South West Strategic Migration Partnership
Background
The South West Strategic Migration Partnership (SW SMP) was established in
April 2004 to co-ordinate activities relating to asylum seekers in the region.
Since then the role has progressively expanded to include strategic
coordination in respect of all forms of international migration and has been
working on that basis since April 2007.
Membership is open to all local authorities, other statutory authorities,
voluntary sector organisations and private sector organisations that are
involved or have an interest in these activities.
The Partnership is overseen by the South West Strategic Migration Board
which reports to South West Councils, as the body which represents and
promotes the interests of people in the South West and the local authorities
that serve them. The South West covers the historic county areas of Cornwall,
Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Partnership Terms of Reference
Detailed Terms of Reference set out the role of the SW SMP Board and are
annexed to this document. The Board is supported by two standing forums,
one looking at issues relating to Asylum Seekers & Refugees, and the other at
issues around Migrant Workers. Other thematic and geographical sub-groups
have been established and this will continue as required.
The terms of reference draw a clear distinction between the roles of the two
South West forums as the ‘engine rooms’ of the Partnership (where the main
work happens) and the South West Strategic Migration Board as the ‘bridge’
(providing strategic direction to the work of the Partnership as a whole).
Key Partners
Key partners currently represented on the Board and standing forums include:
 South West Councils (and
 South West Churches
through them South West
Forum
Local Authorities)
 Citizens Advice Bureau
 British Red Cross
 Gloucester Action for
 Refugee Action
Refugees & Asylum-Seekers
(GARAS)
 Equalities South West
 Police Authorities
 ACPO
 Health & Safety Executive
 United Kingdom Border
Agency
 Dorset Racial Equality
Council
 Jobcentre Plus
 The Harbour Project
 Health
Swindon
 Gangmasters Licensing
 Accommodation Provider
Authority
 Trade Union Congress
Enabling Grant Agreement
The Enabling Grant Agreement with the United Kingdom Borders Agency (UKBA)
requires South West Councils to:


