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Dear Colleagues Brace, brace, brace! The global health crisis is rapidly deteriorating into a massive economic crisis. We learned this week that 600,000 jobs in the UK were cut between March and May. The Universal Claimant count in Bristol has increased by 46% since March, for young people by 81%, for people over 50 by […]
Dear Colleagues Jane gave me a tough act to follow when she asked if I would become “Guest Editor” of her weekly briefing. If anyone has a Zoom meeting with Delyse Taylor, they may well notice a tally chart on the wall above her right shoulder. The keeps a count of how many weeks we […]
An interview with Adam Saleh, Apprentice, Employment Support Team, Bristol City Council.
Dear Colleagues This week there has been a very emotional uprising against racism and discrimination against Black people and communities, sparked by the death of George Floyd, killed in police custody in Minneapolis. Last year, the whole ESL team had a positive experience of equality training with the Black South West Network when we discussed […]
Dear Colleagues Just before we had to lock down in response to Covid 19, the City Council’s ESL Team was awarded the Department for Education Matrix quality standard for information, advice and guidance (IAG). This was a fantastic result and a great achievement for the whole ESL team, worthy of a dedicated spotlight this week. […]
Colleagues Today I received a note from Anne Day, a truly remarkable and treasured Training Officer who is soon to be retiring after a 14 year career with the On Site Team. Anne has kindly written a short piece which captures the deep commitment and amazing work of all the Training Officers – working together […]
Dear Colleagues We’ve heard today that one of the biggest problems we will face when the Covid health risks diminish and social distancing measures relax is fear. Many people will have lost confidence to mix with other people, being suspicious of strangers, resulting in higher rates of social isolation, anxiety and depression. So this week, […]
Dear Colleagues Adult and community learning is a vital lifeline for learners on lockdown and will be even more important as we plan for recovery. With unemployment expected to rise as a result of the pandemic, supporting Bristol residents to learn new skills and retrain remotely will be an essential part of the city’s economic […]
Dear Colleagues There’s just been an announcement that lock down is extended for another 3 weeks, so here’s an opportunity for us to continue to find new ways to provide useful and relevant services remotely. A massive ‘shout out’ to Hayley this week who has been pushing forward the Bristol WORKS offer in partnership with […]
Dear Colleagues This week I’ve been blown away by the new connections being made and the creative use of digital technology for remote working. It just goes to show you can’t lock down the human spirit! I’m now part of the One City Economy Board and, Darren and Paul and I have also joined the […]
Dear Colleagues Firstly a massive ‘shout out’ and ‘thank you’ to you – please take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back and a ‘high five’. This challenging week has brought out the very best of everyone in the ESL team and there have been countless amazing examples of the strong values […]
Dear Colleagues This briefing is coming out later than planned due to the pressures of urgent Covid-19 related actions that have been juggled this week. I wanted to say how impressed I have been with the way everyone across ESL has dealt with unprecedented and historic events this week. You have all shown real courage […]
