Bulletin 27 of the Insight Hub explores the priorities and challenges in the year 2025 for the organisations and their clients in the migration sector while also looking into the extent to which organisations are led by lived experience.
We received responses from 60 organisations working across the UK.
Key Findings
Inclusive Leadership & Lived Experience: 98% organisations are actively trying to increase representation of people with lived experience and embedding their voices in strategic decisions, often through safe spaces, advisory groups, and anti-racist commitments. However, lived experience representation at senior leadership and governance levels is still low.
Rising Demand & Organisational Pressures: A surge in complex needs among refugees and asylum seekers is straining organisations, with top priorities being increased staffing, trauma-informed support, staff training, and stronger governance.
Funding Fragility: Nearly all organisations rely on grants, but many face funding shortages and cost pressures, with nearly half holding only 0–3 months of reserves. Accessible and additional funding is urgently needed.
Client Priorities: Clients urgently need improved housing, mental health support, legal advice, and resolution of Home Office-related challenges.
Adapting to Financial Challenges: Organisations are diversifying income, seeking unrestricted funding, and forming strategic partnerships (e.g., with GPs, MIND, councils) to remain resilient.
Housing Solutions & Dispersal: Over half of orgs support decentralising asylum housing to local authorities, recognising benefits like better service access, but cautioning against underfunding. Dispersal must prioritise individual needs and legal aid access.
Proposed Housing Policies: Suggestions include repurposing empty university housing, taxing second homes, regulating rents, and incentivising ethical landlord partnerships.
