Project updates

Bedfordshire:

In the past, we referred some clients to MENTA to receive advice regarding their business plans. Now two of those clients jointly opened a takeaway in Bedford, offering Middle Eastern food. It is a family business which has employed many family members. Thanks to the advice and support received from MENTA, the two clients are happy with the business.

We found a volunteering position for a client in a mechanic garage, and now the client is studying a mechanic course at Bedford College. He told us he plans to open his own mechanic garage and also buy and sell cars because he will acquire the skills to do so.

Essex:

• Client A: I would like to sincerely thank the organisation for covering the cost of my recent OET exams. Your support has not only eased the financial burden but has also motivated me to give my very best and inspired the pursuit of my career as a nurse. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I truly appreciate your investment in my growth and future. I have received my results and I passed my OET exams. Thank you once again for your generosity and encouragement.
• Client B: I am writing to share some exciting news. I am delighted to inform you that I have successfully passed the PLAB 1 exam! This achievement would not have been possible without your generous financial support, and I am truly grateful for your kindness and encouragement. Additionally, thanks to your assistance, I was able to complete my clinical attachment last month at Colchester Hospital. The experience was incredibly valuable, and I gained a lot of practical knowledge that will undoubtedly help me in my future career. I have now booked my PLAB 2 exam for November 2025, which is the next step in my journey.
• Client C: I just wanted to sincerely thank you for the driving theory course you provided. Your clear explanations and supportive teaching style made the lessons both engaging and easy to follow. I truly appreciate your time and effort.
• Client D: I am pleased to share that I have taken the IELTS exam and achieved the required scores for registration at GDC. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful opportunity you provided me through the IELTS preparation course. The course was incredibly helpful and fully prepared me for the exam. It made it much easier for me to reach the scores I needed—an important step toward pursuing my career in dentistry. Thank you very much for all your support and guidance.

Cambridgeshire

I started classes at college on September 2nd for Pre-Access to Science & Nursing. I also started an online course on September 16th to prepare for the driving theory exam. Thank you for giving me hope that I can return to medicine.  Thank you very much for your help.

East of England LGA, Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP)

Employability for Overseas Nationals

Project Report Q1: April-June 2025

Overall project aim: We provide an intensive, wrap around model of support in our funded areas in the region with a focus on registering 365 clients (including at least 25 Hong Kongers and 25 Ukrainians) to provide general employment support to a range of overseas nationals. We also work with asylum seekers before a decision is made on their asylum claim to assist them with the transition if they are granted leave to remain in the UK.

Overview

Employability for Overseas Nationals (EON) – Local Government East started in November 2023 to meet the needs of clients who could not access other refugee employability programmes and followed on from Wellbeing and Work for Refugee Integration – EELGA SMP. EON is now funded in 2025/6 through 8 local authorities in the East of England as well as contributions through the Strategic Migration Partnership from the Hong Kong Hub and Ukraine funding assigned by central government (MHCLG).

1. Employment advisers’ activities delivered.

The employment advisers (EAs) continue to work hard in the areas where clients are eligible for EON. They continue to create/edit CVs as well provide advice on jobs, volunteering and further training. They also assist clients with advice and support for complicated application forms and cover letters. They refer to ESOL classes where appropriate. All clients have an action plan that is reviewed regularly. The EAs also refer to and chase up attendance at the classes provided under EON (IELTS, OET, driving theory and housing course). In Luton and Cambridge, the EAs have worked hard to build up local links and contacts where these did not previously exist. Referrals to the ENIC qualification equivalence service remains a core service, with 5 certificates of equivalence requested in the quarter. The Cambridge EA has assisted with transportation issues for clients registered for courses at Bedford college. The Luton EAs are visiting a range of asylum accommodation sites to work with new clients.

2. Successes, achievements and milestones delivered during this reporting period.

The EAs are establishing and maintaining close contact with clients, especially in new areas of focus, including using WhatsApp. In Cambridge the EA built up relationships with a new set of clients and will be able to work intensively with them over the next quarter. In Essex, clients are moving to job readiness and the EAs are actively supporting their applications. In addition, two nurses were referred to the high skills employment adviser. The increased capacity in Essex means that the two EAs are reaching more asylum-seeking clients in a range of locations whilst continuing with existing client meeting points, such as Southend. The work in Luton is gratefully received since asylum seeking clients require many of the services offered by EON.

