Section 3: Local Authority Specialist Services

Devon County Council Migration and Resettlement Team

M&R was launched in September 2022, bringing together a wide range of skills, experience, and expertise within the council, with a focus on developing a more integrated, long-term and holistic approach to supporting refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants resident in Devon. There are several strands to our work:

Resettlement oversees the local implementation of UK Government Resettlement programmes from countries including Syria and Afghanistan. We also provide support and assistance to Community Sponsorship Groups who are seeking to welcome a resettled family into their local community. refugeeresettlement@devon.gov.uk

Community Bridging supports families and individuals resettling in Devon. We offer assistance with health and wellbeing, understanding cultural differences, finding community resources, education, employment and parenting. We also support people without recourse to public funds. communitybridgingteam@devon.gov.uk

Homes for Ukraine works together 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. ukraineresettlement@devon.gov.uk

ESOL and Community Engagement works with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) providers from all sectors. We map and signpost classes, provide expert advice and support, offer networking and professional development opportunities for teachers, and maintain an ESOL resource hub. The other strand of our work is focused on improving information sharing and encouraging collaboration. ESOL@devon.gov.uk

Supporting People Seeking Asylum. M&R works as part of a wider collaboration to support adults and children living in Devon who are seeking asylum. Our focus includes safeguarding, school admissions, employment support, ESOL, wellbeing and day to day living. Further information: Kristian.Tomblin@devon.gov.uk

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/