ABOUT
REFUGE NETWORK
INTERNATIONAL
Refuge Network International (RNI) is a non-profit humanitarian organisation that was set up to fight social injustice, empower the marginalised and alleviate human suffering principally through the promotion of Economic and Social Rights (ESR) in pragmatic and innovative ways. We work with refugees, victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, individuals living in abject poverty, and other marginalised groups.
OUR
VISION,
MISSION,
& DIRECTION.
OUR
CORE VALUES.
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VISION
Our vision is to see a free and fair world. One devoid of haunting poverty, senseless human suffering and social injustice.
MISSION
Our mission is to work towards the advancement and realisation of Economic and Social Rights in poor communities and among deprived individuals to ensure fair access to an adequate standard of life.
PASSION
We are passionate about the poor, the helpless and the hopeless. We want to be a voice for the voiceless, a refuge for the vulnerable and a source of strength for the weak.
ACTION
We will not sit back and wait for change. As agents of change, we will take action to facilitate the change we want to see. We intend to make a difference by deploying all resources at our disposal to contribute towards the promotion and realisation of Economic and Social Rights (ESR) in poor marginalised communities via a simple four-fold action plan which is summarized as follows:
INFORMATION
We are a research-based NGO and are therefore committed to devoting resources to disseminating well-researched information aimed at creating awareness on the issues at stake, highlighting areas of urgent need, and pointing the way forward in terms of positive response.
MOBILIZATION
We are pragmatic, so RNI shall actively mobilize manpower, materials and money to channel wholly towards helping to address the needs and inequalities that exist in our areas of activity.
DIRECTION
The direction of our work is localised and globalised. Our operation is both local, at the community level, and international across nations. We are actively and directly involved within local communities in various nations stimulating awareness and facilitating change at the grassroots where it matters most.
CO-OPERATION
We shall work collaboratively with individuals, groups, faith-based entities, communities, corporate bodies, governments and international agencies to facilitate the fulfilment of socioeconomic rights.
1.
Communality and Unity
We believe in community and the power of healthy symbiotic relationships. We can achieve more if we synergise, working collaboratively as a team. We will strive to build community, focusing more on the fundamental things that unite us rather than the little things that divide us.
2.
Probity and Accountability
We deal with a high level of transparency. We have adopted a legal format that makes us accountable to regulatory authorities. In addition to this, our accounts will be made publicly available to strengthen accountability.
3.
Empathy and Solidarity
The poor do not need our sympathy; what they need are empathy and solidarity. We are genuinely concerned about the challenging conditions of fellow humans walking the streets without a home to go to and the millions going to bed without food. We are all in this together; anything that affects one should concern all.
4.
Integrity and Honesty
We cherish honesty and strong moral principles. We will strive to be consistent and would endeavour to demonstrate a high level of integrity and honesty.
5.
Dependability and Reliability
We value commitment and a spirit of sacrifice. The vulnerable individuals and communities we work with cannot thrive if they cannot count on the commitment of service providers. We want to do everything we can to be there for those who need our support. All members of our team are expected to be dependable and reliable.
6.
Charity and Generosity
There is enough on the planet to go round. We believe that everyone can bring something to the table. You do not need to have a fat bank account to make a difference; all you need is a large heart; where there is a will, there is a way! We can all contribute in different ways.
7.
Equality and Inclusivity
All human beings are equal. We welcome diversity and promote inclusivity and equality. We want to build bridges and tear down walls of discrimination and prejudices. Refuge Network’s volunteers come from many different backgrounds representing over 25 countries. Our leadership comprise a good proportion of women and a fair representation of young, homeless, and marginalised people.
8.
Humility and Respectability
We understand that our work is a call to service, so, as servants, we deliver service with humility and courtesy, treating colleagues and service users with respect. We aim to accomplish complex tasks in simple ways. Life is complicated enough; we do not want to complicate it further. Many of our service users are ordinary people dealing with complex challenges. We see ourselves as simple guys, working to provide simple solutions to many of the complex problems confronting the poor. We understand that it is a privilege to serve in this position of public trust. Therefore, we will eschew dishonourable activities and comport ourselves respectably.
9.
Creativity and Sustainability
We aim to evolve creative and innovative ways of combating the socioeconomic challenges in our communities while striving to ensure that outcomes are sustainable and local communities are not damaged. The ultimate goal would be to ensure excellence in the quality of services we offer.
10.
Equity and Loyalty
We will reflect fairness and impartiality in project selection and in the dispensation of service, and distribution of resources to service users. We will stand by our service users and do our utmost to be loyal allies to all partners and sponsors.
SOCIOECONOMIC RIGHTS CHALLENGES.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
Our organisation acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and the requirements of regulatory bodies.
Privacy Notice
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Refuge Network International is dedicated to protecting your privacy while ensuring we can continue our vital work to promote access to food, health, education, and an adequate standard of living for underserved individuals and communities.
