In this special collaboration for Refugee Week, Refugee Action is joined by Roula Kheder (Routes to Employment Project Manager) and Wieke Vink (Head of Programmes) of the London-based social enterprise Routes.

The duo from Routes talk about community as a superpower and routes to employment for women from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds.
Have a listen to hear Wieke and Roula in conversation about the meaning of work, barriers and opportunities for accessing employment and what different actors can do to support employability and refugee rights in London and across the UK.

Important update: in the Government Guidance for Apprenticeship Funding Rules for August 2025 to July 2026, it has been outlined that asylum-seekers cannot access apprenticeship funding. This makes campaigns like the Lift the Ban campaign by refugee leadership (organised by Refugee Action and Asylum Matters, and supported by Routes) all the more relevant - for those who are able to work, to have the right to work.

Despite common misconceptions and misinformation, many people seeking asylum in the UK would like to be able to access the labour market and contribute, but they are prevented from doing so. This is counterproductive to everyone involved - and leaves a whole talent pool of people unable to be part of workplaces.

Please note: the Routes to Employment Research Report, that is mentioned in this podcast, was written before the latest update to the Government Guidance. Any recent policy changes regarding apprenticeship funding structures - or wider changes within the UK asylum system - are not reflected in the Routes report or in this podcast. Please be aware that rules and rights are subject to constant change. Because of this, it is always important to get advice on how any of the rules might apply to your individual case.

Routes and Refugee Action stand in solidarity for refugee rights, and access to employment for all.

For more information, please visit https://routescollective.com/routes-to-employment

The rich and often overlooked aspects of Black history have deeply impacted today’s generation. In this final takeover by the RAS Voice, the panel explores the vital need to reclaim the narrative, challenging dominant histories and amplifying Black voices, challenging the Eurocentric lens through which history has been traditionally told, and amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The conversation highlights the significance of colours and symbolism in Black culture, the powerful role of Black women in leadership, and their enduring influence in shaping history. With an examination of colonialism’s lasting effects, the panel unpacks how historical injustices continue to shape societal structures today. Through candid discussions, the podcast fosters a space for education, empowerment, and a reimagining of Black history that centres truth, resilience, and progress.

⁠Jason Thomas-Fournillier ⁠ hosts this episode alongside ⁠Nico Ndlovu⁠, Catherine Lebadou⁠ and Jonathan Kazembe.

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The UK’s asylum system is in crisis—but those with lived experience are stepping up to push for real change. Lived experience groups are vital because they bring the voices of those directly impacted by the asylum system into the conversation. They challenge policies, advocate for fairer treatment, and push for meaningful change. This is the second episode in which ⁠RAS Voice⁠ takes over the EbE Podcast and reintroduces the campaign group. The guests dive into their mission, the impact they’re striving for, and why their work is more important than ever.

⁠Catherine Lebadou⁠ hosts this episode alongside Jonathan Kazembe, the EbE manager at Refugee Action, Patrick Masebo, the EBE coordinator at MRSN and Sarbaz, a member of RAS Voice and the EbE Steering group at Refugee Action.

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