provide a strategic leadership, advisory and coordination functions for
migration in the South West.
Facilitate and promote the effective contact, co-ordination and partnership
working between the Strategic Migration Partnership, Local Authorities,
police, health authorities, employment and career services (including Job
Centre Plus), the regional CBI / Employers Forum, the TUC, local and
regional voluntary groups, and the private sector (principally the UKBA
contracted accommodation providers) – working across localities and
service providers.
The SW SMP’s core responsibilities include to:
i. Facilitate collaboration among the UK Border Agency, national, regional and
local government and non-governmental organisations and, regional and
local stakeholders to develop a strategic approach to promoting the benefits
of migration and minimising any adverse impacts.
ii. Facilitate strategic regional/national debate on migration issues among
partners in the area.
iii. Monitor migration impacts and trends, and raise awareness of issues, risks
and opportunities with the regional/national area to inform policy.
iv. Contribute to the development and implementation of local and national
migration policy.
v. Work with local delivery partners to design and oversee delivery of services
that meet migrants needs in that region/national area.
vi. Engage and communicate with national, regional and local stakeholders.
vii. Act as a conduit for two-way information between UK Border Agency, other
government departments and regional/national partners.
The Partnership is supported by the South West Councils Secretariat; officer
support will be provided by David Bowater as Partnership Manager and Don
Wallace as Partnership Officer.
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Context
The context in which the core responsibilities of the SW SMP will be delivered has
been rapidly changing over the last 12 months - largely as a result of the change in
government and the need to address the hole in public finances. Barely a part of
the public sector has been left untouched, voluntary sector organisations have had
grants cut and the private sector is looking to chart an uncertain course to
economic recovery.
In many ways this volatile environment is making the work of the Partnership more
important than ever before. The need for partners to work together to share
resources and information; highlight gaps or overlaps in delivery; and ensure the
South West can make the most of migration is paramount. At the same time, while
the numbers of asylum seekers and refugees have fallen from their peak, the need
to help some of the most vulnerable people has not gone away.
The actions set out below have been drafted with this context in mind and are
unremittingly focused on areas where Partnership activity can make a difference.
They are set out in no particular order under key thematic headings below. All
actions seek to harness the energy and dynamism of the voluntary sector; focus
the public sector on securing the common good; and ensuring the private sector
can underpin this through delivering a strong and sustainable economy.
Partnership officers will be working with the key agencies highlighted to deliver the
actions. This Plan builds on the outstanding aspects of the previous Migrant Worker
Action Plan and also sets out a range of actions to be taken in support of issues
relating to Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
It follows that while this Business Plan intends to set out a comprehensive set of
work for the SW SMP for the year ahead it is not possible to fully anticipate the
range of issues that will arise - and the Partnership will need to remain alive to
addressing these as they emerge.
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National
Regional
LGA Task
Group
National
Migration Group
SW Strategic
Migration Board
Asylum Seeker &
Refugee Forum
Local
Migrant
Worker Forum
Local Forums
South West Structure
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SW
Councils
2011/12 Priorities - South West Strategic Migration Partnership Business Plan
This plan sets out the priorities of the Partnership over the year ahead under the following headings: Public Services; Health;
Housing; Employment, Skills and Enterprise; English; Safer, Stronger Communities - Cohesion and Integration; Children, Young
People and Families. A key role for the Partnership will be to continue to identify and respond to any issues as they emerge –
particularly those arising either as a result of government policy or in the delivery of support arrangements. The Partnership will
have a particularly important role in helping many member organisations deal with loss in capacity and supporting joint working
where possible. The delivery of many important services will be transformed over the coming months and the Partnership will seek
to support the organisations involved in this transformation wherever possible.
Partnership officers will be working with the key agencies highlighted to deliver the actions below.
Facilitation, Engagement and Communication
Priority
Ensure strong dialogue and
partnership working across the
South West, taking account of
future funding arrangements
Action
Support regular meetings of the
SW SMP Board and the SW
Asylum Seeker & Refugee and
Migrant Worker Forums
Encourage the establishment of Support existing asylum forums
new Multi-Agency Forums in all in localities.
areas of the region and support
- BASRIG
the development of existing
- Swindon
Forums.
- Gloucester
- Plymouth
Timescale
SW SMP Board – twice a year
SW AS&R F – 3x a year
SW MW F – 3x a year
Confirm structures July 2011
Ongoing
Ongoing
Support existing migrant worker
forums in localities.
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Wiltshire
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By October 2011 support the
establishment of county wide
migrant worker forums in
Somerset and Dorset
Key Partner Agencies
Partnership members
Local forums
Act as an information hub on
resource and policy
developments and supporting
the work of the voluntary sector
engaged in migration activities
Event for voluntary sector
19 May 2011
partners on changes to process
Communication Bulletins to
Partners
Partnership members
BASIS Project
Following regional forum
meetings
Overhaul website content
Feed in the experience of the
South West so that it
contributes to formulating
national policy.
Ensure the SW is appropriately
represented at national forum
Understanding of social and
economic issues for the South
West.
Collate and analyse statistics
on inflows of migrants to the
South West. To gather regional
data and trends and to
disseminate appropriately
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July 2011
LGA Task Group meetings
National Migration Group
National Integration Group
UKBA
LGA
Publish data trend analysis
quarterly.
Job Centre Plus, ONS and
UKBA.
Produce local migration profiles
and capture and analyse key
data on migration in the SW
Public Services
To address gaps in service provision and delivery to migrants
To raise awareness regarding key issues facing migrants and migration to local authorities and other organizations.
Priority
Provision of appropriate public
service information.
Action
Review welcome packs and
signpost good practice
Provide frontline staff in the
public and voluntary sectors
with up to date information on
policy changes
Accession Country Transition
No Recourse to Public Funds
(NRPF)
Timescale
July 2011
Key Partner Agencies
Local authorities
CABx
Ongoing
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Local authorities
Local Forums
CABx
Compile information on the new A8: April / May 2011
entitlements of A8 and A2
migrants and disseminate to
advice services
A2: December 2011 (unless
extended till 2013)
Establish a South West NRPF
October 2011
network to equip public service
providers with appropriate
knowledge and information
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Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Local authorities
National NRPF Network
Job Centre Plus
South West Action on Poverty
Public Services - Health
Priority
