Council support for non-UK workers

The Herefordshire Council is keen to offer support, guidance and signposting to newcomers to the county, be they from other parts of the country or from abroad. A number of initiatives are in place to do this, including:

1. WelcometoHerefordshire.com

   This website is a collaboration between Herefordshire Council and West Mercia Police, and it went live on 1 April 2006. Available in English, Polish, Russian and Portuguese, it provides guidance, information and signposting on local services. It aims to give a realistic picture of what life is like in the county for those who are new to Herefordshire, or are thinking of moving here. It includes details of local community groups, places of worship, British culture and law, schools and adult education, housing, leisure, and much more.

2. Drink Driving Cards and Posters

   The council’s Road Safety Team has produced a campaign called The Basics. This uses posters and a leaflet, which folds to a pocket-sized credit card, carrying basic information on safe driving in four languages - Portuguese, Polish, Russian and English. It includes information on the penalties that can be incurred by speeding, drink or drug driving, or using a mobile phone while driving. It also lists the documentation needed in order to drive legally in the UK and gives useful contact numbers.

3. Reflective Waistcoats

   A fatal road accident in 2005 illustrated the fact that for many seasonal workers working on Herefordshire farms, the main method of transport is walking, often along narrow and sometimes dark country lanes. The Road Safety Team tackled the issue with information leaflets and posters and, innovatively, reflective waistcoats, which have been provided to several migrant and seasonal workers in the county.

4. Languages and Translation

   There are now numerous languages spoken in Herefordshire, and sometimes this can be a challenge for public organisations. As an authority, we are committed to providing equitable access to information and services, and we will therefore provide any of our documents or literature in alternative languages upon request, free of charge. We will also provide free interpreting for customers who need to communicate in their own language.

   Sometimes it can be difficult for Council staff to even recognise what language is being spoken if a customer can speak no English. So a language identification poster, listing 24 languages, is displayed in every public reception area. 

          We have established Herefordshire's Language Network to make the best use of the skills of local people, and cut down on the
          cost to local organisations of providing these essential services.

Contact the Corporate Diversity Team on 01432 260216 for more information, or e-mail diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk.