practitioners. The original aim was to identify and promote examples of good practice and to enable discussion and support for those working in the field – but our work has evolved since then as the organisation has grown.

Our Strategic Plan 2018-2023 shows how we hope to aim to build on our expertise and values. It shows how we aim to respond to the needs of ESOL learners in Glasgow until 2023.

We are excited to introduce our new strategic plan soon!

Our Vision

We see Scotland as a place where non-native English speakers have the language skills and confidence to live fulfilling lives.

Our Mission

We provide accessible and relevant ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learning opportunities for adults, supporting integration, employability and personal development.

We support ESOL practitioners and learners to have their views heard.

We welcome all non-native English speakers, including asylum seekers, economic migrants and members of settled communities.

Our History

1998: Glasgow ESOL Forum created by a group of ESOL practitioners
2000: Glasgow becomes a dispersal city for refugees arriving in the UK, awaiting an asylum decision
2002: Volunteer Tutor Project launched in response to an increase in demand for ESOL and volunteers willing to offer their skills
2004 Glasgow ESOL Forum becomes a charitable incorporated organisation
Glasgow ESOL Forum develops PDA ESOL Literacies qualification in partnership with Learning Connections
2006: ESOL for Work project launched to create partnerships with employers to support ESOL learners in the workplace, funded by the Scottish Government Equalities Fund
2007: The Adult ESOL Strategy for Scotland is launched by the Scottish Executive
2009: Glasgow ESOL Forum becomes an SQA-accredited centre
2014: Scottish Government’s first strategy on refugees is launched – New Scots refugee integration strategy, focusing on partnership working.
2015: Scottish Government launches its revised ESOL strategy ‘Welcoming Our Learners’
2016: Glasgow ESOL Forum secures Scottish Government funding to support our Volunteer Tutor Project with a national focus on volunteers in ESOL delivery
2016: Glasgow ESOL Forum contributes to ESOL partnerships in Glasgow towards the launch the Glasgow ESOL Register to improve the process of applying for ESOL classes
2018: Scottish Government launches New Scots Refugee Strategy (2018-2020) with an additional theme of ‘language’
2020: Glasgow ESOL Forum moves its ESOL provision online so that learners may continue accessing classes safely. We recruit a Digital Coordinator to assist us in this work and deliver devices and MiFi to learners across Glasgow.
2021: Glasgow ESOL Forum begins delivery of the SQA PDA ITESOL: Introduction to Teaching ESOL.
2022: Provision returns to the community classroom and new classes are opened in Knightswood, Anderston and Bridgeton.

Address

Red Tree Business Suites
33 Dalmarnock Rd
Bridgeton
Glasgow
G40 4LA

ESOL in the Community Project:

Jaclynne Smith
Development Worker
jaclynne@glasgowsol.org

Volunteer Tutor Project:

Fergus Andrew
Senior Development Worker
fergus@glasgowesol.org

Dinushriya Spybey
Development Worker
dinushriya@glasgowesol.org

Vikki Rowland
Development Worker
vikki@glasgowesol.org

© Copyright 2024 Glasgow ESOL ForumWeb Design By Toolkit Websites