Regional Refugee Integration Forum - Terms of Reference

The Yorkshire and Humber Refugee Integration Forum (‘YHRIF’) is a strategic regional forum, which aims to drive forward the vision of integration for the region, promote refugee integration across the region, and oversee the implementation of the regional Refugee Integration Strategy.

Please note, for the purposes of the Forum the term ‘refugee’ covers a range of types of forced migration and those seeking sanctuary, including refugee status; those relocated to the UK on government schemes such as, but not restricted to, resettlement; those with a refugee background; asylum seekers, and those who have been refused asylum.

Vision 

Yorkshire and Humber is a region where refugees feel safe and welcome, rebuild their lives, fulfil their aspirations, and contribute to the social, economic and cultural life of the communities where they live.

Objectives of the Forum 

• To help develop a whole society approach to refugee integration in Yorkshire and Humber
• To ensure refugee voices are heard and reflected in the work of the Forum
• To raise awareness of current key issues relating to refugee integration
• To raise the profile of refugee integration across the region, and nationally
• To promote the Regional Refugee Integration Strategy and implement the Forum Action Plan

Structure 

• The Forum will be co-chaired by leaders on refugee integration from the region - at least one of whom will be from a refugee background.  Co-chairs will be appointed for 12 months, to be agreed by the Forum.  Expressions of interest for the role of Forum co-chair to be submitted to Migration Yorkshire.
• The Forum will consist of leaders and key stakeholders from a wide range of sectors across Yorkshire & Humber, with at least 30 members, to be agreed by the Forum.  Where a Forum member is no longer able to take up their seat, the seat will be devolved back to the Forum to identify a replacement, to ensure best representation on the Forum across all sectors.
• The Forum will normally meet four times a year, to be agreed by the Forum.

Secretariat support 

Secretariat and other ongoing support to the Forum will be provided by Migration Yorkshire, including:

• Member recruitment and development
• Strategic development, including support with developing and reviewing the Forum Action Plan
• Administrative support for meetings and other activities
• Communications and information-sharing
• Any other specific work, subject to capacity