Insights into service delivery in a hostile, uncertain policy environment

Key Messages:

• Government policy and operational changes are creating new needs amongst asylum seeking and refugee communities: 89% of organisations are seeing new needs and impacts due to government policy / operational changes

• Government and media narrative about asylum and refugee issues is impacting local community dynamics: 64% of organisations believe the narrative is leading to people having more polarised views - i.e. more far right groups and hostile actions observed, as well as more offers of support and solidarity

• Most organisations (65%) are actively trying to resist or respond to government policy and to counter the hostile narrative used: National, community and faith based organisations are cited as key allies in these efforts.

• Organisations are under immense stress to manage increased demand for services: New needs and more service users means that many organisations are stretched beyond capacity. Homelessness and lack of housing are the top operational issues.

• Safeguarding is an increasing concern: Almost half of organisations have seen a significant increase in safeguarding issues and risks, mostly related to homelessness, destitution and suicidal ideation.

• ‍Staff and volunteers in the sector are experiencing huge pressures: 32% of organisations are struggling with staff wellbeing, compared to 7% of organisations surveyed in June 2022.

The most urgent operational challenges / stressors experienced by organisations are:

1. Increased demand in services, exceeding organisational capacity
2. Large numbers of people given refugee status and asked to leave their accommodation at very short notice
3. Increased homelessness
4. Issues securing long term funding
5. Lack of legal aid solicitors
6. Lack of staff and volunteers as service needs increase
7. Supporting staff who are struggling with the increased demands and the political rhetoric
8. Failings and poor practice of Home Office contract providers

Please download the bulletin to read the detailed findings and experiences of organisations.

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