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Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Phase One Evaluation
Working together to resettle Syrian new Scots’ families in Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership
The Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership was formed in October 2016 to ensure that Syrian refugee families arriving in Aberdeenshire
would be welcomed with a full, well resourced, knowledable, effective and sustainable resettlememt package. The partnership operates in
parallel with a public sector strategic group responsible for planning key services and responses. Partnership members mapped out what
resources and outcomes they could offer and the Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Integration Plan was produced. The plan was used as the
foundation for welcoming and resettling the first nine Syrian familes (35 people) who arrived in Aberdeenshire between February and April 2016.
With planning now underway for Phase Two arrivals in the autumn, an evaluation of the plan, outcomes and impacts was undertaken to ascertain
key improvements moving forward. There is clear evidence of successes and positive impacts underpinned by a strong and effective partnership
that excelled in working creatively and making change happen. Syrian families have shared that they feel welcome, safe and valued in
Aberdeenshire and that they have been supported to overcome barriers and access relevant resources and information. All are now active
learners and citizens with some now moving on to college and employment. Partners continue to ensure that barriers are challenged if not
always completely overcome and new solutions are sought on a daily basis. Several key improvements are needed, including a more indepth
evaluation with families after Ramadan, improving access to healthcare and the sharpening of Phase Two Benefits’ and Housing processes.
The Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership is seeking change to ensure that it is fit for purpose moving forward and is appropriately
structured and resourced. Further discussions are required with Aberdeen City Council and partners to explore alternative models of delivery.
Planning for initial resettlement is quite different to planning for the developing needs of refugee families in North East Scotland.
Proportionate resources are now being introduced with the formation of the Syrian new Scots’ support team, Money Advice Worker and
increasing Third Sector support. This additionality will be key to delivering on the improvement actions below and ensuring learning has been
applied prior to our next Syrian families arriving in the autumn. Evaluative outcomes have been captured using group and individual feedback
sessions that included partners, staff, familes and volunteers.
“In my opinion, this has been one of the best examples of partnership in action I have ever experienced – well done to all”
Ritchie Johnson, Director of Business Services
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Housing Housing Housing Housing FFFFamilies will be provided with amilies will be provided with amilies will be provided with amilies will be provided with safe, secure and sustainablesafe, secure and sustainablesafe, secure and sustainablesafe, secure and sustainable housing that will enable them to settle and progress with family lifehousing that will enable them to settle and progress with family lifehousing that will enable them to settle and progress with family lifehousing that will enable them to settle and progress with family life
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Appropriate and good quality housing stock
identified
Momentous team effort to prepare houses for
arrival in a few days
Private Sector Leasing agreements in place
Inverurie is a good location for resettlement
Temporary team worked well to ensure houses
were fit for purpose
Accessible housing provided for families with
disabled family members
‘Can do’ attitude from Housing colleagues
Good support from Magpie via the Donation
Plan
Housing issues addressed regularly and
effectively through Drop-ins and Home Visits
AMIC distributed Syrian food packs to all houses
prior to arrival
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Single family housing in Westhill too isolating
Time frame for preparing houses too tight
One tenancy is potentially unsustainable if the
tenant progresses to work
Time implication of negotiating with challenging
landlords
Risks associated with private sector renting
Housing processes not in place to respond to
refugee resettlement
Rent arrears letters sent to families in error
Lack of central storage for housing equipment
and donations
Furnishing Services – poor quality
Meter readings not taken
Keys were problematic
Timescale for visiting and preparing houses was
too tight
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Housing process flowchart to be developed with
timescales and matrix actions
Ensure families will not be isolated in a
resettlement area
4 s Housing Officers (Syrian new Scots) to be
recruited (Arabic speaking preferred)
Ensure adequate time for pre arrival planning and
resourcing of houses
Produce an essential Home Equipment list
Produce a refugee Housing Strategy
Increase PSL to 2 years as required
Challenge poor quality of Furnishing Services
Ethnic Minority Housing Worker could deliver more
focused housing support for Phase Two
Explore options for Aberdeen AMIC based
volunteers to travel to Inverurie and Westhill
Improved training for volunteers on Halal
compliance
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
CFINE, North Aberdeenshire Foodbank and
AMIC planning and deliveries to homes prior to
arrival
Huge quantities of food sourced from the public
helped by ASWR and Volunteers TESCO Food
Collection
Computer’s in all homes donated by Aberdeen
University
Heavy and unplanned workload for Housing
