We are a fast-paced, start-up charity with a mission to welcome refugees into meaningful employment with one-to-one advice, and guidance, education and training. Refugees and people of refugee background are four times more likely to be unemployed. Yet there is little support available to help build new lives after refugee status is granted. That’s wrong. And it’s why I started Breaking Barriers.
We are not an advocacy or policy-led organisation, as we are focused on the service delivery of high-quality employment and education support. We are data-driven and we use the data about our work to improve both our own and the wider sector practices. Clients are at the heart of our work and inform what we do through providing regular survey feedback, specific advisory input, and sharing their stories. We advocate for our clients by collaboratively working with Government departments to make the case for – as well as shape – integration funding for refugees. We’ve already had tremendous success with the key role we played in the development of the Refugee Transition Outcomes Fund which we have worked on in Manchester and Birmingham.
Our work relies on the generous funding of our network of corporate partners, donors and supporters, and statutory grants. We also work closely with national and local partners to strengthen the sector and wider ecosystem.
We are a team of around 70 staff and we have grown considerably over the past 2 years, having the opportunity to expand into new areas of the UK. We are also supported by several hundred volunteers. When I set up Breaking Barriers it was with the intention of addressing the need in its entirety. We know that there continues to be a large and dispersed refugee population with unmet needs and we are focused on bettering our services and growing across the UK.
At Breaking Barriers, we work collaboratively and openly to get things done. We have a flexible and welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to take ownership, feedback and contribute. I am passionate about ensuring Breaking Barriers has an inclusive culture, ensuring that individuals feel confident to bring their whole selves to work and that we celebrate the differences that make all our staff unique. I also believe that it is vital that we invest in and support our staff with lived experience so that they can flourish and progress within the organisation.
We are looking for individuals who share our motivation, values and ambitions to grow our programmes so we can support more refugees. The right person will benefit from the chance to be part of an ambitious and growing organisation and have the opportunity to innovate, pursue your passion and work as part of an incredibly talented team.