1. Scotland’s ESOL Conference 24 November 2009 Mhoraig Green and Lorraine Cook Strategic Migration Partnership

2. Political lobbying organisation for local government in Scotland The representative voice of Scotland’s 32 local authorities Promotes local governance and the perspective of local authorities COSLA Strategic Migration Partnership: –Policy focus on migration issues generally –Supports local government to develop a strategic response to migration –Works with different spheres of government (Scottish and UK) to develop a tripartite approach to migration Role of COSLA

3. Strategic Migration Partnership Strategic Migration Partnership’s Vision To work across the spheres of government in Scotland and with other key stakeholders to ensure that Scotland is a welcoming place for new migrants, and to support the retention and integration of people in a way that helps meet our country’s demographic needs.

4. Strategic Migration Partnership Our work is focused on Migrants from the European Union (particularly the accession states) Migrants entering the UK through the Points Based System People seeking asylum Refugees Victims of immigration crime, such as the victims of trafficking

5. Strategic Migration Partnership Development of ‘citizenship’ requirements ESOL requirements introduced for British Citizenship applicants introduced in 2004, and Life in the UK test introduced 2005 Concept of ‘Earned Citizenship’ introduced in 2008 Earned citizenship framework established in Borders, Citizenship & Immigration Act 2009

6. Strategic Migration Partnership Development of ‘citizenship’ requirements Earned citizenship based on the principle that ‘British Citizenship is a privilege which must be earned, providing mechanisms to speed up or slow down the journey towards settlements’ –Borders, Citizenship & Immigration Act 2009

7. Strategic Migration Partnership Development of ‘citizenship’ requirements The 2009 Act introduced a period of probationary citizenship The route to citizenship can be accelerated through a demonstration of active citizenship The route to citizenship can be slowed down or stopped altogether by criminality The Government has committed to implementing the changes by 2011.

8. Strategic Migration Partnership ‘Earning the Right to Stay’ Consultation Over the summer UK Border Agency has sought views on how to build upon and strengthen the principle of earned citizenship. The key proposals made in the consultation are: –Introducing a points test for citizenship –An enhanced role for local authorities in delivering earned citizenship; and –Mechanisms for supporting integration

9. Strategic Migration Partnership Points Test for Citizenship A flexible system to control the number of people progressing to probationary citizenship. Attributes that should attract points (e.g. earning potential, qualifications, shortage occupations, English language, location, special merits). Points deducted for failure to meet integration requirements.

10. Strategic Migration Partnership New roles for local authorities in delivery Build upon the Nationality Checking Service model and provide a ‘check and send’ service for applicants –This could include verifying active citizenship Provide advice and signposting coordination service Host orientation days Continue to organise citizenship ceremonies

11. Strategic Migration Partnership Promoting integration Requirement for applicants to meet English and Knowledge of UK Life at both probationary citizenship and British citizenship stages. Two-stage tests are based on information relevant at each stage Two-stage test requires a higher standard of English for the second stage Mentoring schemes and orientation days New stakeholder group to aid development and implementation of integration strategies

12. Strategic Migration Partnership Discussion Topics The Points Based System – what should attract or deduct points? The local authority checking services The two-stage requirements for ESOL and Knowledge of Life in UK –Should testing require a higher level of English at the second stage? –How could tests be linked to Scottish ESOL qualifications? What should orientation days involve?

13. Strategic Migration Partnership Team Contacts Derek Mitchell, Policy Manager derek@cosla.gov.uk Lorraine Cook, Policy Officer lorraine@cosla.gov.uk Mhoraig Green, Policy Officer mhoraig@cosla.gov.uk