The economic recession continues to put extra pressure on community relations. In light of this it is vital that the UK gets its policies right – and implements them– to ensure that communities flourish and that refugees don’t find themselves scapegoated as unwanted migrants.
The conference provided an opportunity for discussion of effective integration policy and practice, focusing on four critical areas: housing, volunteering, education and employment, and children and families. Conference delegates heard from experts from leading organisations in these fields and worked together to frame recommendations.
The Conference Report (PDF) gives a comprehensive overview of the event summarising the presentations and workshop feedback sessions from the day.
The Conference Recommendations document (PDF)outlines the key points formulated on the day which have been sent to UKBA for consideration and comment.
Speakers:
Gemma Juma, Acting Head of Policy, Refugee Council
Donna Covey, Chief Executive, Refugee Council
Akoi Bazzie, Community Development Worker, Gateway Resettlement Programme, Refugee Council
Phil Woolas, Minister of State for Borders and Immigration
Caroline Davey, Deputy Director of Communications Policy & Campaigns, Shelter
Sian Greenhead, Project Manager, TimeBank
Chris Badman, Volunteer Development Coordinator, Refugee Council
Chris Taylor, Development Officer, The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE)
Kim Maynard, Acting Senior Policy Officer, Barnardo’s
Kate Geldhill, Children's Service Manager, Waltham Forest Children's Rights Service
John Wilkes, Chief Executive, Scottish Refugee Council
Adam Sampson, Chief Executive, Shelter
Alan Tuckett, Director, NIACE
Helen Walker, Chief Executive Officer, TimeBank
Julian Walker, UK Director of Policy & Research, Barnardo’s
Trevor Phillips, Chair, Equalities and Human Rights Commission
