Gareth Mitchell, Head of Commercial Services e:

Colchester context History of successful work locally with the Home Office on Gateway Protection Programme since 2008 (Iraqi and Congolese families) and in 2014/15 on relocation of Afghan families Established voluntary sector capability – Fresh Beginnings Compelling model for support and integration Clear political leadership on Syrian VPR programme Four Syrian families arrived December, fifth family arriving this month

“To keep in remembrance the hospitality extended by the Town of Colchester to the Huguenot refugees in the 16 th and 17 th centuries and the establishment by them of the manufacture of “bays and says” which flourished for more than two hundred years to the great advantage of the inhabitants”

Communications Protect the families, remind our community “who we are” and give confidence in the model Political leadership is the key Communications Business Partner in at the start Proactive communications plan with clear consistent key messages and engagement with media Use of spokespeople from previous programmes and voluntary sector Reactive to events (e.g. Paris attacks, Prime Minister’s Questions announcement)

Multi agency working Excellent collaboration with Essex CC Proactive engagement and support from partners based on LA leadership and contacts Voluntary sector, Health, Education, Social care, Police, Housing, Faith groups, Community organisers. Case referral process gave confidence “It was a really positive experience … and was a great way to finish the week – a great example of how we can work together.”

Housing Private rented sector model Fresh Beginnings have a network of landlords and agents Rents above Local Housing Allowance rates (3 bed house £161 pw versus £196 pw average rent) Private Sector Housing team support

Finance Clarity on Home Office funding arrangements enabled service planning and supported communications plan Up-front funding essential for voluntary sector Essex CC lead role on finance side invaluable

Next steps Oversight and monitoring of the integration process for first arrivals Programme and plan for years 2-5 Adjustment to new Home Office referral process Local Housing Allowance Political will Capacity – voluntary sector, housing, education, health “Business as usual” multi-agency process