<%@ Register tagprefix="RLN" tagname="Search" src="/system/includes/incSearchBox.ascx" %> <%@ Register tagprefix="RLN" tagname="Photo" src="/system/includes/incLeftPicture.ascx" %> <%@ Page Language="VB" ContentType="text/html" ResponseEncoding="utf-8" %> About RLN

About the RLN

RLN NW is a not-for-profit limited company established in June 2007 in order to take forward into a new phase the work carried out by the original Regional Language Network North West.

Mission Statement

Improving business in the North West through language skills and cultural development.

Who we are

We are the Sector Skills and Productivity Alliance (SSPA) for languages, 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 has now matured and as a result of this (and also of recent changes in funding) several RLNs, including RLN NW, have become independent entities.

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