Section 3: Local Authority Specialist Services

Devon County Council Migration and Resettlement Team

The Migration and Resettlement team was launched in September 2022, bringing together a wide range of skills, experience, and expertise within the council, with the aim of developing a more integrated, long-term and holistic approach to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants resident in Devon.

Our work includes:

• Overseeing the local implementation of UK Government Resettlement programmes that support refugees arriving from countries including Syria and Afghanistan.
• Supporting resettling families and individuals with health and wellbeing, English language learning, understanding cultural differences, finding and accessing community resources, education and employment.
• Working with District partners to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for those leaving Ukraine and moving to the UK. This includes maintaining the Government’s database for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, completing DBS checks, and assisting guests, sponsors and districts with any queries
• Providing support and assistance to Community Sponsorship Groups who are seeking to welcome a resettled family into their local community
• Working with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) providers from all sectors to build capacity and expertise and encourage networking and collaboration. We map and signpost classes, provide expert advice and support, offer networking and professional development opportunities for teachers, and maintain an ESOL resource hub.
• Community Cohesion work: engaging with grassroots communities; building networks; bringing people together to recognise and celebrate Devon’s diversity; growing cultural competence.

To find out more about Migration and Resettlement, visit our webpages at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/migration-and-resettlement/

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Team

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Team supports Devon County Council to be an inclusive employer and service provider and to meet its legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.

We oversee the County Council’s EDI Action Plan and provide a range of policies, guidance and learning opportunities to ensure best practice. If you are unhappy about a service you receive from the Council and you think this is because of discrimination, you can contact us here: www.devon.gov.uk/equality/reportincidents. You can also contact us if you have other feedback about the County Council in relation to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Email: equality@devon.gov.uk   

Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/equality/