Language, Life, and the Right to Understand

This event spotlights the lived experiences of recent migrants navigating language barriers and explores how to bridge the gap between existing services and the real-world needs of Birmingham's diverse communities.

Opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, the event incorporates panel discussions, academic presentations, artwork exhibition, and interactive polling to showcase achievements and identify challenges. Through the event, we aim to uncover practical strategies to improve access, equity, and efficiency in English language support services.

Whether you're shaping policy, delivering frontline services, conducting research, working with migrant communities, or directly using such services, you voice is vital. Let's come together to share insights and co-create solutions that truly resonate for a better Birmingham!

Programme

9:30am Welcome and Registration with Refreshments

10:00am Opening Keynotes
Led by Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE

10:20am Panel 1

• Chair: Joe Spencer-Bennett, University of Birmingham
• Andy Hoole, Director of Migration Policy and Practice
• Asma Malik, Independent Researcher of Asylum Seeking
• Pauline Desch, Head of Faculty ESOL & Languages, Birmingham City Council
• Steven Bayliss, Head of Partnerships and Development, Refugee and Migrant Centre
• Georgina Tinker, Outreach Coordinator, BIRCH Network

11:30am Individual Presentations          

• Chair: Kamran Khan, University of Birmingham
• Pip McKnight, University of Birmingham
• Lucia Lerma Parra, University of Birmingham
• Kyle Turakhia, University of Birmingham

12:30pm Buffet Lunch
Artwork Exhibition (Community Arts Project UK)

1:30pm Panel 2

• Chair: Jing Huang, University of Birmingham
• Jenny Phillimore, University of Birmingham
• Max Saunders, University of Birmingham
• Winifred Ekezie, University of Aston

2:30pm Further Collaborations in Research and Practice
(Live Poll)

3:00pm Wrap Up and Social with Refreshments

3:30pm End