Officers
Non Halal food delivered
Less AMIC volunteers than expected to help
with families settling into houses due to the
distance from Aberdeen
Some quantities of food disproportionate and
required unplanned sorting time
Not able to source fruit & veg via Fare Share
Essential items of equipment for a Syrian family
not provided (i.e. mincer)
Develop essential shopping list for each family to
minimise waste and duplication
Consult with Phase One families on food
preparations for Phase Two
Explore possibilities of buying fruit & veg from
CFINE via a social enterprise initiative
Process of working with Magpie to be reviewed
Two sets of keys required for each house
More transparent explanation on housing
processes and lease conditions produced for
tenants
Employment, Benefits & Financial InclusionEmployment, Benefits & Financial InclusionEmployment, Benefits & Financial InclusionEmployment, Benefits & Financial Inclusion Families will be supported to access benefits, entitlements, financial, training and employment opportunities to enable them Families will be supported to access benefits, entitlements, financial, training and employment opportunities to enable them Families will be supported to access benefits, entitlements, financial, training and employment opportunities to enable them Families will be supported to access benefits, entitlements, financial, training and employment opportunities to enable them to progress with to progress with to progress with to progress with
family and working life, when appropriatefamily and working life, when appropriatefamily and working life, when appropriatefamily and working life, when appropriate
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Initial Benefits’ appointments were well
organised and worked smoothly
Dedicated DWP contact person invaluable
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Despite claims being processed by DWP not all
progressed to payment
Three months on, some families are still not in
receipt of all benefits
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Develop an Aberdeenshire Housing & Benefits
process flowchart
Refine Engage card issuing and activation
Explore securing additional resources to develop
financial inclusion services and projects with
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Drop-in has been useful for updating benefit
claims and details – good support from all staff
involved
DWP came to the families and minimised stress
and discomfort
Having access to interpreters to complete forms
Jobcentre plus staff felt a key part of the
resettlement project and that they had played
there part in a wider social platform
NESCU provided incredible sector leading
financial services to families
One man has now progressed to employment
and four people will progress to college in
August
NESCU responded to the individual needs of
clients
Bank of Scotland appointments were straight
forward and accounts active in seven days
Initial Jobcentre plus appointments supported
by staff and interpreter and carried out by link
adviser
Calls to DWP and HMRC require interpreter,
family and staff time and are costly
Disproportionate amount of time spent on
Council benefits process because of delays
Rent accounts took time to be created so
Housing benefit was delayed
Families being unsure about Benefits, money
and the different roles played by staff
Disproportionate costs to NESCU in resourcing
travel to Inverurie and support to families
Delay in NESCU Engage cards and activation
problems
Support staff not confident or knowledgeable
about Benefits and implications
NESCU, Citizens’ Advice Bureau and Aberdeenshire
Council
Familiarise staff and interpreters with relevant
forms and processes
Earlier access/application to main stream bank
accounts
Jobcentre plus to formalise follow up
sessions/attend drop in sessions to answer any
benefit queries, or start work related dialogue
Secure Money Advice Worker (1 day/week)
Money Advice Worker to record all future
applications and monitor outcomes to enable
challenge
Family Budget Sheets for all in Arabic with
estimates on arrival
Benefits CLPL
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
EaEaEaEarly Years, rly Years, rly Years, rly Years, EAL, EAL, EAL, EAL, Schools & Further/Higher EducationSchools & Further/Higher EducationSchools & Further/Higher EducationSchools & Further/Higher Education Children and young people will be fully integrated into Aberdeenshire early years, schools, colleges and Children and young people will be fully integrated into Aberdeenshire early years, schools, colleges and Children and young people will be fully integrated into Aberdeenshire early years, schools, colleges and Children and young people will be fully integrated into Aberdeenshire early years, schools, colleges and universities and will receive the support universities and will receive the support universities and will receive the support universities and will receive the support
and learning they require to be successful, confident , responsible and effective learners and citizensand learning they require to be successful, confident , responsible and effective learners and citizensand learning they require to be successful, confident , responsible and effective learners and citizensand learning they require to be successful, confident , responsible and effective learners and citizens
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Excellent commitment and ‘can do’ approach
from Inverurie Academy and Kellands PS
EAL, support staff and schools worked well
together to ensure a smooth transition for
children and young people into school and early
years’ setting
EAL staff supplied families with essential picture
dictionaries in early stages of arrival
All Academy classes receiving Syrian students
had a cultural awareness session in advance,
and this has very much helped ensure a positive
transition. This was led by the EAL service.
