About the RLN

RLN NW (aka Regional Language Network North West) is now a virtual advice and signposting hub - the legacy of all the work and projects developed since its inseption in 2001 and during its various phases.

improving through languages

 

Mission Statement

Helping (business) people in the North West to improve through language skills and cultural development.

Who we are

We are the only body in this region with the dedicated remit to influence and advise on the strategic development and embedding of languages, with relevant know how and expertise to support employers and providers in its implementation.

What we do

We can provide you with information and advice on all language related matters. We will also direct you to appropriate language provision, according to your need.

Language providers in this region include

  • Educational Institutions - schools, colleges, universities
  • Private organisations - translation and interpreting companies, language centres, specialised recruitment companies
  • Language Professionals - individual translators, interpreters, cultural consultants, language trainers

The Early Years

The original Regional Language Network North West (RLN NW) was the first Regional Language Network to be established in England (in 2001), as part of a UK wide network, created by the Language National Training Organisation, now CILT, the National Centre for Languages.

Until March 2007 RLN NW was hosted by the University of Salford, within the School of Languages. It was mainly funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), with seed funding from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

This UK wide network matured and as a result of this (and also of recent changes in funding) several RLNs, including RLN NW, became independent entities. In the Norh West we established a not-for-profit limited company, which traded from June 2007 until September 2011 to carry out the work and develop a series of projects to support business and connect them to language service providers, also to support the education sector mainly focusing on career related activity and encouraging young people to see the relevance of languages in the world of work. This was developed successfully in partnership with local businesses.

CILT, the National Centre for Languages "promoting a greater national capability in languages"

CILT, the National Centre for Languages, was formed in 2003 from the merger of the Centre for Information on Language Teaching & Research and the Languages National Training Organisation (LNTO). CILT seeks to promote a greater national capability in languages, supporting and developing multilingualism and cultural skills in all sectors of society.

The organisation serves education, business and the wider community with specialised, impartial and quality assured information services, expert advice and guidance as well as support for professional development. It manages major national initiatives in support of the National Languages Strategy, and works closely with national partner organisations across the UK and on the regional level through its (Regional) Language Networks ((R)LNs).

Visit the CILT website

back to the top