Who We Are

Who We Are

East Birmingham Community Forum (EBCF) is a not-for-profit organisation with over 30 years of experience supporting people across Birmingham through training, education and career guidance.

We began in 1992 through a collaboration of local grassroots organisations and the East Birmingham Task Force. The goal was simple: to create a community space where local people could access support, learn new skills and find opportunities. That mission still guides everything we do today.

We work in some of Birmingham’s most deprived inner-city areas including Washwood Heath and Ladywood, offering support from our centres and through outreach in the community. Our focus is on helping people gain confidence, build skills and take steps towards a better future.

Through our Adult Education Budget (AEB) contract, we offer fully funded courses to help people upskill and prepare for work. We are also a trusted partner of the National Careers Service (NCS), offering one-to-one support with job searches, CV writing, interview preparation and career planning.

Our learners come from all walks of life. Many are women, parents, refugees or individuals who have not had access to education or employment in the past. We support them to take the first step and build momentum towards real change.

Our Journey

A timeline of our journey so far

1992

EBCF established to serve local communities through employment, training and advice services.

2003

Started delivering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) through Connexions support for young people.

2007

Awarded National Careers Service (NCS) contract, providing IAG services for adults and young people.

2008

Delivered the Working Neighbourhood Fund project, helping local people move into employment and training.

2009

Launched Alternative Youth Provision (Sahaara School) for excluded 13–16 year olds

2017

EBCF became a Prime Contractor for the Adult Skills Budget

2024

Awarded Adult Education Budget (AEB) contract, delivering free courses in Birmingham and Sandwell

2025

Awarded Ofsted ‘STRONG’ in all areas

2026

Awarded all pillars on the WMCA ‘Flexible Procurement System’ enabling delivery across all levels of learning

Our Team

Meet The Team!

Shafayet Khan
From Language Teacher to Career Builder
Zaighum Sharif
Strengthening Career in Care with the Right Training
Jamie Hall
From Learner to Salon Owner
Saika Parveen
From Learner to Salon Owner
Suliman Khan
From Learner to Salon Owner
Shirley Etheridge
From Learner to Salon Owner
Naqash Khan
From Learner to Salon Owner
Ruksana Bi
From Learner to Salon Owner
Kristi Jukes
From Learner to Salon Owner