1. ASYLUM SEEKERS SUPPORT TRUST
STRATEGIC PLAN Oct 2017 – Dec 2018

2. Executive Summary (1)
We are witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. Over 65 million people have been forced from their homes to escape democide, genocide, mass murder or persecution. At least 1 million of these displaced persons are Asylum Seekers – people who have fled to another country but whose request for sanctuary has yet to be processed.
In 2016, over 400 of these people sought protection in New Zealand, many with no resource at their disposal. ASST provides emergency and transitional housing, advice and advocacy, as well as other forms of practical support according to needs identified for each of these individuals as they try to navigate their way through an unfamiliar system. It is the only organisation of its kind in New Zealand and therefore plays a critical role in supporting our country to deliver on its obligations to international legislation such as The 1951 Refugee Convention and related Protocol.
This high level Strategic Plan and associated Action Plan detailing objectives, KPIs, timeframes and responsibilities, outline the key focus areas of ASST over the next 15 months in light of new leadership.
August 2017

3. Executive Summary (2)
The overarching aim to not only cement and expand the organisation in terms of its core business – the delivery of services to asylum seekers and convention refugees in New Zealand – but to engage in wider promotion of the issues facing this group in our country to ultimately generate more positive sentiment and engagement towards ASST and its mission. Nurturing relationships with impacting agencies in the public sector will play a crucial role in the achievement of our goals as well the ability to secure more sustainable forms of funding and support.
The attainment of these goals will not be without challenge, but by following the strategies identified in our Strategic Planning Workshop on 22 June, 2017 and outlined in this document, we are very confident of achievement of our overall vision: A New Zealand where asylum seekers and convention refugees are welcomed, supported and thriving.
Dr Michele Cox
CEO, ASST
August 2017

4. Our Vision
A New Zealand where asylum seekers and convention refugees are welcomed, supported and thriving.
August 2017

5. Our Mission
ASST supports people who come to NZ seeking asylum, and a safe and peaceful life, by providing critical humanitarian services to those in need. ASST advocates for legally compliant and compassionate treatment of our clients and all who seek asylum.
August 2017

6. Our Values Respect for everyone we interact with.
Inclusion of all people.
Empathy for others.
Integrity in all our undertakings.
Impact resulting from everything we do.
August 2017

7. Critical Issues OUR TOP 4 Increasing our sustainability
Optimising our service delivery
Increasing engagement towards our cause
Positively influencing government policy towards asylum seekers and convention refugees
August 2017

8. Increasing Our Sustainability
GOAL ONE
Ensure ASST has a minimum 3 year sustainability as a platform for organisational growth
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Increased and diversified income sources
Optimal financial and people management
Increased capacity and capability within the organisation
August 2017

9. Optimising Our Service Delivery
GOAL TWO
Augment the quality of service provided to asylum seekers and convention refugees in NZ
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Clients staying in our facilities feel safe and supported
Breadth and depth of services available to clients has expanded
Compliance achieved in all aspects of the organisation
Systems and processes in place are optimal for ASST
Regular reviews have shown continuous improvement
August 2017

10. Increasing Engagement With Our Cause
GOAL THREE
Increase empathy and support for asylum seekers and convention refugees in New Zealand
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Improved awareness and understanding of asylum seekers and convention refugees in NZ
New Zealanders are mobilised to act in support of ASST and its clients
August 2017

11. Influencing Government Policy and Relationships
GOAL FOUR
Build effective relationships with all levels of government to advance the cause of asylum seekers and convention refugees in NZ
DESIRED OUTCOMES
Asylum seekers and convention refugees are included in the Government Resettlement Strategy
Government provides funding and instrumental support for asylum seekers and convention refugees
August 2017

12. Ratification
We, the ASST Board Members hereby adopt this strategy for the development and advancement of the cause to support Asylum Seekers in New Zealand, and in support of this hereby ratify this strategic plan in October 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Carried Unanimously,
Rebecca Holdsworth
Chair, ASST
On behalf of the ASST Board
August 2017

13. APPENDIX

14. SWOT (1) Key Strengths Key Weaknesses
Relationships/reputation within the sector
Quality of service
Niche positioning
Board & staff commitment/skills
Mature operating model
Financial management & cost effectiveness
Organisational capacity
Limited financial resource
Human resource gaps
Broad advocacy
Government relationships
Marketing & communications
IT systems & expertise
KEY WEAKNESSES
August 2017

15. SWOT (2) Opportunities Threats
Growth in awareness of & interest in global situation
New partnerships/ relationships
Strengthening sector collaboration
Change in government
New products & communication platforms
New CEO, patron and Board Members
Lack of independent facilities
Housing crisis
Compassion fatigue
Apathy towards refugees and asylum seekers
Competition for funding
Policy and regulatory changes becoming more hardline
August 2017