Skip to content

Podcast: Safeguarding Ukrainian refugees and their hosts

Podcast

Dandelion

According to the UN, more than 10 million people are already thought to have left their homes in the Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Around half of those fleeing are seeking refuge overseas. The UK is expecting to receive many thousands of Ukrainians and (as at the end of March) 29,200 visas have been issued via the family visa scheme and the Homes for Ukraine scheme (which is being run by the charity Reset). 

Solicitors in the Safeguarding Unit, Veryan Exelby and Sophia Coles speak to:

Sile and Rebecca discuss the significant challenges facing incoming Ukrainian families and all those seeking to support them (including local authorities, charities and individual hosts), the practical reality on the ground, concerns about the UK’s current approach, key safeguarding risks, as well what can and should be done to best protect everyone. It was a sobering, informative and galvanising conversation, which we hope our listeners will find valuable. 

Resources mentioned by our guests:

This podcast was recorded on 5 April 2022.

If you have any questions on the podcast, please get in touch with Veryan Exelby, Sophia Coles, or your regular contact at the firm on +44 (0)20 3375 7000. If there are any other topics you would like us to cover in future briefings or podcasts, please let us know.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, May 2022

Want to know more?

Contact us

About the authors

Verian Exelby lawyer photo

Veryan Exelby

Senior Counsel

Veryan is a senior counsel within the Safeguarding Unit, with a particular focus on safeguarding in schools. Previously she was a partner of the Family team at Farrer & Co. Veryan provides safeguarding training for school governors and designated safeguarding leads, undertakes safeguarding audits and policy reviews and advises schools on all areas of safeguarding. Veryan is the Safeguarding Governor at two schools.

Veryan is a senior counsel within the Safeguarding Unit, with a particular focus on safeguarding in schools. Previously she was a partner of the Family team at Farrer & Co. Veryan provides safeguarding training for school governors and designated safeguarding leads, undertakes safeguarding audits and policy reviews and advises schools on all areas of safeguarding. Veryan is the Safeguarding Governor at two schools.

Email Veryan +44 (0)20 3375 7000
Sophia Coles lawyer photo

Sophia Coles

Senior Associate

Sophia specialises in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. She advises on contractual and statutory entitlements, employment litigation and in relation to workplace investigations. Sophia also conducts workplace investigations. These commonly relate to disciplinary, grievance and whistleblowing matters, often involving sensitive allegations relating to bullying, sexual misconduct, and discrimination.

Sophia specialises in all aspects of contentious and non-contentious employment matters. She advises on contractual and statutory entitlements, employment litigation and in relation to workplace investigations. Sophia also conducts workplace investigations. These commonly relate to disciplinary, grievance and whistleblowing matters, often involving sensitive allegations relating to bullying, sexual misconduct, and discrimination.

Email Sophia +44 (0)20 3375 7817

More by the authors

Further reading

Back to top