LORECA works within the LDA to ensure that the needs of refugees are addressed at a strategic level. It works to shape policy and programmes related to refugee employability. LORECA’s link body status with the Mayor’s Board for Refugee Integration calls for LORECA to liaise between statutory bodies and the refugee sector on employment, training, and enterprise matters. In 2007, LORECA co-ordinated the LDA response to the Mayor’s draft Refugee Integration Strategy and it also produced a LORECA Stakeholders response to London Enriched: The Mayor’s Draft Strategy for Refugee Integration in London (October 2007) (396 KB).
LORECA also works to ensure that various stakeholders are working in a co-ordinated matter to support refugees on ETE matters, and when its business plan is complete in Spring 2008, this will shape its future interventions on a strategic and policy level.
In 2006, LORECA produced a policy briefing series. Details on the briefings and the feedback received are included below.
Briefing 1 (October 2006): Impact Of Temporary Leave on Refugees’ Employability Prospects in London
This briefing looks at temporary leave, which was introduced in August 2005. Refugees now receive a 5-year stay rather than indefinite leave to remain in the first instance. This briefing explores the main issues around refugee employability that may be affected by the new policy.
Feedback on briefing:
Download Briefing 1 Feedback Summary (291 KB)
Download Briefing 1 Executive Summary (210 KB)
Download Briefing 1 Full Text (253 KB)
Briefing 2 (November 2006): Approaches to supporting refugee employability: A review of models used in four London boroughs
This briefing examines how refugee employability initiatives in Brent, Camden, Islington, and Southwark are being supported through the councils in conjunction with partners from the voluntary, statutory, and private sectors. It draws out good practice, and offers recommendations.
Feedback on briefing:
Download Briefing 2 Feedback Summary (279 KB)
Download Briefing 2 Full Text (241 KB)
Briefing 3 (December 2006): London 2012: A Catalyst for Refugee Economic Activity
This briefing aims to explain why and how refugee communities should be involved in the 2012 Games, with a specific focus on employment, training, and enterprise opportunities, including challenges to participation. It provides an overview of the planning process and next steps, and information on key players and resources refugee communities should be aware of in order to actively influence the process.
Download Briefing 3 Full Text (242 KB)