All children and young people enrolled in school
within five weeks
Inverurie Academy provided all young people
with a Flexible Learning Pathway including EAL,
ESOL and partner inputs
GREC and Montgomery DEC delivered cultural
awareness sessions in schools and shared
valuable learning & teaching resources prior to
arrival
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
No central guidance from ECS on supporting
refugee children and young people
Challenges in supporting children with needs
associated with conflict and torture
EAL assessment process and enrolment to be
managed separately
Lack of knowledge in primary of how to support
young people through war related trauma
School, clothing grants were paid after children
started school
Process of sourcing cheap uniforms was overly
complex
Cultural awareness sessions were cancelled by
schools not receiving Syrian children in Phase
One
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Education & Children Services to consider a
strategic approach to supporting refugee children
and where this sits within ECS
Identify an Education lead who can focus on the
sourcing and sharing of refugee related Education
resources
Develop EAL Flowchart on pre and post school
enrolments processes
Signpost families to Academy back to School Bank
Work with benefits staff to ensure School Clothing
Grants are in place
Explore further CLPL opportunities
Inverurie Academy to provide ESOL in the timetable
for the first time in 16/17
Improved coordination of Cultural Awareness
sessions in relation to Syrian refugees, in schools
Chaplaincy teams could be used to support young
people and families in school if required
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Adult learners progressing to Higher education
in August 2016
Free use of the Inverurie Learning Centre is
conducive to creating a positive learning
environment and culture
Young people started school with uniforms, bags
and equipment
Links and communication between EAL, school
and ESOL staff has been invaluable
Education staff participation in Freedom from
Torture CLPL
A co-ordinated response from further and
higher education institutions in the North East
A commitment between RGU and the University
of Aberdeen to work collaboratively to best
support new Scot’s families
Universities meeting with Aberdeenshire and
Aberdeen City Council to better understand
issues and barriers to higher education and
explore opportunities for support
Pre-entry University mentoring for individuals
considering higher education, including support
with navigating the UCAS system and providing
support with personal statement writing
Aligning support with existing Wider Access
initiatives e.g. school outreach work, on campus
events and programmes
Organising a welcome to RGU campus event for
families
Provision of Career Information Advice and
Guidance
Connecting academic staff with families to further
academic research
Becoming a member of the ‘Article 26 Network; to
access resources and share best practice with other
universities
Share best practice within Scotland e.g. Open
University ‘Bridges Project’ in Glasgow
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Health & Social CareHealth & Social CareHealth & Social CareHealth & Social Care Families will receive the health and social care services they need to Families will receive the health and social care services they need to Families will receive the health and social care services they need to Families will receive the health and social care services they need to enable them to thriveenable them to thriveenable them to thriveenable them to thrive
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Excellent NHS lead and joint planning
Good multi-agency approach responding to
known health needs
Good coordination of complex health
appointments between Aberdeenshire Council,
NHS and Interpreters
Working with only 2 GP Practices helped build
relationships and practices
Good communication and planning with
Learning Disability teams / social work / care
management / OT prior to and after arrival
GP practices cooperative dealing with planned
and unplanned requests
Positive Health Visitor links made for under 5’s
Dental appointments coordinated well and links
made with Oral Health Team
Initial optometry tests carried out ongoing
referrals to local opticians made
Effective NHS Briefing delivered
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Internal sharing of information between Health
& Social Care teams could improve
Language Line not always used when required
Inconsistent use of interpreters by NHS for ARI
appointments
Communication barriers between families and
GP Practice Reception Staff
Families unable to phone in for same day
appointments
Reliance on staff / volunteers to deal with
emergency appointments in the first few
months – no system in place
Pressures allocating double appointments in GP
Practices
Unexpected high level of emergency admissions
in the first few months of resettlement
UNHCR Case Profiles didn’t always reflect
medical requirements
Dental Practice temporarily closing and
