Oxford Brookes applies for University of Sanctuary status

Oxford Brookes applies for University of Sanctuary status

Oxford Brookes University has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers by applying for University of Sanctuary status.

University of Sanctuary is a national scheme that formally recognises universities' efforts supporting sanctuary seekers, particularly students who are refugees or asylum seekers. The scheme provides resources to help institutions improve their support services and holds them accountable to a quality standard. Acting as a critical yet supportive partner, the University of Sanctuary initiative encourages ongoing development in inclusivity and accessibility.

Oxford Brookes academics Dr Tamsin Barber, Reader in Sociology and Chair of the Migration and Refugees Network, Dr Zoe Jordan, Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Dr Andrea Macrae, Research Fellow of the Migration and Refugees Network and Principal Lecturer in Stylistics, Education, and Student Experience, have led the initiative.

Oxford Brookes already supports refugees and asylum seekers with Sanctuary Scholarships. These scholarships provide financial assistance and a range of support services for students seeking asylum. The university has also collaborated with Oxford-based charities, including Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome, to enhance student support and foster strong community partnerships.

Dr Barber said: “The Sanctuary Scholarships were a big part of our initial efforts to become a welcoming and inclusive university. We’ve built on that, working with local partner, Asylum Welcome, who have played an essential role in research undertaken to develop our application for University of Sanctuary status.

“This process involves a comprehensive review of our current services, identifying local needs, and addressing gaps. It’s about recognising our strengths and finding ways to build on them.”

As part of the process, Oxford Brookes has developed a three-year action plan with support from Asylum Welcome. This plan reflects input from students and staff and aims to enhance the University’s culture of accessibility and inclusivity.

It has included working with other organisations on various projects. One example is the Migration and Refugee Network, joining forces with Oxford University and Asylum Welcome to develop the East Oxford branch of the Refugee Led Research Hub. The hub supports people with experience of forced displacement to become leaders in the fields including humanitarian response, forced migration and human rights.

As part of this application, Oxford Brookes University formally endorses the City of Sanctuary charter. Find out more on the City of Sanctuary webpage.

Dr Macrae added: “We discovered we have more students who are refugees or asylum seekers than we initially thought. Currently, we are aware of 48 students, but the true number is likely to be higher as students are not required to notify the university of their refugee or asylum status unless they are applying for the Sanctuary Scholarship.”

Agegnehu Mamo, a researcher at Asylum Welcome, said: "We are very pleased to be working with Oxford  Brookes and glad to see their willingness, commitment and ambition to improve the experience of the sanctuary-seeking community. We are looking forward to seeing where this takes OBU in the future and we are excited to be part of their journey."

The university’s application for University of Sanctuary status will be submitted by 31 January, 2025.

Find out more about the University of Sanctuary initiative.