The Internal sanctuary Operational group is serviced by the Office of the Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Directorate, and reports to the Civic University and Strategic Engagement Committee.

Its Chair is the Director of Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility, while ex officio members are:

• Head of Public Engagement
• Head of Diversity & Inclusion
• Social Impact and Civic Responsibility Manager
• Two Civic Engagement Officers
• Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer
• University of Sanctuary Officer
• Widening Participation Manager
• Widening Participation Outreach Officer
• Head of Admissions and Access
• International Scholarships Co-Ordinator
• Director of Open Learning Programme
• Three Academic Colleague
• International Student Advisor
• Queen’s University Students’ Union Equality & Diversity Officer
• Queen’s University Students’ Union Campaigns and Engagement Officer
• President of the Student Action For Refugees (STAR) Society
• Communications Officer
• Asylum Seeker Scholarship Recipient
• Fellowship Recipient
• Other Staff or Students when required

iRISE: a peer QUB network open to all academic and professional services staff who identify as, or are characterised as, BAME and/or international, aiming to contribute to addressing misrepresentation, inequalities and unbelonging within the academic functions at Queen’s University Belfast.

Racial Equity Champions (REC) Network: a network established to support Queen’s University in its work on REC, and racial inequality more broadly. The network is made up of staff from all of our Schools and Directorates who are passionate about advancing race equality, and have knowledge and expertise in this area.

African Scholars Research Network (AfSRN): a non-institutional network, founded by Queen's University staff and students, to support the recognition and flourishing of both academic and non-academic researchers in Northern Ireland, who are Africa-born or of African-descent.

QUB Sanctuary on Teams: In 2020, the Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Team collated a contact list of staff (and some students) across the University working on or with an interest in relevant issues, and created the QUB Sanctuary Team (on Microsoft Teams) as a forum for staff members to keep each other informed about initiatives and events. Please, contact us to be added to the Team.

Belfast City of Sanctuary: the group’s aim is to promote and build a culture of welcome and hospitality for people seeking sanctuary and a home in Belfast.

Anaka Women’s Collective: a Belfast-based women's collective, led by women with direct experience of the asylum system, who use their collective skills to educate, advocate for and celebrate each other.

Queen's University, through the Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Team, has increasingly been offering practical support for meetings and events by providing spaces, logistical assistance, and refreshments. Examples include logistical support and room provision for a June 2022 workshop on refugee accommodation, organised with groups like Asylum Seeker Voices NI and the British Red Cross; rooms and refreshments for mental health workshops in late 2023 run by the Starling Collective; support for a January 2024 Barnardo’s workshop for Afghan families about pharmacy services; a teaching room for a Cambridge English course for young refugees; an opportunity for an Afghan artist to present her work on campus in March 2024; hosting a Sanctuary symposium in partnership with the Starling Collective and Corrymeela in April 2024; taking part in a number of Refugee Week 2024 events, including the Refugee Picnic where Queen's University had an information stall.

• Asylum Seeker Scholarship – Undergraduate
• Asylum Seeker Scholarship – Postgraduate

Also, the University will be covering the cost of extending the existing Copty scholarship for Palestinians from one to four students. This is a fully paid, one-year postgraduate programme open to applicants with Palestinian nationality who live in Gaza or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and belong to a family normally resident there.

As detailed in the House of Commons Library, "At-risk academics are those facing discrimination, persecution, suffering, and violence because of threats to their life, liberty, or career. Some at-risk academics in immediate danger of arrest, injury, or even death are forced into exile, while others choose to work on in their home countries despite such threats. At-risk academics can include researchers, scholars, and scientists at all stages of their research careers, from doctoral students through to professors. While some academics at risk have recognised refugee status or similar protections having fled their home countries, many might hold temporary visas or work permits through visiting researcher positions at host universities in Europe or elsewhere."

Concession rates, where applicable, are available for those on State Benefits (including state pension) and full-time students and people who wish to join the courses do not need any prior qualifications. The teaching and learning style is informal and accessible and adult learners are valued and respected for their knowledge and expertise.

The Programme is always open to developing new courses with community partners.

NLCTS will focus on providing free taster sessions on three major Nigerian languages: Hausa, Igbo, and Yorùbá. These sessions, which will also offer insight into Nigerian cultures, will be facilitated by society member volunteers and will take place on a fortnightly basis. NLCTS is for members of the QUB community, both staff and students; language enthusiasts; Nigerians (in Diaspora); Nigerians interested in learning another Nigerian language etc. 

People will be able to sign up from Autumn 2024. If interested, please contact Dr Poppy Boyd (from the Language Centre at Queen's and member of the Racial Equity Champions Network) at poppy.boyd@qub.ac.uk, and you can also listen to her interviewing Dr Femi Omotoyinbo, to find out more about the recently established Nigerian Society at Queen's.