Our strategy, Stronger Together
We believe in a fair and compassionate asylum system in the UK - one that treats people with dignity, strengthens communities and reflects our shared values of compassion, justice and responsibility.
To make this happen we have four big goals:
- Public support for a fair and compassionate asylum system in the UK, creating space for political support
- A thriving, diverse and united refugee movement with power in local communities
- People with lived experience of being a refugee leading the movement
- Increased political support for a more progressive approach towards refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK
Structure and leadership
The Asylum Reform Initiative (ARI) is the body that incubated and launched Together With Refugees in 2021 and continues to support the coalition.
We strive to increase representation within our leadership, decision making, governance and operational structures, particularly of people with lived experience of the refugee and asylum system as well as people who have experienced racial inequality.
The Asylum Reform Initiative
The ARI is an alliance of leading refugee charities who work in collaboration to secure deep, long-term change in the UK’s refugee and asylum system. Founded in 2020, the ARI is made up of British Red Cross, Citizens UK, Freedom from Torture, NACCOM, One Strong Voice, Rainbow Migration, Refugee Action, Refugee Council and Scottish Refugee Council.
Its governance approach aims to be inclusive, action-focused, agile and accountable. This approach continues to evolve as the Together With Refugees coalition develops and in response to member feedback.
The Asylum Reform Initiative Governance Group
The ARI Governance Group brings together senior leaders from the alliance organisations to shape its overall strategy, including supporting Together With Refugees by providing overall strategic direction, leading work to secure and manage the resources it needs, and ensure sound oversight, governance and accountability. It oversees the small core coordinating team for the coalition, including appointment of its director. It is now chaired by an experienced independent chair from outside the member groups who is charged by them with leading the Group to shape and take forward its strategy.
Find out about the current members of the Governance Group.
The Together With Refugees Steering Group
Together With Refugees Steering Group leads on driving forward the coalition’s campaign strategy, planning and coordinated action to win change. Made up of leaders from a cross section of coalition members it brings together a rich mix of lived and learned experience, from across a range of policy, communications, influencing and grassroots campaigning backgrounds. There is also a Public Affairs Group, bringing together members working in this area to share insight, plan action and maximise opportunities with parliamentarians and politicians across the country.
Find out about the current members of the Steering Group.
Together With Refugees Coordinating Team
Working to these member-led leadership structures, a small core team helps develop, coordinate and deliver agreed campaign plans - and supports Together With Refugees members to take effective action. They also convene and organise governance meetings, coordinate coalition actions, produce campaign materials and toolkits, coordinate sector responses in the media, organise webinars and sharing sessions, draft parliamentary briefings and more.
Funding
Together With Refugees is funded by voluntary donations. As well as contributions from the founding member organisations we are grateful to have been supported by AB Charitable Trust, Aziz Foundation, Barrow Cadbury Trust, Ben & Jerry's Foundation of UK Fund, Disrupt Foundation, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Metropolitan Migration Foundation, Migration Exchange, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Porticus, and Unbound Philanthropy.
The Together With Refugees coordinating team and funds are hosted with the Social Change Nest, a community interest company that specialises in providing back office services and support for not-for-profit groups and campaigns.
