The Language Network online meeting Saturday 27th April 2024

*   Clare    *   Mark    *   Yvonne    *   Ian    *   Sacco    *   Kathleen    *   Patricia    *   Sally    *   Hilary    *   Karen    *   Greg     *   Lynda    *   Rachel    *   Debbie    *   Christine    *   Sue
Attendees

Highlights

*   Mark noted that some members would be absent due to vacations.

*   The agenda included discussing updates on the relationship between the Language Network and Language Network Services,         membership of TLN, access to the blog, a new website mock-up, and separate entities of Training People,
     the Language Network, and Language Network Services.

*   Greg provided an update on the Language Network Services (TLNS) and its distinction from the Language Network (TLN).
    He explained the historical context and current functions of both entities.

*   Greg also discussed the BEST test, its management by TLNS,
    and the relationship with the Franco-British Chamber of Commerce.

*   There was a discussion about the CPF (Compte Personnel de Formation) and certification of tests like the BEST test.

*   Ian shared information about a transcription tool called TicTaq, used to write this meeting summary.

*   Ian presented a mock-up of the new TLN website, which includes features like a blog,
    member map, and potential for online courses and webinars.

*   The group discussed membership fees and the possibility of standardizing them at €75 per year.

*   There was a proposal to have a stand at the upcoming TESOL Spring Day to promote TLN and the BEST test.

*   The group discussed the importance of honouring Claire’s memory on the new website.

*   There was a conversation about how members can contact each other,
    with suggestions like LinkedIn and creating a group on an alternative platform to WhatsApp.

*   Linda mentioned inviting Geoff Jordan to a future Watchdog meeting for a friendly discussion.

*   The meeting concluded with plans to send out updated membership information
    and to have another update meeting at the end of May.

Agenda

Agenda Overview

Updates on Language Network and Language Network Services

Membership Drive for 2024

Website Mock-up and Blog Access

Update on Training People

Information on Qualiopi and BEST Test

Questions and Discussion

Agenda Overview:

    *   Mark outlined the agenda, including discussions on vacations, recording the session, transcription tools,
        updates on the language network, and membership information.

Updates on Language Network and Language Network Services:

    *   Greg provided an update on the Language Network Services (TLNS) and the Language Network (TLN),
         explaining their historical background and current status.

    *   TLNS is now focusing on commercial activities, particularly managing the Best Test.

    *   TLN remains a nonprofit organization for teachers, managing the blog, membership, events, and training sessions.

    *   Training People was set up to handle training activities and is ‘Qualiopied’.

    *   Greg mentioned the need to clarify the roles of each organization and the ongoing legal review of their statutes.

Membership Drive for 2024:

    *   Discussion on opening the membership drive for 2024 and sending out membership forms.

Website Mock-up and Blog Access:

    *   Ian shared a mock-up of the new Language Network website, which includes a news page, interactive map,
        and potential for a tribute page for Claire.

    *   The blog’s password protection was removed to allow public access,
         and there’s a possibility of transferring blog content to the new website.

Update on Training People:

    *   Mark discussed the distinction between Training People, the Language Network, and the Language Network Services.

    *   Training People is Qualiopi certified and handles CPF contracts, among other things.

    *   A new hire was mentioned to comply with the law requiring a percentage of contracts to be with salaried employees.

Information on Qualiopi and BEST Test:

    *   Greg shared information about the Best Test and its management through TLNS.

    *   He mentioned the need for examiners and contributors for the test
         and the potential for expanding its reach to new schools and clients.

    *   Greg also discussed the possibility of creating a new website for the Best Test.

Questions and Discussion:

    *   Various questions were raised about the updates,
         including the need for clarity on the separation of entities and the process for membership fees.

    *   The idea of having a TLN stand at the upcoming Spring Day was proposed.

    *   The group agreed on a membership fee of €75 going forward.

    *   There was a discussion on how members can contact each other,
         with suggestions including LinkedIn and creating a group on a platform like Framasoft.

 

                                                          Action Items

*   Mark will work with Lucy to send out membership forms and bank coordinates for the 2024 membership drive.

*   Ian will continue working on the website, and will consider transferring blog content to the new site.

*   Greg will check with a lawyer about the possibility of changing the name of the Language Network Services to Best Services.

*   The group will consider having a stand at the Spring Day event and will enquire about the cost.

*   Mark will send out a form related to Qualiopi that needs to be signed by the Stagiaire before training begins.

*   The group will consider creating an organigramme to visually represent the differences between TLN, TLNS,
      and Training People.

*   A follow-up meeting will be scheduled for the end of May or early June to provide further updates.

And here you can watch it for yourself... enjoy!

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