In many areas communication and mutual understanding between migrant workers and other local residents needs to be improved. There is confusion about responsibilities and entitlements; advice, information and guidance for both front line staff and for migrant workers can be limited. Local arrangements for teaching English to adults rarely match local demand. Interpretation and translation arrangements are not always adequate. Good communication promotes cohesion and integration. Where rumours and myths replace accurate information and explanation they contribute to tensions between individuals and communities.
Agencies need a range of approaches. In any one area there will be individuals who have arrived with very different pre-existing levels of knowledge about living and working in Britain and of the English language, and who intend to remain for very different lengths of time. Their needs will vary and different methods of communication will work best with different individuals. For example, for a predominantly young and relatively mobile migrant population, communication through the internet, mobile phones and word of mouth via other workers may be more effective than more traditional written material.
Existing residents, employers and service providers will also have differing levels of experience at living in a diverse community and at employing and providing services for a diverse and rapidly changing group with different levels of competency in the English language.
Further information
Research shows a strong link between residents' satisfaction with their council and how well the council keeps them informed. This IDeA resource contains professional advice and case studies to help spread good practice and save time and money.
IDeA's Connecting with communities project.