The safety of refugees has come under significant strain in recent years. Recent policy developments have led to the closure of 50 Asylum Hotels and organisations dedicated to safeguarding refugees are currently navigating a complex landscape, significantly influenced by recent legislative changes and an evolving global context. This landscape is notably marked by the introduction of the Illegal Migration Act in July 2023, raising concerns about access to asylum and the implications for those seeking refuge in the UK. This act, which bars individuals who arrive irregularly from presenting refugee protection or other human rights claims, represents a pivotal shift in the UK’s approach to asylum and refugee support. Despite these changes, charities local councils and schools have continued to make progress in providing comprehensive support for all refugees, aiding in linguistic and mental health provisions. This commitment to continuous and sustainable safeguarding has been pivotal in highlighting points of improvement and success in supporting those who are vulnerable. It has ensured programmes are updated and actions are taken to provide a carefully reinforced path for refugees.

• According to the Refugee Council, while asylum seekers receive housing support from the Home Office, this assistance ends almost immediately after they are granted refugee status, leading to significant risks of homelessness and destitution.
• The Refugee Council also reported a decline in the number of people receiving protection through resettlement schemes, with only 766 individuals granted such, a decrease of 45% from the previous year.
• A 2023 report by the National Audit Office revealed that around 30% of local authorities in England were consistently failing to report data on homelessness related to the Homes for Ukraine scheme to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

Join us at this one day online conference to engage with the latest safeguarding initiatives and policies being implemented across organisations and councils to support and empower refugees. The conference will address key challenges, including providing accessible and inclusive healthcare to refugees and asylum seekers, specialised support for female refugees and providing safe and secure housing for refugees. This is a vital opportunity for cross-sector collaboration, to learn from experts, and to build upon innovative approaches to enhance safeguarding policies for refugees.

Why attend:
• Hear high-level keynotes on the latest initiatives at charities, councils, and schools from across the UK
• Learn from case studies showcasing best practice in protecting refugees from financial exploitation and physical abuse, training staff in safeguarding policy, and providing enhanced support through partnerships
• Network with senior colleagues from various sectors
• Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota.