Inclusive Cities is a Knowledge Exchange initiative hosted by the Global Exchange on Migration and Diversity and funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Shared Ground Fund. The first phase of the project ran for two years. It supported six UK cities and their local partners to achieve a step-change in their approach towards integration of newcomers in the city. Drawing on ideas and experience from within Europe and innovative approaches from cities in the United States, Inclusive Cities aims to support the development of an approach that is as follows:
- Strategic across the city administration
- Consistently uses positive messaging to develop an inclusive narrative for the city which informs and drives practice
- Local authority led, working in close partnership with business, public and voluntary sector organisations – including those not usually involved in integration – to achieve shared goals
- Identifies a number of priority areas leading to practical initiatives which broaden opportunities for inclusion of all residents across the economic, social and civic life of the city
- Recognises in particular the needs of children and young people
The project is a knowledge exchange initiative which, in phase one, helped cities to reflect upon and develop their thinking in a number of ways:
- Peer learning and support between the participating cities
- Dedicated support from a project manager at the Global Exchange on Migration and Diversity who informed the projects with specialist input – data, evidence, and examples of worldwide good practice and provided ongoing support to each of the cities
- Learning exchange with two US cities, hosted by Welcoming America, a highly acclaimed initiative which supports the development of a shared narrative and inclusive practices among city administrations and their partners
This is a learning report outlining some of the key learning points from the first phase of the programme.