Our strategy to end destitution

Our strategy to end destitution2023-12-08T08:55:17+00:00

Our current strategy was launched in 2022 and our plan over the next four years is to learn, share, campaign for and support the implementation of plans to prevent and end destitution caused by the asylum and immigration system, to ensure that people can live with dignity and agency as a part of the community.

External Context2022-08-10T10:52:05+01:00

External Context

Our Strategic Plan2022-08-10T10:46:18+01:00

Our Strategic Plan

Vision and Mission2022-08-10T10:27:39+01:00
Strategic Goals and Activities2022-08-10T10:14:10+01:00

To deliver our plan to #EndDestitution, the four key changes (strategic goals) we will seek to implement are:

How will we do this:

Values2021-09-30T14:33:56+01:00

The following are values that we hold dear at NACCOM. They are not an exclusive list, but rather a reflection of the way in which the network has operated since its inception in 2006, and values that we desire to underpin the ongoing work of the charity.

A thirst for justice

There can be no deviation from our mission until all destitution among people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK is eradicated.

Collective working within and beyond the network

We recognise the contribution that all our members can make, and value the expertise and input of others working for the same goals.

Solidarity

We stand in solidarity with those who have lived experience of destitution and those who support them.

Shared resources, knowledge, ideas, expertise and best practice

NACCOM is committed to sharing what we have with all who agree with our aims. Networking produces outcomes that cannot easily be measured.

Commitment to excellence

We strive to do everything to the best of our ability, and are not satisfied with anything less than the best quality.

Openness and transparency

Our members should be kept informed at all times and consulted on issues that may affect them. Our processes should be visible and accountable.

Accessibility

Our events and resources will always be affordable to all members, irrespective of their financial situation.

Empowerment for refugees and people seeking asylum with lived experience of destitution

Their voices should be heard, and their talents recognised and used. Wherever possible their opinions inform and influence NACCOM plans and policy.

Anti-racism statement2021-10-07T11:33:26+01:00

NACCOM is committed to being an anti-racist organisation.

The Black Lives Matter protests [of 2020] have been a rallying cry for us all to pause, reflect on, and take action against, the structural, political and institutional racism that is endemic in the UK.

As an organisation that exists to end destitution amongst those seeking asylum and migrants with no recourse to public funds, and to challenge Government policies that make destitution an inevitable and intended consequence of immigration policy for certain groups, NACCOM stands in solidarity with those who fight against racism in all its forms. We hope this statement goes some way in setting out our values and commitments in relation to tackling racism.

We understand that the UKs immigration system is born of racist and colonial legacies that continue to oppress people of colour today. We recognise that the basis for the governments ongoing hostile environment policy which includes enforced destitution is firmly rooted in our colonial past and the structural racism which permeates throughout our politics, economy, legislation, society and even the organisations which are set up to prevent injustices. It is this structural racism which re-affirms and legitimises the unequal treatment of people of colour.

The real world impact of this is all too apparent today in the racial inequality that the current Covid-19 pandemic has exposed, evidenced by the disproportionate number of deaths from Black and ethnic minority communities, and the recent Windrush scandal that subjected Black people to wrongful detention and deportation at the hands of the Hostile Environment.

We also recognise that as an organisation we have much to learn, develop and improve upon, and that this is an open-ended process. At times as an organisation we have lacked the courage to tackle this issue head on. As a charity working in the refugee and migration sector, neither should we be complacent that the nature of our work makes us exempt from actively looking at ways in which we can do better at tackling racism.

Over recent years we have been working to ensure that people who have experienced destitution have their voices elevated, can be part of our advocacy work and ultimately there is a shift in power to people who have lived experience of destitution. Doing this work meaningfully has been challenging, we have made mistakes and we know we have much to improve upon.

The actions we are currently taking and planning to take include:

  • Providing anti-racist training to our members
  • Providing training to our members on ways in which they can improve the way they involve people with lived experience to shape their services.
  • Facilitate the sharing of learning between members on how to support their own staff and volunteers and create inclusive and diverse workplaces
  • Fairly, and appropriately positively reimbursing people with lived experience for their time inputting into consultations and campaigning
  • Listening to and joining with campaigns led by people with lived experience of destitution
  • Ensuring that when we meet with policy makers and politicians, people with lived experience of destitution are represented at those meetings as much as possible.
  • Facilitating better public understanding of the issues experienced by people seeking asylum, refugees and people with no recourse to public funds.
  • Ensuring that our board comprises of at least 20% of people who have experience of immigration control and/or homelessness and they are properly supported and trained to enable them to carry out their role.
  • Reviewing our recruitment policy and procedures to increase applications from and appointments of people with lived experience of the immigration system.

NACCOM Staff and Trustees, 16th June 2020

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