Written by: Nadoya Reid, Communications and Information Officer
As we get ready for the launch of this year’s Centres of Excellence (COEx) annual survey, the 2024 review offers a vital warning about issues shaping the sector’s future. Alongside financial pressures and workforce strain, some agencies noted concerns in operating in increasingly hostile environments and among the rise of the far right.
These findings take on an even sharper meaning in recent weeks, as we have all witnessed the distressing rise in far-right activity and hostility directed towards Muslim communities, Black and Minoritised communities, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, as well as towards the organisations that stand alongside them.
Far-Right Hostility and the Impact on Advice Services
The 2024 COEx findings also capture growing concern about far-right activity targeting both clients and staff.
Agencies reported harassment, often directed at those working with migrant and asylum-seeking communities. This has taken an emotional toll on frontline workers and volunteers, who already manage demanding caseloads and limited resources.
“Political hostility has created safety concerns, with far-right threats targeting staff.” — COEx Agency
These experiences are not isolated. They reflect a broader climate of racism and misinformation that undermines community cohesion and trust.
At LLST, we want to express our solidarity first and foremost with the people and communities targeted by this hostility, and with all of you, the advice workers, lawyers, caseworkers, and volunteers, who continue to provide vital free legal support in these circumstances.
We know that this climate has placed additional strain on agencies and heightened the risks faced by staff, volunteers, and clients. Your continued commitment to justice and equality remains indispensable, and we are deeply grateful for the work you do.
A Hostile Environment that Deepens Inequality
For years, immigration and asylum services have been working within a “hostile environment”. Last year’s annual review shows how some of these policies have become more entrenched and how their effects ripple across all areas of the advice sector.
COEx agencies reported that legislative changes, such as the Illegal Migration Act, combined with ongoing anti-migrant rhetoric, have made it harder for clients to access justice and have increased fear within already vulnerable communities.
“Government rhetoric has fostered fear among vulnerable groups, while policies like the Illegal Migration Act worsen their insecurity.” – COEx agency
Clients who once sought advice openly are now more hesitant to come forward, afraid of discrimination and hostility. This increases both the demand for advice and the complexity of the cases that agencies take on.
Responding with Resilience and Care
Despite these threats, COEx agencies continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience.
Many have strengthened partnerships with community organisations, introduced wellbeing and safety frameworks, and built more trauma-informed practices to support both clients and staff.
Others have led proactive campaigns to promote inclusion and anti-discrimination, standing up to divisive rhetoric with compassion, expertise, and unity. These responses show the sector’s unwavering commitment to fairness, even when the environment is hostile and the challenges immense.
“Whilst the far-right rhetoric has been vilifying people seeking sanctuary, Asylum Aid supported our clients by opening the UK’s first major Trauma Centre for Survivors of Trafficking and Torture. Here, we work with asylum seekers on their cases in a trauma-informed and welcoming space where the rooms are designed to create a welcoming, trusting and collaborative environment for both clients and their lawyers.” — Asylum Aid
Standing Together: Resources and support
We understand that many in the sector may be feeling fear, stress, or overwhelm in response to the current climate.
Below are some resources that may also be useful during this time:
The COEx Annual Review 2024 reminds us that the work of advice agencies is not only legal, but also profoundly social and human. In the face of hostility, your collective courage and compassion continue to make access to justice a lived reality for thousands of people each year. Together, we’ll continue to stand for justice, equality, and the right to safety for all.
You can read the full 2024 annual review here. The COEx programme is evolving. Look out for our upcoming blog, where we will be sharing updates on the upcoming changes to the programme and what we expect to learn from this year’s COEx survey results.