Refugee Entrepreneurship: Belonging and Social Inclusion for Refugees in the UK

I am applying for this opportunity because this is a subject area about which I am passionate. I have spent my career (14 years), and before that my studies, working in the field of forced migration; across many areas including mental health, employment, education, legal rights, and social support. Through this experience I have developed a sound understanding of asylum and immigration processes and the impact these have on individuals: on their rights and entitlements; on their well-being, identity and sense of belonging; and on the prospects for social inclusion and integration. This research project investigating refugee entrepreneurship particularly appeals because of the approach it takes in focusing on social inclusion and community making, something that in my professional roles has been central to our way of working. I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in research which has the potential to have a tangible and positive impact on policy and practice, as well as generate new understandings about the process of belonging.

I believe my experience, knowledge and connections within the refugee sector would be an asset in terms of 'on the ground' understanding and access. I can offer insight into some of the complexities (and sometimes contradictions) shaping the lives and priorities of refugees, as well as an appreciation of some of the challenges around engaging people in the research. Trust is a central concern, and I think building strong relationships with gatekeepers (refugees/migrants and organisations working in the field) at an early stage is crucial. I think I would be well placed to do this with my existing connections and an excellent track record of developing strong working partnerships with a wide range of partners, statutory and voluntary, and with refugees and migrants.

In my professional roles I have developed skills in some aspects of research methodology, which I think would give me a foundation on which to build. I have been responsible for monitoring and evaluating services, which has included designing and supporting the implementation of monitoring tools, quantitative and qualitative data collation and analysis, and the production of reports. I have overseen external evaluations of our services, working in close collaboration with the researchers and undertaking a literature review. I also have a strong appreciation of the importance of ethical research: considering the well-being of participants; confidentiality; transparency; and informed consent.

I feel I have the maturity to be able to handle the considerable demands of undertaking a doctoral degree. My professional roles have required excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as analytical and strategic thinking, to keep on top of numerous demands across a diverse range of responsibilities, often working to tight deadlines. I have demonstrable project management and problem solving skills, through managing services (planning, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and improving) and preparing substantial funding applications (research, needs analysis, project design, evidencing impact, budgeting). I also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a background in successful collaborative working, and the ability to tailor communication in a way to engage a range of audiences.