Refugee Integration Programme

The Refugee Integration Programme coordinates the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in the Yorkshire and Humber region, and aims to improve the way refugees and asylum seekers are supported to become independent and integrated members of their new neighbourhoods and communities.

The Refugee Integration Programme began in 2007 and is a three year programme. It is funded by Yorkshire Forward, and delivered by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership.

What does it do?

The Programme has three key roles:

• Writing and implementing the refugee integration strategy for the region: ‘Finding Sanctuary, Enriching Yorkshire and Humber: Integration Strategy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Yorkshire and Humber 2009-2011’. You can download a copy of the strategy and action plan, and a summary of consultation responses, from our refugee integration strategy page.  
• Working strategically with partners to ensure the successful integration of refugees across the region.
• Providing information, data and research for the development of policies, strategies and project delivery.

What are its key priorities for this year?

This year the Programme will focus on:

• Working with regional partners to implement the Refugee Integration Strategy and Action Plan.
• Establishing a new structure and coordinated strategic approach for refugee integration across the region.
• Supporting the development of local refugee integration strategies.
• Developing projects to fill gaps in existing provision.

Who is involved?

The Refugee Integration Manager at the Regional Migration Partnership coordinates the Programme, and reports quarterly to the Refugee Integration Group, which includes:

• Local Government Yorkshire and Humber
• Refugee Council
• UK Border Agency
• Yorkshire and Humber Integration Network Chair
• Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership
• Yorkshire Forward

The Refugee Integration Manager also reports regularly to the Yorkshire and Humber Strategic Migration Group.

Over 40 regional organisations are signed up to the Integration Strategy Action Plan.

More information

To find out more, use the links on the left hand side of this page [near the top] or contact Dave Brown, the Regional Integration Manager. You can find Dave's contact details on the right hand side of this page [near the top]. Full contact details for the Regional Migration Partnership are available on the Contact us page.

See also

• The YHRMP reports page links to reports produced by the Programme.
• To read about different perspectives on integration, and join in a discussion, go to our blog.
• Refugee Integration and Employment Service [RIES]
• Links: communities - integration, cohesion and equality