Transcript
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee ActionInvolving refugee volunteers
GLV November 2014
In
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee ActionWho we are
Our beliefs
We believe in human
rights. We believe in
fairness and equality.
We believe that no
one seeking asylum in
the UK should be left
destitute
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee ActionWho we are: Five goals
• All refugees will have a means of
survival
• The UK will have a fairer asylum
system
• Refugees will be part of our
society
• Refugees will be able to thrive
• Refugees will have a better
prospect of finding work
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee Action services
We have 6 offices across the UK with over
180 staff and 200 volunteers. Last year
volunteers gave over 25,000 hours to
Refugee Action
• Gateway protection programme for
refugees
• Choices voluntary return programme
• Well being projects
• Campaigning and Influencing
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
- An asylum seeker is a person who has made an application to the
Home Office for asylum under the Refugee Convention and is
waiting for a decision
- A refugee is a person who’s application has been successful and
has been granted asylum, and permission to live in the UK for a set
period
Refugee Convention means the United Nations Convention Relating
to the Status of Refugees 1951 and the 1967 Protocol
What’s the difference between an asylum
seeker and a refugee?
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Can asylum seekers volunteer?
In April 2014 the Home Office agreed to
change its guidelines on asylum seekers
and volunteering, following a successful
campaign by Refugee Action
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s
ystem/uploads/attachment_data/file/2994
15/Permission_to_Work_Asy_v6_0.pdf
The changes mean that no one can be
excluded from volunteering because
they’re claiming asylum. People claiming
asylum, including refused asylum
seekers, can now continue to volunteer
across charities and the public sector – in
schools, hospitals and for local council
run services such as libraries, leisure
centres and parks.
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Volunteer roles in Refugee Action
London
Volunteers roles in our London office :
• Community Outreach
• Casework
• Admin
• Head office placements with HR,
Finance
• Research
We have a target of a third refugee
volunteers
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Why do refugees volunteer?
To improve employability
To gain experience of the UK
work place
To address isolation and
loneliness
To improve English language and
practice speaking English
To ‘give something back’
Asylum seekers are not allowed
to work so volunteering is a way
to stay active and contribute
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee Action
One big reason refugees volunteer is to help find work
Try and link refugee volunteers to local employment mentoring schemes, or do something in-house
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee volunteers bring:
Cultural awareness about
people from their country
or region
Language skills
Empathy and experience as
they have been through the
system
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Refugee volunteers bring:
• Diversity, experience, and
fresh perspective to your
team
• Links to their
communities
• Typically refugees bring a
very high skills set – and
a high level of education
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Other considerations
• Refugees may have no experience of the UK work environment –so it’s really important to give a proper induction
Paying out of pocket expenses is really important – many asylum seekers and refugees are on a very low income but would not want to discuss this and would not be familiar with recognised good practice
Refugees have been in a
powerless position during
their asylum journey &
may need to be enabled
to feel they can say no, be
assertive, complain about
something that’s not right,
or even give suggestions
or feedback
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Other considerations
For refugees with lower levels of English think of creative ways to overcome this egbuddying up with someone in the office with the same language skills who speaks better English; roles where less English is needed; speak in clear English language
• Make sure you reach refugees by advertising your services & opportunities to Refugee Community Organisations and other places refugees may see them eg places of worship, ESOL class, as well as to your local volunteer centre
• Try and also have roles for people with lower skill sets
Taking action, changing lives 2014 – 2019
Other considerations
• DBS can be a challenge but review and enhance your recruitment process including: risk assessments; thorough interviews; self disclosure form pending DBS replies; non-DBS roles; do you really need a DBS for the role?
Don’t forget refugees are
carrying their refugee
experience – as well as
their bravery and
resilience there will be
times when refugees will
need extra support; try
and include wellbeing in
your volunteer support
programme.
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