alternative practices are inaccessible
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Explore H&SC communication systems
Request more detailed UNHCR health profiling
Ensure a minimum of 2 family housing locations to
minimise isolation and impact on mental health and
wellbeing
Work with partners and services to determine how
they can access interpretation services for follow up
appointments and overcome language barriers
Share NHS 24 Arabic Audio help
Develop clear guidance on use of Interpreters &
Language Line for NHS appointments
Include Mental Health Team in planning
Review relevance of Social Work reps on the
Corporate Steering Group
Introduce health Flashcards for use in primary and
secondary health care settings
Initial optometry screening not essential – proceed
straight to Optician appointments
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
NHS Information Day delivered to the Syrian
families at the Drop-in by NHS Equality &
Diversity staff. All NHS practitioners present and
barriers to accessing health services explored
Health literature translated into Arabic
Verbal Arabic translation of NHS 24
Families still reluctant to make own
appointments at GP Practice
Secure alternative Dental Health provision during
temporary closure period
Continue to build relationships with GP practices
To build good practice
Culture & FaithCulture & FaithCulture & FaithCulture & Faith Families will have the opportunity to participate in a range ofFamilies will have the opportunity to participate in a range ofFamilies will have the opportunity to participate in a range ofFamilies will have the opportunity to participate in a range of cultural and faith activities, to suit their needscultural and faith activities, to suit their needscultural and faith activities, to suit their needscultural and faith activities, to suit their needs
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Mosque open and welcoming to all refugees
Mosque Imam always ready to give and advise
Syrian new Scots
Advice and presentations given to new Scots by
the Mosque on cultural shifts and behaviours
Space in a local church identified as a meeting
and prayer space in Inverurie
A prayer room has been made available within
the Academy, decorated by young Syrians
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Transport to Aberdeen Mosques is costly, time
consuming and challenging for new arrivals
Concern about sharing of relevant information
and balancing confidentiality
Difficulty of churches across denominations
working together and sharing information
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Mobilise volunteers to support with transport to
AMIC
Clarity on data sharing approvals and levels of
confidentiality
Explore mechanisms for keeping all faith groups
engaged and informed to maximise involvements
and support
Create a churches’ welcome pack for future phases
containing information on how local churches can
support families
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Social & CommunitySocial & CommunitySocial & CommunitySocial & Community Families will receive the social and community support they need to integrate and participate fully in community lifeFamilies will receive the social and community support they need to integrate and participate fully in community lifeFamilies will receive the social and community support they need to integrate and participate fully in community lifeFamilies will receive the social and community support they need to integrate and participate fully in community life
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Police Scotland involvement in the arrival
process was a positive opportunity to engage
with families early and be seen as friendly and
approachable
Low key arrival ensured community safety
Strong and quality support from temporary
support staff helped families settle
Church and Mosque welcome packs created by
volunteers and distributed to houses pre arrival
GREC support services mapping completed
AMIC Welcome Event and volunteer support
Aberdeen FC football training and events
Cultural and educational trip to Edinburgh and
participation in the Huntly White Wood Festival
AMIC 24 Hour Hotline invaluable
Local Arabic speaking community volunteers
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
No ongoing opportunity for Police Scotland to
engage with families – but this may be
appropriate?
Spread the Welcome Pack preparations wider to
include more church congregations
Welcome Packs to be more personal – with a
letter or card from person to person
Tripartite befriending project didn’t work
Large proportion of AMIC befrienders and
volunteers reluctant to travel to Inverurie
No dedicated support staff other than the
Coordinator to support families in the first three
months of resettlement
Wi-Fi was a priority for all but we were not
prepared
Lack of volunteer coordination
More community support could be maximised
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Consult with Phase One arrivals re the ongoing role
of Police Scotland with families; Drop-in, info
sessions etc.