We ask for or collect your personal information solely to improve and run our services and to communicate effectively about our mission.
Our promise to you:
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Security: Your personal information is kept secure and rigorously protected.
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Clarity: We are honest and transparent about how we use your data. We encourage you to ask for clarification if you ever feel unsure.
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Control: You are always in control. You can update your marketing and contact preferences at any time.
This comprehensive Privacy Notice outlines how Refuge Network International (RNI) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal data.
1. Who We Are and What This Notice Covers
Refuge Network International (RNI) is a network of non-profit organisations operating in Europe, Africa, and other regions.
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Data Controller: Refuge Network UK CIC is the Data Controller for personal data processed in the UK. We determine the purpose and means of processing your personal data.
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Our Commitment: We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about the data we collect.
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Contact Details:
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Data Protection Lead: The Data Protection Team
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Address: Office Refuge Network International, Office 113, St Vincent House, 30 Orange Street, London WC2H 7HH, UK
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Email: info@refugenetworkinternational.com
2. Categories of Data We Collect
We collect different types of data depending on your relationship with RNI.
Category of Individual: Beneficiaries / Service Users, Volunteers / Staff / Trustees, Donors / Supporters, Corporate Partners / Vendors, Website Users.
Types of Personal Data Collected (Including Special Category Data Collected Where Applicable): Name, date of birth, contact details (phone/email), gender, nationality, location/residency status, emergency contact details, and data concerning a person's life circumstances (e.g., refugee status, housing status), address, recruitment records (CV, interview notes), health data (for occupational health/risk assessments), criminal records (for DBS/background checks), gift Aid declarations, job title, email address, phone number, company address, details related to contracts and invoices, IP address, device type, browser information, pages visited (collected via cookies/analytics).
3. How and Why We Use Your Data (Lawful Basis)
We must have a lawful reason (or "lawful basis") to process your data under the UK GDPR.
Purpose of Processing: Service Delivery to Beneficiaries (e.g., providing meals, medical assistance, tailored support), Volunteer Management (e.g., scheduling, communicating, reimbursing expenses), Recruitment (e.g., reviewing applications, conducting background checks), Fundraising and Appeals (sending newsletters, appeals, impact reports), Processing Donations (Gift Aid claims, financial reconciliation), Photography/Videography at Events (for publicity, social media)
Lawful Basis for Processing: Vital Interests (in life-or-death situations) or Explicit Consent (for Special Category Data), Contract (volunteer agreement) and Legitimate Interest (ensuring safe operations), Legal Obligation (for right-to-work checks) and Legitimate Interest (assessing suitability for a role), Consent (for electronic marketing/emails) or Legitimate Interest (for postal communication to existing supporters), Legal Obligation (for tax purposes) and Contract (processing the financial transaction), Legitimate Interest (promoting our charitable work) or Consent (obtained via a specific photo release form).
4. How We Collect Your Data
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Directly from You: When you fill out forms (online/paper), apply to volunteer, sign a beneficiary agreement, make a donation, or communicate with us via email or text.
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From Third Parties: We may receive data from referral partners, other charities, local government agencies (for beneficiary support), or public sources (e.g., Companies House, LinkedIn, charity directories for partner research).
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Automatically: Via our website cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) when you visit our site.
5. Data Storage, Security, and Retention
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Security: We use appropriate technical and organisational measures, including password protection, encryption, and restricted access, to protect your data from loss, misuse, or unauthorised access.
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Retention: We only keep your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.
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Example: Financial records must be kept for six years for tax and audit purposes. Data related to unsuccessful job applicants may be kept for six months.
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International Transfers: RNI is an international organization. When we transfer data outside the UK (e.g., to our RNI Nigeria office), we ensure robust safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs), to ensure the data remains protected under UK GDPR standards.
6. Sharing Your Data
We will never sell your personal data. We may share your data with the following third parties only when necessary and under strict data processing agreements:
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Service Providers: IT support, website hosting, payment processors (e.g., PayPal), and email service providers (for newsletters).
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Regulatory Bodies: HM Revenue & Customs (for Gift Aid or payroll), the CIC Regulator Office, Charity Commission, or law enforcement (if legally required).
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Partner Agencies: We may share beneficiary data with trusted community partners for the sole purpose of referring you to better support services, but only with your explicit consent.
7. Your Rights
Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:
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Access your personal data (known as a Subject Access Request).
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Have your data rectified if it is inaccurate or incomplete.
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Request the erasure of your data (the 'right to be forgotten').
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Object to processing, particularly for direct marketing.
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Ask us to restrict the processing of your data.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact our Data Protection Lead using the details provided in Section 1.
8. How to Complain
If you have any concerns about our use of your personal data, please contact our Data Protection team in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s supervisory authority for data protection.
ICO Contact Details: https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/