Eurocities Employment Working Group visit Bristol
In November 2025, we welcomed delegates from the Eurocities Employment and Skills Working Group to Bristol.
Over 30 guests from 15 cities in 10 European countries were invited to Bristol to complete a Critical Friend Review – a process in which delegates asked questions of our service in order to share learning and help us grow.
The first part of the two-day visit involved presentations from city leader Councillor Heather Mack and committee chairs Councillor Andrew Brown and Councillor Christine Townsend. The councillors briefed delegates on Bristol’s current situation regarding employment and skills, the challenges we’re facing and our hopes for the future.
The group also enjoyed an update from Working Group Chair Eva Darell and an introduction to ESL by Head of Service, Jane Taylor.
The group was then split into four groups, each covering a different service area that they would be reviewing:
- Achieving inclusive employment for Disabled People and those with Health Conditions
- Supporting unemployed and NEET young people into education, training and employment
- Engaging with employers to improve the skills pipeline in construction and green skills
- Supporting migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, so they can progress to employment and thrive in their community
On the second day, the groups were taken to different sites around Bristol where our ESL service is having an impact, to conduct their interviews.
This included visits to:
- WorkWell West at the Wellspring Settlement Site
- The Youth Guarantee in South Bristol
- Building Bristol and On Site Bristol in Temple Quarter
- The Community Learning ESOL offer in the city centre
During these study visits, delegates were briefed on the service and its programmes, introduced to stakeholders and service users, and given the opportunity to ask questions.
We are delighted to report that the delegates were impressed with the dedication of our team, our creative practices around utilising funding, and our collaborative approach to helping our citizens into employment, education or training.
A huge thank you to all Eurocities delegates for travelling to Bristol and sharing your expertise with us. We hope you enjoyed visiting our city and will be back soon.
You can read the full Critical Friend Review report here: Eurocities Employment WG Critical Friend Review Nov 2025
