Refugee Employment Network (REN) Support 2020-21 (360G-cabinetoffice-G2-GA-202103253468-20-21)

Secretariat support for the REN is currently provided on a pro bono basis by the Central British Fund for World Jewish Relief (WJR) and a partner, and this inevitably limits the Networks scope to expand and develop.We will fund, for 18 months only, the Secretariat function of the REN, to enable formal registration as a legal entity and to significantly progress the activities of the REN and its members. The activities to be undertaken would address the following themes, which have previously been identified as areas for development:To provide Secretariat services for the REN during the period of its formal registration including providing the necessary administration for this, including but not limited to: -Consideration of the most appropriate form of legal registrationdrawing up all the necessary paperwork for formal registrationestablishing governance of and arrangements for all steering group meetings, including circulation of minutes and action points to be trackedmaintaining accurate membership details and contact records in compliance with data protection regulationsIncreasing capacity to support refugee employment among partner members through development of shared:GuidelinesExamples of good practiceTrainingdeveloping and sharing the evidence base of what worksagreeing consistent metrics and evaluation frameworksincreasing employment opportunities for refugees by enhancing employer engagement and support and acting as a hub for thisexpanding membership of the REN, including increasing business participation in membership both for employment and self-employment supportencouraging the direct involvement of refugeesencouraging member organisations in developing relationships with local government and other parts of civil societyThe work aligns with the following Home Office priorities:protecting vulnerable people in the employment context, refugees are vulnerable to exploitationcontrolling migrationmaximising the EU exit opportunities encouraging employers to look to the refugee cohort as the composition of the workforce is reshapedcontributing to prosperity Home Office economists have calculated a benefit to the exchequer of £13,200 for every additional individual gaining full time employment (£4,800 for part time employment)The Integration and Vulnerability Unit is focused on improving the integration outcomes of refugees who we have resettled or recognised through the asylum process. The employment literature review conducted by HO Economists identified having a job as the thing that most makes refugees feel integrated. The work carried out by the REN will improve the employment support that is provided to refugees: the same literature review found that participation in such support programmes increased the likelihood and quality of employment.