3. Challenges experienced.

Language barriers between the EAs and clients persist in some cases with the use of translation apps being common where necessary.

The EAs need to follow up referrals to external training providers when no response is received. This can take up a lot of time.

Overall ESOL attendance remains an issue with some people not attending for a variety of reasons including limited IT skills and use of a smartphone rather than access to a device with a larger screen, which make accessing online classes a challenge.

4. High skills clients.

In total 48 clients transferred from EON 2024 and the High Skills Employment Adviser (HSEA) has worked with 28 of these in the first quarter.

In April the HSEA was involved in planning and preparing with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) a Medicine in the UK event, which was aimed at doctors from overseas and involved the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE). The aim is to provide support and guidance to overseas medics who are currently unable to practice in the UK. It also aimed to build a community of practice which could offer potential pathways for tailored support in the future.

This event featured valuable talks and guidance from experienced medical professionals from within and outside Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) such as GP leads and Breaking Barriers. 10 of our doctors attended with a follow up on further volunteer support. Clinical attachments as well as shadowing opportunities within Chelmsford and Cambridgeshire are also being explored. The HSEA has been involved in sharing our current opportunities and how this has helped our doctors; ongoing work and project pilots will be confirmed within the next few months.

After meeting with REACH (Refugee and Asylum Health Care Professionals Education) we will be added to their website for possible support within our region for healthcare.

We have been able to support 3 doctors and 1 nurse with OET exam fees  and other financial assistance; other clients continue to be advised and supported as required.

The HSEA delivered a Let’s Employ Refugees session to Refugee Action staff and we are now jointly planning to deliver a session to employers to reduce barriers for overseas clients when seeking employment.

Other developments include meetings with NHS trusts in Bedfordshire and Luton to work towards creating refugee volunteer opportunities within hospitals.

5. ESOL classes

During the quarter we were able to offer IELTS, driving theory and housing courses. 10 people started the IELTS preparation course, 14 driving theory and 16 housing courses. However attendance was disappointing for the housing course with only 7 attending up to the end of the quarter.

The IELTS learners are making progress but require more practice before they can take the exam. There is also a set of online materials for learners to follow and some take up that offer, but others do not. The current set of driving theory learners generally have lower English levels requiring additional support, but attendees are vocal and highly engaged. Housing course learners are progressing well even though the class is small.

Attendance remains a challenge in all courses including IELTS whereas this is exacerbated for driving theory and housing due to lower English levels and digital literacy issues. Higher-level driving theory learners can be frustrated by the slow pace required to cater for lower-level learners.

6. Feedback survey.

We received 14 responses (from 99 participants) to the quarterly feedback survey, 6 from Luton, 3 from Essex and 5 from Cambridge. Ratings are out of 5.

Our EAs have received excellent feedback. Here are some the individual comments:

Luton

I am satisfied with the support I have received from BRASS

Thanks very much everyone is perfect. I need help with applying for jobs please.

I am very grateful for the support I received from my employment adviser. They were attentive, respectful, and genuinely interested in helping me move forward. Their guidance helped me build confidence and explore job opportunities I hadn’t considered before. I truly appreciate their time and effort, and I feel more hopeful about my future. Thank you!

They were patient, considerate, and provided us with excellent support. We are very thankful for their time and efforts.

Sharifullah and Helena were very supportive and provided me with valuable information.

Essex

It is very good opportunity for me. I am happy.

Advisor Abdul has been incredibly professional and supportive throughout my job search journey. He provides valuable advice that has already improved my resume and boosted my confidence. I truly appreciate his guidance and feel well-supported as we continue working toward finding the right opportunity.

Cambridge

I am happy thanks for helping Lareb😊

At first thank you for your cooperation EON, specially from Lareb with patience she listened my opinions and help me.

7. Summary

Despite the fact that EON 2025/6 is available in fewer geographical locations (Suffolk, Essex, Luton, Cambridge and East Hertfordshire) than in previous years, the employment advisers (EAs) continue to work hard at reaching and supporting clients. Some of the EAs have fewer hours and are working in different locations. This includes working only in Luton rather than Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire and only in Cambridge City and East Cambridgeshire rather than Peterborough. It is challenging to build up networks in new areas as well trust with new clients. Nevertheless the EAs have reached a total of 99 new clients in the quarter as well as excellent feedback from the satisfaction survey. We are therefore on target to reach the planned client numbers this financial year. Although we are reaching Ukrainians in particular in Suffolk and Essex, it is important that we also focus on reaching Hong Kongers going forward in order to achieve the target of 25 for the year.

