About the RLN

The Regional Language Network (RLN) provides language advice, information and resources to businesses and individuals in the West Midlands.

We work to promote the importance of foreign language skills and cultural understanding in today’s globalised society. This website explains the services we offer to businesses, language professionals, the education sector, individuals and our partners.

Our Objectives:

  • To raise skills levels in the workplace by showing the benefits of using foreign languages and being culturally aware
  • To show businesses that they can increase exports and improve their performance in international markets by developing a successful foreign language and cultural strategy
  • To show individuals that learning language skills can lead to increased employability and broader career options
  • To help language service providers to get the most out of their profession


A regional strategy for language and culture

Following a regional audit (pdf - 890KB) which concluded that West Midlands businesses were missing out on international trade opportunities due to language and cultural barriers and there were not enough young people studying languages, Advantage West Midlands together with their regional partners and CILT, the National Centre for Languages, developed the West Midlands Language Strategy. Find out more about the strategy...

An action plan has also been developed, which outlines how the strategy will be implemented. Find out more about the action plan.

Our Networks

RLN WM is one of twelve Regional Language Networks across the UK and is supported by CILT, the National Centre for Languages. For more information about the other Regional Language Networks visit www.cilt.org.uk/rln

Meet the RLN West Midlands team