We are the Wandsworth representative of the national City of Sanctuary (CoS) charity. This project will support the committee and expand our activities in the voluntary and community sector and elsewhere to build commitment to Sanctuaries in the Borough. Wandsworth has a small but active network supporting refugees. The existing sanctuaries include a theatre, cafe and shop. Our Wandsworth libraries are en route to become sanctuaries and there is active interest from schools and faith groups. The contract is initially for 62 days over one year. We are seeking additional funding to expand to three days/week and continue beyond one year. Please see our facebook and instagram pages for job opportunities.
 

Background to the project

The Project is supported by Wandsworth Council as a Borough of Sanctuary and by Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN). Note that for the year 2025 Wandsworth is the London Borough of Culture.

Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees is a charity and operates primarily on a voluntary basis. We aim to make Wandsworth a welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary to feel safe, supported and part of our community.  WWR is part of the City of Sanctuary movement and is the accredited organization in Wandsworth. We work with voluntary and community sector (VCS) and other organisations to encourage and support those wishing to reach out to refugees. We liaise with those interested in finding out more, offering general support, offering general support, or seeking to become accredited with City of Sanctuary. 

Objectives of the project
The project will support the WWR committee activities and objectives. It will expand WWR reach and contacts in the VCS and other appropriate places and organisations. It will raise the profile of the sanctuary movement and encourage active participation by various organisations to create welcoming communities for people seeking sanctuary. Participation can range from an interest and small steps through to becoming accredited with City of Sanctuary.

Wandsworth and Sanctuaries
Sanctuaries include community groups, private organizations, public sector services, and individuals, united in their commitment to supporting those fleeing violence and persecution. Wandsworth is a Borough of Sanctuary, and the accredited organisations at present include a theatre, café and shop. Wandsworth libraries and some faith groups and schools are in the process of applying to become accredited. There is interest from other theatres, shops, sporting facilities and many others. 

Role of the Community Engagement Officer

• Assist the committee to increase its outreach and communication with interested organisations across the Borough

• Join monthly committee meeting to report and plan

• Meet and liaise with the key refugee support organisations in Wandsworth and a small number in other London boroughs 

• Organise an on-line Meet-Up for sharing and support ‘clinics’ (every 4-6 weeks); develop a launch for this event

• Liaise with the committee Events Group fundraising and events activities 

• Liaise with and include lived experience into outreach and activities (WWR has a small advisory group

• Liaise with committee members represented on the Council’s ‘Migration Forum’ 

• Liaise with the organisations accredited with CoS in Wandsworth: CoS asks accredited organisations share activities and learning

• Assist in planning and implementing activities during Refugee Week (June)

• Participate in the annual City of Sanctuary Annual Conference 

• Assist organisation of Annual General Meeting (in 2026 date to be decided)

WWR is applying for additional funds and if successful will increase the contracted time of the CEO and allow more time for this role and to widen the brief.

Person specification

Essential experience

• Proven organisational ability and experience to manage a project (including budget and finances)

• Ability to identify and engage with organisations that could contribute expand commitment to Sanctuary in Wandsworth

• Good communication skills 

• Ability to use social media, including posting to WWR website

• Ability to reach out to those with lived experience to bring into the project

• A commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice. 

• Understand issues behind migration and the impacts that lead people to become refugees

Desirable experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the goals of the Sanctuary movement 

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees 

• Campaign and advocacy experience, 

• Experience of evaluating a project