Connect To Work

The central team has attended many Connect to Work – GOV.UK events across the region this quarter. There are opportunities to link with this new programme that is just getting started, in particular in Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire. Although there will be Connect to Work projects in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk there appear to be few opportunities for us to participate in these areas. The central team is therefore assembling a training offer that could be used nationally for Connect to Work employment specialists to enable them to improve working with the eligible target groups that we are familiar with (refugees after a positive asylum decision, Afghans and Ukrainians).

We will continue to work flexibly to develop our services in response to the available budget, feedback on our funders’ priorities as well as the government’s policy and legislative framework.

Please direct any questions about this report to: Gill Searl at gill.searl@localgoveasteng.gov.uk or 07790 973101

Overall project aim: We provide an intensive, wrap around model of support in our funded areas in the region with a focus on registering 365 clients (including at least 25 Hong Kongers and 25 Ukrainians) to provide general employment support to a range of overseas nationals. We also work with asylum seekers before a decision is made on their asylum claim to assist them with the transition if they are granted leave to remain in the UK.

Overview

Employability for Overseas Nationals (EON) – Local Government East started in November 2023 to meet the needs of clients who could not access other refugee employability programmes and followed on from Wellbeing and Work for Refugee Integration – EELGA SMP. EON is now funded in 2025/6 through 8 local authorities in the East of England as well as contributions through the Strategic Migration Partnership from the Hong Kong Hub and Ukraine funding assigned by central government (MHCLG).

Despite the fact that EON 2025/6 is available in fewer geographical locations than in previous years, the employment advisers (EAs) continue to work hard at reaching and supporting clients. Some of the EAs have fewer hours and are working in different locations. This includes working only in Luton rather than Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire and only in Cambridge City and East Cambridgeshire rather than Peterborough. It is challenging to build up networks in new areas as well as trust with new clients but all of the EAs have now built these networks and are using them to the benefit of the clients. In the first two quarters of the 2025/6 financial year EON has already supported 236 clients (of which 45 are highly skilled) and therefore 65% of the 365 client target for the year. The numbers of Hong Kongers being reached is lower than planned so we will undertake focused efforts to reach Hong Kongers going forward in order to achieve the target of 25 for the year alongside the Hong Kong Hub.

1. Employment advisers’ activities delivered.

The employment advisers (EAs) continue to work hard in the areas where clients are eligible for EON. They continue to create/edit CVs as well provide advice on jobs, volunteering and further training. They also assist clients with advice and support for complicated application forms and cover letters. All clients have an action plan that is reviewed regularly.

EAs refer to ESOL classes where appropriate. The courses have been supplemented this quarter by a range of informal ESOL courses funded through the ELIP stream (see Section 5) and have proven very popular with clients. The EAs also refer to and chase up attendance at the classes provided under EON (IELTS, OET, driving theory and housing course).

In Luton and Cambridge, the EAs have worked hard to build up local links and contacts where these did not previously exist and these connections are proving valuable with new referrals coming through. In addition, the Suffolk EA has expanded his network of referral organisations and locations, which now include Felixstowe.

Referrals to the ENIC qualification equivalence service remains a core service, with 8 certificates of equivalence requested in the quarter.

2. Successes, achievements and milestones delivered during this reporting period.

The EAs continue to build up their expertise on working with clients and how to find and refer clients to appropriate training opportunities, including Access courses. Links with high skills clients have led to a wider range of training options and innovative solutions to help them return to their former careers. This also applies to referring or registering clients with a wider range of ESOL courses and English learning apps (Flash Academy).

Some clients, notably in Essex, have moved on from learning more about the job market to now actually applying for jobs. Since the EAs for Luton are also qualified immigration advisers they have also helped some asylum seekers apply for permission to work.

Clients have started volunteering and thus building up their skills relevant to future applications for paid work. In Suffolk this includes the FareShare food redistribution charity.

3. Challenges experienced.

The major challenge experienced over the past quarter was the unrest and rioting experienced outside hotels housing asylum seekers over the summer. For some time, it was not possible for our EA to attend The Bell Hotel, Epping. Indeed on the basis of risk assessments, face-to-face meetings in Essex hotels were put on hold. Clients themselves were very concerned about the activity taking place with some even leaving the hotel temporarily to stay elsewhere where this was feasible. The EA maintained contact remotely with clients during this difficult time. By September however it was possible to visit the clients in the hotel again.

