Prior to LORECA’s move into the LDA in 2007, the steering group from its pilot phase was wound up. In recognition of the important role of external stakeholders in informing LORECA’s work, it was agreed a new panel should be developed. An Advisory Group of statutory representatives and refugee experts was recruited in 2007.
The group operates according to a Terms of Reference, which is available on request. The Panel’s remit is to guide the work of LORECA through strategic input, and whilst the panel does not have decision-making powers, it is in a strong position to put forward recommendations. There is an elected chair and deputy Chair, and the group meets quarterly.
Areas of influence for the Panel are as follows:- Provide strategic advice and guidance to the work of the LORECA team, as it provides pan-London co-ordination and strategic leadership to employment, training and enterprise services for refugees;
- promote a strategic approach to the effective implementation of refugee economic action as part of London’s economic development;
- support the LORECA team’s role as the link organisation for refugee employment, training and enterprise to BRIL;
- advise on the development of, and review the implementation of, the LORECA Business Plan;
- provide advice on the nature of specific interventions LORECA could potentially make;
- guide and inform the scope LORECA’s strategic contribution to other related networks;
- advise how LORECA can have maximum impact across existing LDA activity;
- monitor the impact of LORECA’s work on refugee training, employment and enterprise services in London; and
- Jointly review, with the LDA, the appropriateness of LORECA’s Strategic Objectives.
Membership
Membership is drawn from experts in the refugee training, employment and enterprise sector in London, together with representatives of relevant statutory bodies. There are 10 elected members, who will serve until May 2008, when their terms may be extended for a further period.
| Members: | |
| Aliriza Aksoy | Hackney Refugee Forum |
| Anba Ali | Refugees in Jobs |
| Simin Azimi (Vice-Chair) | Refugee Women’s Association |
| Belay Gessesse | Agroforep |
| Ruth Hawthorn | National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling |
| James Lee | Refugee Council |
| Sue Lukes | Independent Consultant |
| Azar Sheibani (Chair) | Refugee Assessment and Guidance Unit |
| Helen Watts | Praxis |
Ex-officio Members: |
|
| Arun Batra | London Development Agency |
| Ben Finnigan | London Learning and Skills Council |
| Sujit Ray | London Jobcentre Plus |
| Richard Stanton | Greater London Authority |
| Jose Vallejo Villa | Trade Union Congress (Unite/T&G section) |