Encourage supported use of public transport at an
earlier stage between Aberdeen and Inverurie /
Westhill
Begin Welcome Pack preparations earlier, once
families and locations are known
GREC to revisit support services mapping and share
when appropriate
Continued focus on integrating families in Arabic
and English speaking groups, clubs and societies
Formation of a permanent Syrian new Scots team
Coordination of Volunteers
Explore options, strengths and weakness of
increased community dialogue prior to arrivals
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Adults will receive the ESOL support Adults will receive the ESOL support Adults will receive the ESOL support Adults will receive the ESOL support they need to overcome language and communication barriers and to enable them to progress with they need to overcome language and communication barriers and to enable them to progress with they need to overcome language and communication barriers and to enable them to progress with they need to overcome language and communication barriers and to enable them to progress with
employment, training, educational and social opportunitiesemployment, training, educational and social opportunitiesemployment, training, educational and social opportunitiesemployment, training, educational and social opportunities
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Creative cross sector ESOL team established at
very short notice
Tutors and volunteers working as a Syrian ESOL
team to plan, design and deliver
SLA with WEA to part deliver ESOL in Inverurie
NESCOL provided free and accessible
accommodation and resources at very short
notice
Strong ‘can do’ approach by CLD, WEA and
NESCOL
CLD ESOL assessment used rather than Oxford
Testing as planned – valued input from NESCOL
Syrians are enthusiastic and participate well in
learning using their new language
Use of What’s App Syrian new Scots’ group is
effective at aiding communication, confirming
appointments and responding to emergencies
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
More ESOL classes needed to progress language
skills
Inadequate planning time
Learners in mixed ability classes
Large classes
Adult learners falling behind young learners
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Develop volunteering opportunities for Syrian’s to
develop their English
Review and evaluate ESOL delivery in June 16 and
redesign in response to progressions and in
preparation for Phase Two
(GREC keen to develop a Conversation Café in
Aberdeen City with partners)
Conversation Café being planned in Inverurie
Reassess learners in relation to ability
Match volunteers to learners
ESOL CLPL required
CLD to lead on ESOL delivery
Continue to strong links and resource sharing with
Academy but focus next ESOL phase on adult
learners
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
One learner has progressed to FT ESOL at
NESCOL Aberdeen Campus in August
Three learners have progressed to PT ESOL at
NESCOL Aberdeen Campus in August
Strong links, information and resources sharing
between Inverurie Academy, EAL and ESOL staff
Rights, Responsibilities & ResourcesRights, Responsibilities & ResourcesRights, Responsibilities & ResourcesRights, Responsibilities & Resources Families will be fully informed of their rights and the responsibilities of living in Aberdeenshire and ScotlandFamilies will be fully informed of their rights and the responsibilities of living in Aberdeenshire and ScotlandFamilies will be fully informed of their rights and the responsibilities of living in Aberdeenshire and ScotlandFamilies will be fully informed of their rights and the responsibilities of living in Aberdeenshire and Scotland
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
AMIC provided cultural shift and legislative
information to families
Aberdeenshire Council and the Imam worked
closely to ensure young people understand laws
and behaviours
Cultural Awareness Session arranged by
Aberdeenshire Council included rights and
responsibilities
Living & working in North East Scotland and
Police Scotland Guide translated into Arabic
Arabic Welcome Packs in every home
R&R sessions carried out with young adults
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Impact of Integrate Grampian Forum was
reduced because the group only meets quarterly
Families didn’t read the information in the
Welcome Pack on Rights & Responsibilities
Young people have shown that they are
unaware of legal differences between Syria and
Scotland
Young Scot information not available in Arabic
Cultural Awareness session focused too much
on differences and generalised perceptions
Welcome Packs not fully used by families - too
much information / literacy issues
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Increase in cultural, legal and rights information
delivered to families in person, after arrival.
Develop group work delivery rather than paper
based information
Revise the Welcome Pack to include less and more
focused essential information – Phase One families
will edit
Include audio information
Continue to share resources on wordpress site
Develop shared site for families to access resources
and information
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Interpretation & TranslationInterpretation & TranslationInterpretation & TranslationInterpretation & Translation Families will have the interpretation and translation services they require to access essential services and resourcesFamilies will have the interpretation and translation services they require to access essential services and resourcesFamilies will have the interpretation and translation services they require to access essential services and resourcesFamilies will have the interpretation and translation services they require to access essential services and resources
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Appropriate translation and interpretation
services in place
Vast majority of interpretation requests are
handled by agencies (GREC & OWL)
Few Arabic speaking volunteers assist at the
Drop-in and occasionally in a non-formal setting
Good / excellent Aberdeenshire Council
coordination of interpreters and appointments
Effective communication and strong links
between agencies, Aberdeenshire Council &
interpreters has resulted in positive outcomes
for families
Agencies flexibility and commitment to delivery
is excellent
Interpreters trained by agencies in preparation
for Syrian families arriving
Interpreters have contributed to supporting
families beyond their professional roles
Interpreters have been brilliant!