Language barriers between the EAs and clients persist in some cases with the use of translation apps being common where necessary.

Overall ESOL attendance remains an issue with some people not attending for a variety of reasons including limited IT skills and use of a smartphone rather than access to a device with a larger screen, which make accessing online classes a challenge.

Unfortunately at the end of the period we were made aware that a key charity partner, HELP charity in Peterborough, has unexpectedly closed. The EA employed by them, Lareb Saleem, who works in Cambridge city and East Cambridgeshire, will continue working with us on a self-employed basis and will report directly to the EON project manager. Disruption to the clients and the project will therefore be kept to a minimum.

4. High skills clients.

Overall it was a very busy quarter for high skills clients with ongoing engagement with 45 people. The other services we offer also provided popular:

• Financial assistance for 2 clients,
• 1 client completed shadowing at a doctor’s surgery
• 2 clients are awaiting clinical attachments
• 1 doctor was linked with another medical client for informal mentoring for the PLAB exams
• 2 clients started access to nursing courses
• General employment advice, guidance on returning to practice and the production of new pathways to work were provided.

We delivered an online Let’s Employ Overseas Nationals workshop in collaboration with Refugee Action. 12 employers attended, the feedback was good and we are awaiting further connections. Ongoing connections with other employers to explore return to work pathways for our clients took place.

Lower-level medical English courses were offered to 10 clients who are not ready for the OET in order to improve their preparation to join an OET course at a later stage.

We continue ongoing partnerships and networking, including attending further meetings with NHS Trusts (Bedfordshire & Luton) who are working towards creating refugee volunteer opportunities at hospitals.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have supported 3 medical clients who have had interrupted studies upon arriving to the UK with enrolment to Medical Access courses. This had been a particular challenge in being able to obtain specialist advice for EON clients.

ARU is continuing to work on developing clinical attachments, GP placements in? line with our good practice experience with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

A GP surgery in Hertfordshire continues to offer shadowing for doctors, physician associates and nurses.

After meeting with various NHS colleagues from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, they informed us about the lack of opportunities available for our medical clients because there is an overall shortage of initial jobs for young doctors. They have offered support with possible opportunities by making contact with the haematology department.

5. ESOL

During the quarter we were able to offer IELTS, driving theory and housing courses. 30 people started the IELTS preparation course, 62 driving theory and 15 housing courses.

The IELTS learners are making progress with all of the classes at different stages of preparation with one course starting late in the quarter.

We altered the scheduling of the driving theory courses thus enabling learners to attend either morning or evening – or even both sessions.

Attendance remains a challenge in all courses including IELTS whereas this is exacerbated for driving theory and housing due to lower English levels and digital literacy issues.

Learners on the housing course are engaged and participating well but attendance remains an issue for this course too as does a range of English levels. The teacher and fellow learners assist the slower ones through a range of strategies.

The teacher also needed to encourage some driving theory learners who were disheartened by their mock test results.

In addition, the SMP has been awarded funding by MHCLG in the current financial year to build ESOL capacity and support informal English courses in the region under the English Language Integration Programme (ELIP).

This is a cross-cohort programme to strengthen and enhance ESOL language learning opportunities for resettlement cohorts across England, with a particular focus on Ukrainians and Hong Kongers.

The funding aims to support SMPs to deliver innovative ideas which will bring together English language learning and help to improve integration and cohesion. It was decided to award this funding as small grants to a range of charities and other VCSEs.

These new courses have proven to be very popular. The online courses filled up extremely quickly with Hong Kongers. Another round of online courses will be offered in January. Other ELIP classes are available face-to-face in various locations so we are encouraging all EON clients to participate in these classes where relevant for them. More information on the ELIP courses can be found on the SMP website: ELIP – Local Government East. The details of all courses available can be accessed from the above link.

6. Feedback survey.

To understand clients’ experiences with our service, we conduct a feedback survey each quarter. Clients are invited to rate their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 indicating ‘strongly agree’. The questions explore overall satisfaction with the service, whether clients feel listened to and supported, and the extent to which the service has helped them become more independent and settled in their community.

During this quarter, we received 33 responses to the survey. Of these, five are from existing clients who joined EON in previous years, while 28 are from new clients who registered with us in this financial year.

