Introduction to Community Sponsorship

Community Sponsorship is a refugee resettlement programme with local people at its heart. Join this introduction session to learn what Community Sponsorship is and how it came about. We will explore what Community Sponsorship in the UK looks like in practice, what is required of a Community Sponsorship group, and how you can get involved. This session is relaxed and informal, and there will be plenty of time for questions!

Please note that this session is for people based in the UK.

Part 1: Planning your Application E-learning

This required training session – sometimes referred to as Part 1 Training – is for core group members (these are the people who lead the teams or areas of work on your application) and should be completed in the early stages of your planning, before you have applied to the Home Office.

We also have a Part 1 PSAP E-learning for groups who have partnered with a Principle Lead Sponsor and wish to apply through the Principle Sponsor Application Process (PSAP).

These sessions are now E-learnings and you can complete them in your own time, at your own pace. These sessions focus on the refugee resettlement process, engaging local stakeholders and navigating the application process. We have monthly Part 1 drop-in sessions to answer any follow up questions you might have from the training. You can book these in the Drop-in Sessions section below.

Planning your application – Drop-in Sessions

The sessions below, are informal drop-in opportunities where you can ask questions following the completion of Part 1: Planning your application E-learning.

Part 2: Getting Ready to Welcome

In this 2.5hour required training session – sometimes referred to as Part 2 Training – we’ll discuss empowerment, setting boundaries in your support and some of the cultural differences.

We reach out to each group individually to book this online, once your group has full approval and is allocated a family.

Reset E-learning Platform

Our e-learning platform, Learnworlds, has a range of courses that you can access in your own time. Course subjects include:

• Safeguarding Essentials
• Supporting refugee children in education
• Country of origin information

The courses will enable you to deepen your knowledge, explore practical scenarios you may encounter and reflect on your next steps as a Community Sponsorship group. You can complete the courses at anytime throughout your journey with us but we advise you to complete the Safeguarding Essentials training before the family’s arrival.

Our Safeguarding Essentials E-learning aims to support you in understanding safeguarding vulnerable adults and children. It will explore types and indicators of abuse and neglect. You will develop knowledge and skills in recognising, responding and reporting safeguarding concerns and know how to effectively talk with the family you support about safeguarding.

Core Skills Training

These online training sessions are run by experts in different core areas of Community Sponsorship support. They are usually run by an expert outside of Community Sponsorship and do not follow a specific schedule. These trainings are for Community Sponsorship group members only.

Past core skills sessions have included training on benefits, volunteer management and immigration advice.