Section 4: Forums and Networks

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There are a number of networks and forums in Devon and the South West that regularly bring together people from different organisations and communities; to share information, identify and discuss issues and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Devon County Council (DCC) ESOL Network

DCC’s ESOL and Engagement Team  have built a network of contacts with ESOL practitioners around Devon. Participants receive regular newsletters and we also organise training workshops and networking events to allow local ESOL teachers to meet and to share ideas.  

If you would like to be a part of our network and receive newsletters and invites to events, please email ESOL@devon.gov.uk

South West ESOL Network (SW Councils)

South West Councils hosts the South West Strategic Migration Partnership (SW SMP) which supports migrants at local, regional, and national levels. The SW SMP has a dedicated ESOL Coordinator who works to improve and increase ESOL provision and supports practitioners with training, resources, and professional development.

The SW SMP runs a well-established online ESOL Network, a community for practitioners to network, share resources, and receive updates on policies and best practices. The Network meets several times a year and features specialist presentations from ESOL practitioners and organisations.

The South West Council also runs other regional networks including the UASC Forum, SW HKBNO Welcome Hub, the Ukraine Network and more.

For more information and to join the ESOL Network and receive ESOL specific monthly email newsletters with upcoming events, online programmes, teaching and learning resources, funded offers, and more please contact info@swcouncils.gov.uk 

NATECLA South West Branch

NATECLA (National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults) is one of the UK’s leading experts on ESOL. In 2025, a South West branch has been launched, offering networking opportunities, access to free teaching and learning resources, invitations to free, monthly professional development workshops. Organisational and individual membership options are available.

To find out more about what NATECLA offer and details of how to become a member, visit https://www.natecla.org.uk/

Devon Faith and Belief Forum

Working together to promote better understanding and good relations between our communities. Devon Faith and Belief Forum brings together people from different faith and belief traditions to build a better society through promoting good relations, encouraging better understanding, and developing stronger bonds between our communities.

Equality Reference Group

Our Equality Reference Group supports the County Council’s work on equality and diversity by providing advice, feedback, ideas, and scrutiny. It symbolises the partnership of Devon County Council with the local community in its commitment to equality and includes members from various local organisations pressing for change. Equality Reference Group members from the voluntary and community sector are independent of the County Council, and Service Level Agreements are in place.

See more information on the website below or use the email address below to contact us.

Migrant Champions Network

The Migrant Champions Network is a network of local councillors from across the UK, and across different political parties, working together to fight for the rights of all migrants. The network aims to ensure that local communities have the resources they need to build strong connections and make the case for change. We exist to support the brilliant work being done by local councillors, Migrant Champions and others, to support migrant constituents and fight for the rights of all people who have moved to the UK, whether they moved by choice or by force. The network organises quarterly meetings, provides resources and trainings, and supports members to work with migrant constituents.

The network is non-party political, and is funded by the Oak Foundation (https://oakfnd.org/).

Police Community Reference Group

The Police Community Reference Group is a forum chaired by the Commander for each of the three geographical areas across Devon. The Commander and their Senior Management Team meet with members of the diverse communities they serve, to seek feedback and views on a range of policing matters, and to understand the impact which changes in policing practices may have across different sections of the community. This forum is supported by the Diverse Communities Team and the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Team.

Refugee & Asylum Seekers Network (RAN)

A local network, bringing together organisations working to support asylum seekers and refugees in the Plymouth area. Email Jabo Butera jabo@dbi.org.uk

South West Peninsula Inclusion and Ethnic Diversity Group for Social Workers

This is a regional networking group for local authority social workers across the South West including Plymouth, Torbay, Cornwall and Devon. Each authority has agreed to encourage and support attendance of social workers who are from an ethnic diversity group.

There is an opportunity to discuss and share experiences for those social workers who identify as being from an ethnic diversity group.  This can include the opportunity to explore challenges and common issues which can be faced by social workers. There is also the ability to share any key messages with Local Authority representatives. 

If you have any questions about the group please email DevProf@plymouth.gov.uk who will be able to answer your question or link you to a member of the group who can.

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