Ensure the health needs of
migrants are met in the same
way as the ‘indigenous’
population.
Action
Timescale
Review existing Joint Strategic March 2012
Needs Assessments, which
inform the work of health
commissioners, to evaluate the
extent migrants have been
considered and could be further
included in future
Key Partner Agencies
NHS SW / SW PHO
Public Health Directors
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Information and advice for
migrants on rights and
responsibilities
Collate and disseminate
information for migrants on
entitlements to primary care
October 2011
Information for providers on
different migrants’ needs, rights
and responsibilities
Collate and disseminate
appropriate information among
health providers and
commissioners to raise
awareness of migrant
entitlement and needs
October 2011
NHS SW / SW PHO
Public Health Directors
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
NHS SW / SW PHO
Public Health Directors
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Housing
Priority
Impact of housing policy on
refugees and migrants
Homelessness and rough
sleeping
Housing for Asylum Seekers
Housing for Asylum Seekers
Housing for newly recognised
refugees
Action
Monitor housing and related
policy changes, including
housing benefit cap, universal
credit, legal aid changes and
private rented sector, and
evidence of impact on refugees
and migrants
Research pathways to rough
sleeping in the SW and use this
to inform and influence policy
and intervention that addresses
rough sleeping by migrants
Timescale
Ongoing
Key Partner Agencies
Local authority housing officers,
registered social landlords
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Report to SW SMP December
2011
Local authorities, homeless
charities, Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Work with potential bidders for
COMPASS provision to
improve understanding of the
characteristics of migration in
the SW and deliver high quality
bids
Evaluate how well contracted
COMPASS provision is
meeting existing and expected
needs and influence future
tenders
Facilitate better referrals for
new refugees. Investigate
development of protocol.
As required
Potential providers
Ongoing
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
October 2011
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
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Employment, Skills and Enterprise
Priority
Engage with employers to build
understanding of the needs and
responsibilities of business
Action
Provide information and
guidance to employers
regarding the employment of
migrants – including required
standards.
Engage with employers to build Ensure that regional economic
understanding of the needs and circumstances are reflected in
responsibilities of business
migration policy changes at a
national level.
Engage with employers to build Encourage employers of
understanding of the needs and migrants to comply with legal
responsibilities of business
obligations and take a more
responsible role in support of
their employees.
Timescale
1 event by March 2012
Engage with regional employer
groups following Migration
Advisory Committee calls for
evidence
Following its revision,
encourage sign up to the
Business in the Community
Code of Practice.
Engage with employers to build Monitor progress of the
2nd Reading July 2011
understanding of the needs and Gangmasters Licensing
responsibilities of business
(Extension to Construction
Industry) Bill 2010-11 and the
implications for workers and
businesses and agency
subcontractors.
Ensure employment support
Engage Work Programme
October 2011
takes account of the needs of
providers and specialist migrant
migrants
employability organisations to
share best practice on support
for refugees and eligible
migrants
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Key Partner Agencies
Job Centre Plus with Local
Enterprise Partnerships,
Health and Safety Executive,
Police, Local authorities, GLA,
NARIC
UKBA, SW Chambers of
Commerce, FSB, CBI, Institute
of Directors and emerging
Local Enterprise Partnerships
Gangmasters Licensing
Authority, Health and Safety
Executive,
Employment Agency Standards
Inspectorate, SW TUC, SW
England Regulatory Forum
SW TUC
Refugee Action
Job Centre Plus
Work Programme Providers (in
place from June 2011)
English Language
Priority
Sustained analysis and
research on the demand for
and supply of English provision
for migrants.
Improve the availability of
targeted ESOL provision at the
times and in the locations best
suited for those who most need
it: refugees and low paid
workers
Action
Gather evidence on gaps in
supply and demand and report
to DWP and BIS
Timescale
By March 2012 – in time for the
next Skills Funding Agency
ESF contracting round
Work to promote best practice
in delivery of ESOL for JSA
clients
October 2011
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Key Partner Agencies
Skills Funding Agency
Local authorities
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Association of Colleges SW,
Further Education providers,
Work Programme Providers,
Job Centre Plus
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Safer, Stronger Communities – Cohesion and Integration
To promote community safety and cohesion through a multi-agency approach
Priority
Involvement of migrants in
policy development.
Action
Support local migrant groups in
informing and influencing local
policy
To promote a positive response Inform the work of the Migrant
to migrants in local
Rights Network Communication
communities and to counter
Strategies Project.
harmful myths and
stereotyping.
Promote training for front line
Combating Human Trafficking
staff in councils, police and
voluntary sector on recognising
and tackling human trafficking
and supporting its victims.
Greater understanding of the
potential for and circumstances
leading to radicalisation
Timescale
Engage migrant groups
following government
consultations on policy
affecting migrants.
As required.
Ongoing, following launch of
new UK Anti-Trafficking
Strategy (July 2011) and in
particular ahead of Olympic
events in Weymouth in 2012.
Assess the implications for
Expected Summer 2011
migrant communities in the
South West of the revised
Prevent & Integration strategies
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Key Partner Agencies
Citizens Advice Bureaux
Racial Equality Councils
Rural Community Councils
SW Forum
SW TUC
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
ESW
Migrant Rights Network
Migrant Workers Network
Racial Equality Councils
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Police Authorities
(and from 2012 Police
Commissioners)
Local authorities
Salvation Army (successor to
Poppy Project victim support)
Local Counter-Trafficking
Coalitions
Anti-Trafficking Monitoring
Group
Home Office and DCLG
Children, Young People and Families
Priority
Unaccompanied children
Action
Ensure appropriate support for
unaccompanied asylum
seeking children (UASC) in the
care and immigration systems
Timescale
Establish regular meetings of
UASC leads by October 2011
Key Partner Agencies
UKBA, Local Authorities
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
Alternatives to Detention
Work with UKBA in ensuring
smooth implementation of new
family returns process in the
SW
Ongoing
UKBA, Local Authorities
Migrant and Refugee
Community Organisations
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Appendix 2
South West Strategic Migration Board
Terms of Reference
Purpose
To oversee the work of the South West Strategic Migration Partnership.
Objectives
1. To agree the annual business plan and annual report for the Partnership.
2. To consider national policy developments and their implications for the South
West of England – including appropriate liaison with, and representation on,
national groups supported by UKBA and the Local Government Group.
3. To agree the overall governance of the partnership and coordinate work
between the two forums and any other sub groups considered necessary.
4. To provide a strategic overview of the effects of migration on the South West
5. To ensure the partnership fulfils the terms of the enabling grant agreement,
namely to:

