Asylum Lived Experience Advisory Panel

The project is implemented by the Asylum Lived Experience Advisory Panel (ALEAP) in the United Kingdom. It began in November 2022 and is ongoing. 

• Empower refugees and asylum seekers by giving them a voice in decision-making processes.
• Improve the asylum system by incorporating the lived experiences of those directly affected by it.
• Build a stronger relationship between the Home Office and the refugee community through open dialogue and collaboration.

Main activities of the Good Practice

• Providing a platform for discussion: The panel serves as a space where individuals with lived experience can share their insights and experiences related to Home Office policies and processes.
• Identifying issues: Panel members discuss and identify the impacts of Home Office policies and procedures on asylum seekers.
• Raising concerns: The panel channels concerns and questions about Home Office policies through the Asylum Strategic Engagement Group.
• Influencing policy: By raising queries, the panel aims to impact and shape Home Office policies and processes.

Elements which helped facilitate the implementation of the good practice

• Strong Leadership and Support: A committed leadership team within Refugee Action, the One Strong Voice and the Strategic Engagement Group was crucial for the initiative's success.
• Clear Goals and Objectives: Clearly defined goals and objectives for the Asylum Lived Experience Advisory Panel would provide direction and focus.
• Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication between panel members, Refugee Action, One Strong Voice and the Home Office was essential for building trust and collaboration.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and support to panel members can enhance their ability to participate effectively.
• Resource Allocation: Adequate resources, including staffing, funding, and time, are vital for the panel's operation.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Strong partnerships with the Home Office and other relevant organisations did strengthen the panel's impact

Partners involved

• Refugee Action: The organization that houses the panel and provides support.
• One Strong Voice: The representative body through which the panel engages with the Strategic Engagement Group.
• Asylum Lived Experience Advisory Panel members: The individuals with lived experience who form the core of the panel.
• Home Office: The government department whose policies and processes are the focus of the panel's scrutiny.
• Asylum Strategic Engagement Group: The platform through which the panel interacts with the Home Office to raise queries and influence policy.

What challenges were encountered in delivering the project and how were they overcome?

Challenges

Challenges Related to Panel Members

• Vulnerability and trauma: Panel members are sometimes dealing with ongoing trauma or mental health issues, which can impact their participation.
• Language barriers: Difficulty in communicating effectively due to language differences.
• Time commitments: Balancing panel responsibilities with other commitments, such as work, family, or education.
• Trust issues: Building trust between panel members and the organization can take time and effort.
   

• Impact measurement: Difficulty in quantifying the impact of the panel's work on policy changes.
• Resource constraints: Limited funding and staffing to support panel activities.
• Timely responses: Delays in receiving responses from the Home Office to panel queries.
• Maintaining momentum: Ensuring consistent engagement and participation from panel members over time.

How they were overcome

• Provide comprehensive support services, including trauma-informed spaces.
• Create a safe and supportive environment where members feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
• Offer flexible participation options, allowing members to engage at their own pace.

• Provide professional interpretation and translation services.
• Recruit bilingual panel members to facilitate communication.
• Develop accessible materials and resources in multiple languages.

• Offer flexible meeting times and formats (e.g., online, in-person, or phone).
• Provide clear expectations and timelines for panel activities.
• Recognize and appreciate members' time and contributions.

• Build trust through open and honest communication.
• Demonstrate commitment to the panel's goals and objectives.
• Create opportunities for informal interactions and relationship building.
• Addressing Challenges Related to the Panel's Role

• Develop clear indicators and metrics to measure the panel's impact.
• Collaborate with researchers to evaluate the panel's effectiveness.
• Share success stories and case studies to demonstrate impact.

• Seek additional funding from government, foundations, or corporations.
• Explore partnerships with other organizations to share resources.
• Prioritize activities and focus on high-impact areas.

• Advocate for improved response times from the Home Office.
• Develop alternative communication channels to expedite information sharing.
• Build strong relationships with key decision-makers within the Home Office.

• Celebrate achievements and recognize panel members' contributions.
• Introduce new initiatives and projects to keep the panel engaged.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for panel members

Results of the Good Practice

ALEAP's feedback has influenced the Home Office to a significant reduction in asylum interview times, cutting them from four hours to a more humane two-hour maximum. 

Moreover, ALEAP's advocacy has led to the conversation around the Home Office use of trauma-informed practices, creating a more compassionate environment for asylum seekers. In a tangible demonstration of commitment, ALEAP influenced the Home Office to facilitate a crucial verbal communication training for all ALEAP members in partnership with KPMG, equipping them with essential skills for effective verbal communication.

In what way does the good practice meet one or more of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees?

Objective 1: Ease the pressures on host countries

Objective 2: Enhance refugee self-reliance

Are there areas in which support would be required to continue and/or scale up your good practice?