City of Sanctuary groups are locally organised refugee support and solidarity groups.

By working within the City of Sanctuary network, groups have access to a vast array of resources, expert support and collaboration opportunities with other groups.

• We can support you to create a website and set up email addresses for your group.
• Our regional coordinators can provide you with advice, support and coordination with other refugee support groups.
• Get connected with groups from around the country, learn and share best practice.
• Get up to date information, campaigns and resources.
• You will be invited to attend regional conferences, meetings, training and national events.
• There are some useful Resources for Groups to help you get your group up and running.

The process of becoming a City of Sanctuary UK affiliated group

We are delighted that you are thinking about becoming a group that will work towards making your city, town, borough, village or region a welcoming place for all. There is no single formula for developing a successful and effective City of Sanctuary group. Some groups have paid workers and a formal budget, whereas others are entirely voluntary. If you are an existing refugee supporting organisation there is an expectation that you will also follow the steps outlined below i.e. develop an action plan specific to the City of Sanctuary work alongside your existing operational plans.

For more information, read the City of Sanctuary group handbook here.

There are two phases to developing and registering a City of Sanctuary affiliated group:

The expectations of being a City of Sanctuary UK affiliated group

Groups must:

1. Commit to working in line with the City of Sanctuary UK Charter and in accordance with the City of Sanctuary UK values (outlined here) and Network Principles.
2. Fulfill all their legal, statutory and regulatory obligations in the execution of their work, including any employment law obligations. 
3. Have a Safeguarding policy with a named lead whose contact details have been provided to City of Sanctuary UK and are clearly visible on any group website. 
4. Be non-partisan and do not use City of Sanctuary to promote a political party. 
5. Have a Complaints Policy and be clear that any complaints about a group must be addressed by the group in the first instance. 
6. Stay in regular contact with City of Sanctuary UK through providing updated email and phone contact information and participating in an annual survey. We reserve the right to terminate the licensing agreement if a group does not respond to communications within a six month period. 
7. Engage in Awards programmes and if leading awards adhere to the awards process, including ensuring that institutions have met the LEARN/EMBED/SHARE principles and minimum criteria (which is either specific to a stream or the general criteria). 
8. Adhere to the website guidelines below if provided with a website. 
9. Sign up to become a voting member of City of Sanctuary UK.

If you wish to start a City of Sanctuary group, please contact the regional coordinator covering your area.

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