Refugee Integration and Employment Service - Yorkshire and Humber
The Refugee Integration and Employment Service [RIES] is a scheme to help new refugees become better integrated members of British society, and in particular to help them access employment. The strong emphasis on employment reflects the different needs of refugees in the region: many refugees have a lot of experience and qualifications, but find these aren't recognised in the UK, while some have no formal qualifications or may require additional support to find work.
RIES began in this region in October 2008, and in the first year and a half 1,290 refugees have taken up its offer of support.
RIES is funded by the Home Office, and delivered in this region by a number of local councils and voluntary sector organisations, with the central contract being held and managed by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership.
What does it do?
RIES provides individual support for refugees after their asylum claim has been accepted and Home Office support stops. It also provides longer term support to help the refugees settle in and learn more about life in the region and the UK. RIES is open to people granted refugee status or humanitarian protection on or after 1 October 2008.
RIES support is divided into three services:
- Advice and Support Service
- Employment Advice Service
- Mentoring Service
For more information about these services, see the RIES - Yorkshire and Humber page on our A-Z of organisations.
What are its key priorities for this year?
This year, RIES will focus on:
- Developing RIES to deliver effective services to refugees across the region.
- Working with partners to develop stronger employer input into RIES.
Who are its members?
The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Migration Partnership is the lead partner in RIES and manages the regional contract. The other partners in RIES are:
Hull City Council
Kirklees Council
Leeds City Council
Northern Refugee Centre [NRC]
Refugee Education and Training Advice Service [RETAS]
Refugee Council
Sheffield City Council
These partners meet together in an operational steering group to oversee delivery.
More information about RIES
Sara Buck, RIES Project Manager
Phone: 0113 395 2439
Email: sara.buck@leeds.gov.uk
Peter Cresswell, RIES Project Support Officer
contact Peter for queries about refugee eligibility
Phone: 0113 395 2436
Email: peter.cresswell@leeds.gov.uk
Dave Brown, Refugee Integration Manager
Phone: 0113 395 2437
Email: david.2.brown@migrationyorkshire.org.uk
See also
Page last updated: 17/06/2010 12:33:08
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