Our projects

Regional Language Network London has been involved in a wide range of project activity which aims to make businesses more effective and productive through better use of language and cultural skills. Read on for details of key projects, and contact us if you would like to know more.

Multilingual London

Making the most of community languagesOver 300 languages are spoken by London’s communities. RLN London is working hard to raise the profile of these languages, demonstrating the benefits to businesses and to London's residents as well. Our work to date has included a launch event and report, as well as a series of case studies which show the career opportunities that Community Language skills can bring with all kinds of different employers in the Capital. We have also brought together a handy factsheet which gives a snapshot of the languages Londoners speak.

Heathrow Talking to the World

Heathrow Talking to the WorldRegional Language Network London completed a major language skills audit at Heathrow airport, funded by London West Learning and Skills Council and facilitated at the airport by BAA. The survey 'Heathrow Talking to the World' was conducted across a range of key frontline workstreams at the airport and was published in March 2005. Building on the recommendations of the report, RLN London co-ordinated a series of taster sessions in six languages attended by 60 employees at the airport in March 2006.

Read the full report (pdf, 847kb) Go

Read the summary (pdf, 166kb) Go

Managing in a Global City

Managing in a Global CityWith one in four Londoners coming from an ethnic minority group and resident communities in the capital from over 90 countries, London's employers need to engage and interact with staff and customers from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. To support employers in meeting this challenge, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) London Central commissioned the Managing in a Global City report produced by Regional Language Network London, supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages. The report identifies intercultural skills training needs for managers and supervisors in key Central London service sectors.

Read the Executive Summary (1.3MB, PDF) Go

To find out more about 'Intercultural Skills for Working in a Global City' contact us info@rln-london.com

Language in the Construction Industry

A simple guide to clear communication This research, published in March 2004, looks at communication issues in the context of health and safety, which affect construction companies when employing non-English speaking site workers. It was managed by CILT, the National Centre for Languages and involved 25 construction companies across nine London sites.

 

Download the report (295KB, PDF) Go

Download the simple guide to clear communication produced by CITB-ConstructionSkills (55KB, PDF) Go

The London Language Plan
Making a difference to London's public services

Inequality of access to healthcare and other public services for non-English speakers is an issue of particular concern in London. Regional Language Network London - supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages - in 2005 conducted the first phase of 'The London Language Plan' which aims to set guidelines and minimum standards for language support services across the capital's public sectors.

Find out more Go