Report: ‘Equity Catalysts’ Community of Practice – Transforming Leadership in the UK Refugee and Migration Sector
A new report outlining MEX’s community of practice on leadership development, Equity Catalysts: Transforming Leadership in the UK Refugee and Migration Sector, its successes, challenges, and Reem Assil’s recommendations for MEX and the sector.
First posted December 2023 and updated October 2024
Executive Summary
Reem Assil led the design and facilitation of the Equity Catalysts Community of Practice (CoP) in partnership with Migration Exchange (MEX). This initiative, co-designed with participants, aimed to promote accessible and equitable leadership in the refugee and migration sector. The CoP’s sessions, held from January to June 2024, focused on key issues such as anti-racism, lived experience leadership, and power dynamics. Participants engaged in reflective discussions and peer coaching, using real-world scenarios to explore leadership challenges.
The CoP highlighted the importance of collective power, challenging entrenched systems, and understanding the impact of intersectionality on leadership. Despite challenges with participation and online learning formats, the CoP fostered a supportive, anti-oppressive space for learning and growth. Participants expressed a strong desire for continued engagement and further skill development, particularly for senior leaders, to embed equitable practices across organisations.
The report outlines key recommendations, including establishing a cooperative learning hub, funding wellbeing grants for leaders, and developing anti-oppressive organisational models. Participants also called for the CoP’s continuation and expansion to deepen learning and drive systemic change within the sector. Reem Assil’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing these efforts.
Equity Catalysts Community of Practice: Co-Design Process and Challenges Report
Download Reem Assil’s concluding report with her key reflections, insights and recommendations from this project.
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