The strong interest from within the sector for self-improvement and continuous development at this year's ELT Management Conference in Manchester on 4 - 5 March 2011 is further evidence of the positive impact and wash back effects of the UK's national accreditation scheme, Accreditation UK. Two highly-respected inspectors and senior representatives of the Accreditation Unit will be leading sessions designed to help member centres to continue to improve their performance, efficiency and service.  

We are happy to inform all members of English UK that IATEFL is holding a Pre-Conference event on Friday, 15 April 2011 starting at 10.00am.

Please note you do not need to attend the main event to sign up for this day. To download further information please click here.

Furthermore, IATEFL is hosting an "English for Specific Purposes Special Interest Group" Pre-Conference event on the same day. Please click here to download the programme of speakers and talks for the day.

English UK is delighted to announce that the British Council is hosting a couple of fantastic seminars in March. The first session out of three, "Unplugging (with) the coursework", will take place in Glasgow on Tuesday 8 March followed by the second session held in London on Tuesday 15 March with the title, "Special Needs and Inclusive Learning - Celebrating and Working with Difference". The last session on the topic of "Café culture in ELT: the importance of reading for pleasure", will be held on 22 March in Brighton.

In today's world, where change is so constant and challenges need managing, an organisation can only reap the full benefits of good management if everyone is committed and skilled enough to cope.

English UK member, United International College (UIC), won a presigious ELTon UK Award for Innovation last night for their 'Communication Station', a part of their English programme that sees students broadcasting a radio programme. A delighted Dan Humm Soriano, accompanied by David Wilkins and Ben Glynne, collected the award from host Jeremy Harmer.

It has been announced that popular jazz quartet, Marley Chingus, will provide the entertainment at this year's English UK ELT Management Conference in Manchester. The locally-based quartet are regarded as being among the best jazz musicians in the North West and delegates will be looking forward to dancing the night away.

If you're an ELT Management Professional, then Manchester on 4 - 5 March is THE place to be! Unlike the NBA London series being held on the same days, the real slam dunks and action will all be taking place further north at the English UK ELT Management Conference.

Dramatic cuts in student visa numbers being proposed by the Government would not only damage the UK's economy and higher education sector but also fail to meet targets for lower migration, according to two authoritative new reports.

English UK is pleased to announce that the final confirmed programme for the 2011 ELT Management Conference is now available to view. This two day event features an excellent line up of speakers and sessions including the keynote plenary from motivational expert Martin Robert Hall (www.martinroberthall.com) and a wide range of management-related seminars from leading industry experts.

For more details, download a copy of the programme overview here.

The British Education Travel Association (BETA) has commissioned a study to highlight the volume and value of the inbound UK youth, student and educational travel market.

They would like members' help to complete a short online survey, which can be accessed here. The deadline for completion is 2 March 2011. Your thoughts and opinions will add great insight into their analysis of the sector.

Northumbria School of English is celebrating after winning the top prize at North Tyneside Business Forum's first ever Lions' Lair event.

On Tuesday 8 February, the Immigration Minister, Damian Green, appeared before the Home Affairs Select Committee to discuss potential policy changes to UK student visas.

Following the cross-sectoral press conference and Home Affairs Select Committee meetings last week, the Financial Times has published editorial about opposition to the Government's proposals to introduce tighter rules for student visas.

Around 70 universities, colleges and private English language centres travelled to Brighton to give evidence on student visas to a special session of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Witnesses travelled from as far away as Wales and Leicester to appear before the Committee's only open session to be held outside Westminster during its scrutiny of the Government's proposed changes to student visas.

English UK was the first organisation called to give evidence at the Home Affairs Select Committee's investigation into the Government's proposed visa changes. Questions from the committee members ranged over the issues of bogus colleges, language levels, foundation courses and accreditation schemes.

English UK is inviting applications to speak at this year's English UK Business English Trainers' Conference on Saturday, 14 May 2011 at International House in London. The annual event is held in association with Business English UK and is supported by Cambridge ESOL. Sessions need to be interactive and reflect the latest ideas and issues in the world of professional English training. Click here for further details or go to the Training Section of our website.