Information for potential sponsors
Applying to sponsor and the matching process
Anyone with at least six months' leave to remain in the UK can apply as a sponsor. In the ‘first phase’ of the scheme, you will need the details of a Ukrainian individual or family you wish to sponsor. Once both parties have agreed the arrangement, either the guest or the sponsor should fill in a single visa application form, including all the details of both guest and sponsor. Guidance on filling in this application, including what information is required.
The Government will not create a formal process for matching sponsors and guests; this will be carried out by community and faith groups and NGOs in the sector. Coventry City Council will not be involved directly in this matching process. There are now a number of websites and initiatives set up both in Coventry and nationally for matching sponsors and refugees.
Coventry Refugee Migrant Centre is working with the charity ‘Hand in Hand’ to help match sponsors to Ukrainian individuals and families.
Information for sponsors
As the Government's guidance on the Homes for Ukraine scheme states, individuals who wish to act as sponsors/hosts for Ukrainian individuals and families are only required to provide suitable accommodation for a minimum of six months.
The Government has asked local authorities to lead on the wraparound support to Ukrainian guests, drawing on our experience of previous resettlement schemes including the Syrian and Afghan schemes.
Support from Coventry City Council
The information below provides details of the City Council’s support:
Home assessments
The government has asked local authorities to assess whether space offered by sponsors is suitable for use in the Homes for Ukraine scheme. A Council Officer will visit the property and check that taking in a Ukrainian guest and family will not lead to overcrowding and that the rooms are in a reasonable condition.
Safeguarding
Ukrainian arrivals are likely to be vulnerable and may be traumatised by their experiences, and potential sponsors should be aware of this when signing up to the scheme. All persons aged 16 years and above in the sponsor households will be required to have a basic DBS check, and if there is a child or vulnerable adult in the arriving Ukrainian family, an enhanced DBS check will be required. The City Council will provide further guidance on the DBS checks process to sponsors.
If a sponsor has a concern about wellbeing of either the guest family or themselves, they should contact our safeguarding teams:
- Children's safeguarding
- Adult safeguarding
- Mental Health Access Hubs, Telephone Number: Freephone 08081 966798 (Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, seven days a week).
- Specific Information for Children and Young People, Rise Crisis & Home Treatment Team: Telephone Number Freephone 08081 966798 and select Option 2.
Employment and ESOL
Council services will provide access to English as a Second Language classes in conjunction with local partners. Guests can express an interest to learn English and will then be registered onto a course.
The City Council’s Migration Team will help newcomers find employment in the city. This will involve close work with Ukrainian guests to discuss their previous skills, experience and qualifications. Where appropriate, we will try to ensure guests can transfer their previous qualifications.
A key part of the support will involve working with individuals to find out their aspirations and the best route into the UK labour market. We have extensive experience of working with new arrivals in the city and will ensure that employment in the UK is explained as clearly as possible. Opportunities include confidence-building, discussion of key vocabulary, sector-specific training, volunteering support and job application support.
Voluntary and community support
Coventry has an active voluntary and community sector, with many groups who already provide support and welcome to refugees and migrants. We regularly meet with representatives from the sector, to plan how best to support new settlers.