Facilitate collaboration among the UK Border Agency, regional and local
government and non-governmental organisations and, regional and local
stakeholders to develop a strategic approach to promoting the benefits of
migration and minimising any adverse impacts.

Facilitate strategic regional debate on migration issues among partners.

Monitor migration impacts and trends, and raise awareness of issues,
risks and opportunities within the regional area to inform policy.

Contribute to the development and implementation of local and national
migration policy.

Work with local delivery partners to design and oversee delivery of
services that meet migrants’ needs in that region.

Engage and communicate with national, regional and local stakeholders.

Acts as a conduit for two-way information between UK Border Agency,
other government departments and regional partners.
Membership
The Board brings together the Chairs of the South West Forum for Migrant Workers
and the South West Forum for Asylum Seekers and Refugees, together with the
UKBA Regional Director, the South West Councils Chief Executive and includes
space for 1 elected representative from each of the asylum dispersal areas (Bristol,
South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Plymouth and Swindon). Substitutes are
permitted at officer level if required. The representative from Gloucestershire
should consult with and take account of the views of Gloucester City Council where
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appropriate. The Board will be chaired by an elected member, who will report
through South West Councils’ membership structure.
Meetings
The Board will meet 2 times a year.
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South West Forum for Migrant Workers
Terms of Reference
Purpose
To identify, share and assess issues relating to migrant workers and their families
in the South West of England.
Objectives
1. To advise on the annual business plan for the Partnership, in particular
agreeing the means of delivery of the South West Migrant Worker Action
Plan elements.
2. To consider the impact of government migration policy on public services,
the South West economy and the needs of local businesses; and to ensure
these views are heard at national level.
3. To develop activity to assist the support of migrant workers and their families
and ensure progress in implementing the South West Migrant Worker Action
Plan.
4. To highlight and share best practice and support the development of multiagency working, including local forums.
5. To better understand the needs of migrant workers (and their families) and
the skill requirements of local employers; and to provide a forum for
discussion on how these needs can best be met by local and national
services.
6. To enable regular dialogue and constructive debate amongst key agencies
involved with migrant workers.
7. To inform the Migration Partnership’s annual report.
Membership
The group is open to representatives of local authorities, local migrant worker
forums, statutory agencies (such as JC+, UKBA) and private and voluntary sector
groups encountering or working with migrant workers. The Forum Chair will be
appointed by the Board Chair.
Meeting
The Forum will meet 3 times a year.
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South West Forum for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Terms of Reference
Purpose
To identify and assess issues encountered by people and the organisations
providing support to them in the South West of England who are: asylum seekers;
refugees; refused asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking.
Objectives
1. To support the statutory, private and voluntary sectors in their work with
asylum seekers and refugees and identify issues arising from government
policy.
2. To enable regular dialogue and constructive debate amongst key agencies
involved with asylum seekers and refugees. To highlight and share best
practice and support the development of multi-agency working, including
local forums.
3. To identify issues relating to the effective delivery of services which support
asylum seekers and promote the successful integration of refugees.
4. To maintain an overview and analysis of the impact of migration in the South
West.
5. To address the issue of human trafficking and work with partners to identify,
highlight and tackle the problem.
6. To lead on assessing No Recourse to Public Funds issues in the South
West, liaising with local forums and the South West Forum for Migrant
Workers as appropriate.
7. To consider the impact of government migration policy on the South West
and to ensure these views are heard at national level.
8. To advise on the annual business plan for the Partnership.
9. To inform the annual report for the partnership.
Membership
The group is open to representatives of local authorities, local asylum seeker and
refugee forums, statutory agencies (such as UKBA) and voluntary sector groups
encountering or working with asylum seeker and refugees. The Forum Chair will be
appointed by the Board Chair.
Meeting
The forum will meet 3 times a year.
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