UK: Serviced apartment agency Situ is partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), a global not-for-profit organisation focused on unlocking skilled migration pathways for refugees predominantly based in Jordan and Lebanon.
Situ, in conjunction with accredited ASAP members, will be TBB’s recommended accommodation provider in the UK. This new partnership is designed to help to address both the shortage of talent in the UK and a major humanitarian crisis around the globe.
TBB works with employers in both the public and private sector to place refugees in employment. Situ will be recommended as the partner to discuss the immediate accommodation requirements for the refugees as they arrive to commence work. Situ in turn will work with accredited ASAP members to secure the appropriate accommodation at the best commercial terms.
“It’s essential that we have a trusted accommodation partner, that we know has the safety and comfort of our arriving refugees and forcibly displaced people as a
priority,” said Holly Asquith, TBB integration lead UK. “They need to be able to settle quickly into their new surrounds and have somewhere that feels like a home and a reassuring base from which to start their new lives and careers. Situ and the wider ASAP membership can clearly offer what we are looking for and we’re thrilled to have their expertise and support behind us.”
Phil Stapleton, managing director at Situ, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with TBB, and supporting such an innovative and humanitarian initiative.
Having ASAP members with us further ensures that we can offer the best accommodation for these people starting a new chapter of their lives.”
TBB has recently piloted the concept and process, booking accommodation with an accredited ASAP London provider via Situ for Hanin, a nurse who is a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon. Hanin said: “The accommodation has been perfect. It feels like home. It’s suitable for a family, and the large rooms give space and safety for my toddler to move around and play. The staff have all been so kind and make us feel nurtured and at home. Thank you.”
“When we were approached to support and get involved with this initiative, we didn’t hesitate,” said James Foice, CEO of ASAP. “These people have been displaced through no fault of their own. They are looking to get their lives and careers back on track, and they are entitled to start their new roles somewhere safe and comfortable for themselves and their families. Our accredited members are perfectly placed to offer them self-contained, fully serviced accommodation, which comes with flexible living spaces and home-like cooking and laundry facilities. We applaud the work of Talent Beyond Boundaries and look forward to our members welcoming their new guests as soon as possible.”