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Interpretation & translation sessions are
expensive and are the biggest area of
expenditure
Families have little English so interpreters are
required much more than expected
Huge challenges of accessing interpretation in
emergency situations – particularly health
emergencies
Not all Arabic speaking volunteers utilised
After appointments were in place, all NHS
appointments were removed from GREC which
was unnecessary change
More transparency and open process between
NHS and agencies
Application to TP&I for Arabic Hotline
unsuccessful
Last minute nature of some bookings
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Explore alternatives to procuring expensive and
unsustainable external interpretation services
Recruitment and training of Arabic speaking staff
and volunteers
Aberdeenshire, City and AMIC to evaluate in more
detail the need and resource requirement for a
Phase 2 Arabic Hotline
Clarify GREC & OWL relationship and booking
process in relation to NHS requirements
Continue to explore ways to improve engagements
with interpretation services in relation to Phase two
planning and coordination
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Interpreters have been flexible and willing to
work with partners to respond to emerging
needs
Interpreters’ Appointment Schedule allows
everyone to plan together and well in advance
Charitable SupportCharitable SupportCharitable SupportCharitable Support Families will have the charitable support required if need arisesFamilies will have the charitable support required if need arisesFamilies will have the charitable support required if need arisesFamilies will have the charitable support required if need arises
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
AMIC supported families with the generous
purchase of prams, toys and motorised scooters
Donation Plan in place via NESCU and facilitated
by the Church of Scotland
AMIC provided families with essential items to
enable prayer
Magpie provided essential support to making
houses ready prior to families arriving
Church of Scotland congregations donated
money generously and essential items
CFINE donated duvets essential for warmth
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Foodbank donations were overly generous
Having to allocate precious time to sorting
donations
School equipment sourced from personal funds
rather than the Donation Plan
Lack of storage space for key donations and
equipment
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Improve publicity and marketing of the Donation
Fund to include schools, charities and businesses
Identify a partner to lead on Donation Plan
marketing
Ensure adequate funds are available to cover
essential school / work costs
Improve planning to ensure charitable support and
donations are appropriate and proportionate
Discuss storage options with partners
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Safety & StabilitySafety & StabilitySafety & StabilitySafety & Stability Families will feel, and be safe in their homes and communitiesFamilies will feel, and be safe in their homes and communitiesFamilies will feel, and be safe in their homes and communitiesFamilies will feel, and be safe in their homes and communities
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Arrival and Airport plan was detailed, exact and
executed perfectly
Airport, Police, Council and Home Office worked
well to ensure safe, protected and smooth
arrivals and resettlement to houses
Use of Hotel was positive and essential as a
stopover for food and comfort breaks
Detailed and transparent post arrival planning
allowed all partners and staff to understand
their roles and responsibilities
Police Scotland Environmental Scanning in place
National Safer Communities Unit providing
oversight, monitoring of social media etc.
