At Birmingham Citizens, we believe change happens when communities get organised, listen deeply to people’s experiences, and take public action together. Our recent success on English language education (ESOL) shows exactly how that cycle works.

Why ESOL matters

Between 2021 and 2023, we were listening across our alliance to understand the barriers people faced to good work. Again and again, people told us the same thing: they couldn’t access English language classes.

Some were stuck on waiting lists for years. Others lived miles away from the nearest course. Many were ready and eager to work, study, and contribute – but were left in limbo, unable to learn the language they needed to move forward.

From listening to action

In late 2023, our alliance marked its 10th anniversary with a major assembly of 250 leaders, joined by civic and political leaders from across the city. We shared stories from those locked out of ESOL and launched a powerful video capturing the scale of the problem. We asked Mayor Andy Street to act. He pledged to work with us to understand the issue more.

But we knew this was only the beginning.

Raising the stakes

In 2024, with the West Midlands Mayoral Election looming, we organised again. Over 600 leaders from across Birmingham Citizens came together for another assembly. More people stood up to share their experiences. This time, both mayoral candidates – Richard Parker and Andy Street – made concrete pledges to improve access to ESOL.

Negotiating change

After his election victory, Mayor Parker commissioned a full review of English Language provision. Our leaders were at the table throughout, shaping the asks and feeding in evidence from our listening campaign. The review confirmed what our members had been saying for years: the system was broken, and it needed reform.

A tangible win

This summer, the recommendations have begun to be put into practice. One of the most significant changes is that people who have been in the UK for less than three years are now eligible for all courses. Thousands of people who were previously excluded now have the chance to learn English, find work, and get on with their lives.

The cycle in action

For us, this win reflects the cycle we use again and again:

1. Organise – form a team, make a plan, train leaders.
   
2. Listen – hear people’s stories, identify issues and leaders.
   
3. Plan – shape workable solutions and identify targets.
   
4. Action – take public action to compel decision-makers to respond.
   
5. Negotiate – get around the table and secure change.
   

This ESOL campaign followed that cycle – from listening in neighbourhoods, to public assemblies, to negotiating with the Mayor.

More to do

This is a major step forward, but there is more work ahead. Thousands still face barriers to work and education, and ESOL is just one piece of the puzzle. For now, though, we celebrate the persistence, courage, and leadership of our alliance – proof that when organised communities act together, change follows.