Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in becoming the next Chair/Co-Chair of Refugee Action.

It has been an enormous privilege to serve in this role for the past six years. Refugee Action is a remarkable organisation – principled, courageous and unwavering in its commitment to stand alongside people seeking safety in the UK. We are driven by the belief that everyone forced to flee their home has the right to rebuild their life in dignity, and we act on that belief every single day.

Our current strategy is the strongest I have seen in my time here. It is rooted in three interconnected pillars: delivering innovative services that meet people’s needs without compromise; strengthening and supporting hundreds of community-based refugee organisations; and advocating for systemic change, led by the voices and leadership of people with lived experience of forced displacement.

The Board has changed significantly in recent years, and today we are proud to have a majority of trustees with lived experience of forced displacement. This has enriched our decision-making and deepened our understanding of the realities our communities face. We are still learning and evolving – whether in embedding anti-racist practice, adapting our governance to be more inclusive, or ensuring that all voices are heard. You would be joining as Chair/Co-Chairs at a critical time for organisations working alongside refugees and people seeking asylum, helping to shape Refugee Action’s response in this challenging context.

If you share our values and believe you can help lead Refugee Action into its next chapter, I warmly encourage you to apply.