Aberdeenshire SF&RS and Council pioneered
translation of Fire Safety documentation now
used all over Scotland
Home fire safety visits undertaken
Staff well briefed and prepared – excellent effort
to support safe integration
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Late Home Office involvement in Airport Arrival
Planning
Awareness of CPT staff – briefings relied too
much on email
Vulnerable Persons’ Database was only activated
following an incident
Ongoing inputs by the Imam were stopped due
to transportation issues
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Clarify Phase Two arrivals process with Home Office
well in advance
Face to Face Briefings and identify a local lead –
possibly CPT Inspector
Add information to VPD and similar IT systems as
soon as families’ details are confirmed
Explore transportation options between Inverurie
and Aberdeen
Schedule in home Fire Safety visits immediately
after arrival
VPD completed for all future Phases
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
CrisisCrisisCrisisCrisis In the face of crisis, families will be supported to overcome barriers and In the face of crisis, families will be supported to overcome barriers and In the face of crisis, families will be supported to overcome barriers and In the face of crisis, families will be supported to overcome barriers and seek positive and sustainable solutionsseek positive and sustainable solutionsseek positive and sustainable solutionsseek positive and sustainable solutions
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Good partnership emergency planning and
sharing of information
Partners worked hard, sensitively and
appropriately to ensure ‘crisis’ was not allowed
to develop
Crisis Grants accessed swiftly due to non-
payment of Benefits
AMIC response to supporting families with
health & religious issues
24 Hour Arabic Hotline
Strong partnership working between AMIC and
Aberdeenshire Council
Churches’ response to crisis requests were swift
and exact with essential items being delivered to
those in need i.e. blankets and clothing
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
GREC counselling service available but not
accessed
GREC casework service not available in
Aberdeenshire due to funding
Level of demand on AMIC exceeds resources
available
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Ensure families are aware of the GREC counselling
service and how to access it
Explore funding options to extend casework service
to Aberdeenshire
Re-clarification of the role of AMIC and levels of
support on offer
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Press & Press & Press & Press & CommunicationCommunicationCommunicationCommunication Partners will work together to ensure families are appropriately protected from press intrusions and thatPartners will work together to ensure families are appropriately protected from press intrusions and thatPartners will work together to ensure families are appropriately protected from press intrusions and thatPartners will work together to ensure families are appropriately protected from press intrusions and that good news stories, positive publicity and good news stories, positive publicity and good news stories, positive publicity and good news stories, positive publicity and
public information is well managed internally and externallypublic information is well managed internally and externallypublic information is well managed internally and externallypublic information is well managed internally and externally
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Press intrusion minimised prior to arrival
managed by effective Communications Team
Partner Communication Strategy in place
Families protected from ongoing media
intrusion
Comms team involved in all stages of planning
and discussion from pre to post arrival and
beyond
100% positive press reporting in articles relating
to Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots
BBC Scotland General Assembly coverage of
Shire families very positive and sensitive
Formation of Wordpress site
Social media support via ASWR re donations and
volunteer support
Politicians kept regularly updated
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
Partners could have been provided with more
support at early stages pre arrival
Joint Comms plan with Moray & City would have
been preferable
Internal communications within Aberdeenshire
Council could have been improved
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Evaluate Comms process with families to determine
future strategies
Ensure resettlement is built into future Comms
plans
Increase media interest in the Donation Plan and
Good News Stories
Develop joint Comms Plan for future phases
Improve internal communications processes
Aberdeenshire Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Phase One Evaluation June 2016
Katie MacLean, Syrian new Scots’ Resettlement Coordinator
Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Syrian new Scots’ Partnership Partners will woPartners will woPartners will woPartners will work together to maximise resources, experience and knowledge to create and sustain effective and sustainable rk together to maximise resources, experience and knowledge to create and sustain effective and sustainable rk together to maximise resources, experience and knowledge to create and sustain effective and sustainable rk together to maximise resources, experience and knowledge to create and sustain effective and sustainable resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement
packages for Syrian new Scots’ families in Aberdeenshirepackages for Syrian new Scots’ families in Aberdeenshirepackages for Syrian new Scots’ families in Aberdeenshirepackages for Syrian new Scots’ families in Aberdeenshire
StrengthsStrengthsStrengthsStrengths
Strong partnership working
Well attended and regular planning sessions
Contributions and participation from all partners
Creative solution finding
Supportive and effective partnership
Wide and reflective representation
Effective chairing, coordination and facilitation
Donation Plan development and management
Good communication between City, Shire &
Moray
New Scots’ Integration Plan
Phase One Evaluation process
Active partnership
WeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknessesWeaknesses
ASWR withdrew prior to families arriving due to
refocusing of priorities on international support
Duplication of commitment for partners
between City and Shire
No client group representation
Partnership was focused on preparing for
arrivals rather than next stages
Funding opportunities limited due to being
council led rather than Third Sector
ImprovementsImprovementsImprovementsImprovements
Consider options for City & Shire joint partnership
and facilitation
Update the New Scots’ Integration Plan with
learning from Phase One
Define frequency and pattern of meetings
Clarify role of the partnership moving forward
Improve Donation Plan marketing
Identify unmet needs in relation to refugee
resettlement in the north east
Continue dialogue with Third Sector to grow
capacity to meet unmet need