Our EAs have received excellent feedback. Here are some individual comments:

Luton

• They have helped us with many things, and both Mr. Sharif and Ms. Helena have continued to stay in touch with us even after we moved to another city. We sincerely thank them for their continuous support and wish them all the best in the future.
• […] I really appreciate the help I received, especially with preparing my CV and being referred to the Housing and Driving Theory courses. The experience was positive and helpful, and I am satisfied with the assistance provided. Best regards, Wael

Cambridge

• Special thanks for Lareb she helped me a lot and the way she treats me makes me feel good.
• Thank you very much for your support; I feel like it helps me to integrate into British society, slowly but surely. Thank you very much indeed.

Essex and SLC

• I am very much appreciate the support from Abdul, Chris and our group Teacher- Andrea! I am so much grateful for this opportunity to be supported by this wonderful and so needed organization! Thank you all for your hard work, attention to all of us students! The pathway of the integration in a new country is not an easy way – I am working on my language to be able to work as qualified specialist in NHS. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for everything that you do!

Suffolk

• Ahmed is always attentive and professional. Thank you very much for quickly resolving all issues!

Other feedback from clients and EAs:

Bedfordshire:

In the past, we referred some clients to MENTA to receive advice regarding their business plans. Now two of those clients jointly opened a takeaway in Bedford, offering Middle Eastern food. It is a family business which has employed many family members. Thanks to the advice and support received from MENTA, the two clients are happy with the business.

We found a volunteering position for a client in a mechanic garage, and now the client is studying a mechanic course at Bedford College. He told us he plans to open his own mechanic garage and also buy and sell cars because he will acquire the skills to do so.

Essex:

• Client A: I would like to sincerely thank the organisation for covering the cost of my recent OET exams. Your support has not only eased the financial burden but has also motivated me to give my very best and inspired the pursuit of my career as a nurse. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I truly appreciate your investment in my growth and future. I have received my results and I passed my OET exams. Thank you once again for your generosity and encouragement.
• Client B: I am writing to share some exciting news. I am delighted to inform you that I have successfully passed the PLAB 1 exam! This achievement would not have been possible without your generous financial support, and I am truly grateful for your kindness and encouragement. Additionally, thanks to your assistance, I was able to complete my clinical attachment last month at Colchester Hospital. The experience was incredibly valuable, and I gained a lot of practical knowledge that will undoubtedly help me in my future career. I have now booked my PLAB 2 exam for November 2025, which is the next step in my journey.
• Client C: I just wanted to sincerely thank you for the driving theory course you provided. Your clear explanations and supportive teaching style made the lessons both engaging and easy to follow. I truly appreciate your time and effort.
• Client D: I am pleased to share that I have taken the IELTS exam and achieved the required scores for registration at GDC. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful opportunity you provided me through the IELTS preparation course. The course was incredibly helpful and fully prepared me for the exam. It made it much easier for me to reach the scores I needed—an important step toward pursuing my career in dentistry. Thank you very much for all your support and guidance.

7. Connect To Work

The central team at the SMP has attended many Connect to Work – GOV.UK events across the region this quarter. There are opportunities to link with this new programme that is just getting started, in particular in Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

SEETEC won the contract for Suffolk and has already designated Suffolk Refugee Support as an important strategic partner. Discussions are ongoing as to what exactly this means for EON going forward.

The winner of the Essex contract is expected to be announced in early November so the next quarterly report will include how this could affect our work in Essex.

The invitation to tender has not yet opened for Cambridgeshire. Although there will be Connect to Work projects in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk there appear to be few opportunities for us to participate in these areas. The central team is therefore assembling a training offer that could be used nationally for Connect to Work employment generalist to enable them to improve working with the eligible target groups that we are familiar with (refugees after a positive asylum decision, Afghans and Ukrainians – Hong Kongers cannot participate in Connect to Work).

8. EON 2026/27

Once the Connect To Work situation becomes clearer and we have undertaken a budget review, we will start discussions on where the need for EON exists in 2026/27 and what funding will be needed for the 2026/7 financial year.

We will continue to work flexibly to develop our services in response to the available budget, feedback on our funders’ priorities as well as the government’s policy and legislative framework.

Please direct any questions about this report to: Gill Searl at gill.searl@localgoveasteng.gov.uk or 07790 973101

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