OnDemand: The Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees Conference 2026
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*Presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared
Supporters Included
2026 Overview
Asylum seekers and refugees continue to face significant instability and uncertainty, exacerbated by rising political tensions, increasingly hostile responses to migrants, and the implementation of harsher immigration policy through the Restoring Order and Control policy paper. Refugees and asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable in our society, often enduring profound trauma from experiences of conflict, persecution, and displacement.
2026 Agenda
Chair’s Opening Remarks
Dr Nicholas James Maple, Senior Lecturer – Refugee Law Initiative, University of London
Keynote: Understanding the Migration Landscape: Challenges and Policy Developments
- Understanding the new asylum and returns framework and what it means in practice
- Temporary protection, decision-making backlogs and access to a fair asylum process
- Exploring the future for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK including policy developments, dangerous rhetoric and increasing Far Right activity
- The role of local authorities and civil society in delivering humane and effective support within a challenging environment
Lord Alf Dubs, Labour Life Peer, House of Lords, Co-chair, APPG on Refugees
Case Study: “We Don’t Know Where We Stand”: Barriers to Elective Care for People Seeking Asylum in England
- New evidence on an underexplored issue: First-hand insights into how people seeking asylum experience waiting for and accessing elective care in England.
- Human impact at the forefront: Shows how uncertainty, lack of support to manage symptoms and poor communication significantly worsen mental health.
- Barriers within the system: Highlights practical challenges—from relocation and missed letters to travel costs and digital exclusion.
- Risk of people falling through gaps: Reveals how lack of coordination across services, especially when people are relocated, disrupts care and prolongs waits.
- Clear, actionable recommendations: Provides solutions for government, NHS and the Home Office to improve communication, access and continuity of care.
Lorna Darknell, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer for Health Inequalities, British Red Cross
Anna Deal, Senior Policy Research Officer, British Red Cross, British Red Cross
Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Everyone Has a Piece of the Puzzle When It Comes to Safeguarding
- Understanding the importance of tailoring safeguarding practices to the unique needs, circumstances, and lived experiences of each individual
- Practical approaches to safeguarding clients who may face additional risks due to uncertain or complex immigration situations
- How frontline workers, practitioners, and organisations can work collaboratively to identify risks and provide effective support
- Balancing legal frameworks with the urgent need to protect individuals from harm, ensuring safety is never compromised
- Addressing sensitive cultural issues in a respectful, informed, and person-centred way while prioritising rights and protection
- Exploring the impact of NRPF on safeguarding outcomes and identifying ways to respond effectively to associated challenges
Mandy Sanghera OBE, International Human Rights Activist and Government Advisor on Safeguarding
Case Study: Preventing and Relieving Refugee Homelessness
- Learning from local authority practice to respond effectively to rising refugee homelessness
- Supporting smooth and sustainable move-on from asylum accommodation into safe housing
- Strengthening partnership working across housing, health services, and the voluntary sector to deliver coordinated support
- Identifying funding and commissioning models that enable long-term, sustainable solutions for destitute refugees
Rachel Stewart, Housing Strategy & Compliance Manager, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole CouncilPaul Clark, Housing Strategy Support Co-ordinator, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Craig Anderson, Housing Options Team Manager, Refugee Resettlement, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Questions & Answers
Lunch Break
Keynote: Providing Trauma Informed Support
- Embedding trauma-informed approaches across asylum, housing, health and education services
- Recognising the impact of pre-migration and post-migration trauma on engagement with support
- Supporting staff wellbeing and preventing vicarious trauma and burnout
- Creating safe, consistent and empowering environments that enable recovery and integration
Nicola Marven, Integration lead, International Rescue Committee UK
Keynote: Creating Cohesive Communities
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The impact of the politics of exhaustion on refugees and asylum seekers
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The challenge of creating cohesive communities in a hostile environment
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Refugee sponsorship as an example of creating community-based welcome
Dr Leonie Ansems De Vries, Vice Chair, Community Sponsorship Alliance
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Questions & Answers
Comfort Break
Keynote: Restoring belief: The Impact of Modern Slavery Provisions in Immigration Legislation 2022 – 2026
Hilary Agg, Senior Policy & Partnerships Manager, Unseen
Case Study: Education and Skills for Long-Term Integration
- Overcoming barriers to accessing ESOL, further education, and vocational training
- Recognition of overseas qualifications and supporting career progression
- Developing mentoring, tutoring, and apprenticeship schemes
- Inclusive education strategies for children and young people
Abdikarim Ali, Head of Client Services, Breaking Barriers
Cathy Hill, Senior Philanthropy Manager, Breaking Barriers (CONFIRMED)
Questions & Answers
Chair’s Closing Remarks
Dr Nicholas James Maple, Senior Lecturer – Refugee Law Initiative, University of London
Conference Close
Pricing Options
OnDemand
Full access to the OnDemand conference – get instant access after purchase to expert insights and curated content, including recordings of the sessions and downloadable presentation decks for speakers who have given permission for their materials to be shared.
2026 Speakers
Tim Naor Hilton
Chief Executive Officer
Refugee Action
Jimmy Zachariah
Chief Executive Officer
Baca Charity
Euan Fraser
Senior Policy and Research Advisor
Hope for Justice
Louise Thompson
Director of Services
Breaking Barriers
Catherine Gladwell
Chief Executive Officer
Refugee Education UK
Testimonials
I really enjoyed attending this event and learnt a lot from the variety of different speakers. It was very helpful to gain a wider understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers and the organisations that support them.
An excellent and inspiring event with a powerful lineup of speakers. It reaffirmed my belief in the vital work being done to support refugees and asylum seekers, and the strength of the community driving this change.
Great event, highly recommended- If there is anything similar organised in the future, I will attend for sure.
Great event with quality speakers – thank you!
