English Language Skills

Everyone who works at MMU is expected to be able to communicate effectively in English in order to carry out their job role and duties. However, from time to time, the need to improve English skills may have been identified by a member of staff and their manager.

As well as any mentoring support that may be offered in the workplace, the following external provision is also available:

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

The Government's nationally recognised course for the development of English language skills is called English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). There are ESOL courses throughout the UK and advice is available to help you choose the right course for you.  For free advice call the Get On helpline. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, seven days a week.

Get On helpline: 0800 100 900

Advice in other languages

You can also speak to an advisor in the following languages:

Farsi - 0800 0931116
French - 0800 093 1115
Gujarati - 0800 093 1119
Punjabi - 0800 093 1333
Polish - 0800 093 1114
Somali - 0800 093 1555
Sylheti - 0800 093 1444
Urdu - 0800 093 1118
Welsh - 0800 100 900

The helplines are available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday.

Learning English on-line

You can also access information about learning English on-line (including news, webcasts, quizzes and message boards for learners of English across the world) at the following link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/ImprovingYourSkills/DG_10037499

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course

Evening classes are provided at a small cost by the Languages Department. Reduced staff rates are available.  For more information and to book/register your interest, go to:

http://www.hlss.mmu.ac.uk/languages/evening-classes/

Courses run over 10 weeks, with classes lasting 1 ½ hours each. The focus is on learning practical (rather than academic) language.

Please note that these are open classes, and if you have friends or relatives who might benefit, feel free to share this information.

The need to improve the ability to communicate in English skills at work would normally be identified through the PDR process and have been recorded on the PDR record form. Applications to attend training should be made in the usual way using the University Staff Development Application Form. Line managers should consider any requests for time-off or funding to complete English language classes in accordance with the University's Professional and Personal Staff Development policy and the supporting document 'Funding for Professional and Personal Staff Development'.