Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is a registered community support organisation. We work exclusively with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. We are not a legal service. We run regular community events, build peer networks, and write letters of support for use in asylum proceedings.
Membership of Worcester LGBT is open exclusively to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. We do not accept members who are not LGBTQ+ asylum seekers or refugees. Our support is targeted at people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and who are navigating the UK asylum system.
Find out moreWe run monthly community events, provide a safe space for members to connect, write community support letters for use in asylum proceedings, and signpost members to legal services. We operate alongside solicitors but do not provide legal advice or representation.
How we helpMembership is free and open to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. Complete our membership enquiry form to apply. Membership is not automatic and is subject to review.
Apply nowPlease note: Worcester LGBT is a community support organisation. We do not provide legal advice, immigration advice, or legal representation. If you need help with your asylum claim, please contact a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser or legal aid provider.
We hold monthly "Asylum Seekers Connection" events at Beckton Community Centre in London. Events take place on the first Tuesday of every month from 5pm to 8pm. They are open to current members of Worcester LGBT and provide a space to meet, connect, and access peer support in a safe and confidential environment.
These events have been running since August 2025. Our use of Beckton Community Centre has been confirmed in writing by the London Borough of Newham. We raise donations to fund these events.
Event DetailsWorcester LGBT writes community support letters for members who are engaged in asylum proceedings. These letters confirm a member's participation in our community and their engagement with our events and activities. They are community documents, not legal opinions and not the same as legal representation.
A support letter is not automatic. It is based on a member's documented and active engagement with Worcester LGBT over time. If you are represented by a solicitor or a regulated immigration adviser, your representative may contact us directly to request a letter of support on your behalf. Your solicitor or qualified legal adviser can advise on how to use a support letter within your evidence bundle.
A letter of support from Worcester LGBT, signed by the Founder and Chairman, is the only document that verifies and confirms a member's attendance at Worcester LGBT events. Photographs, event tickets, or bank statements do not verify attendance at Worcester LGBT events. Worcester LGBT can only verify and confirm what is documented within the organisation.
The Home Office publishes Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) covering sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE) for countries from which asylum claims are commonly made. All CPIN information is sourced from the official GOV.UK CPIN collection. Worcester LGBT holds CPIN summaries for Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. These are provided for general information only and do not constitute legal advice.
Worcester LGBT has received written correspondence from the Home Office's UK Visas and Immigration directorate, the Asylum Policy Secretariat, and the Asylum Support Business Delivery Unit, all acknowledging our work with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. Our community events have been formally confirmed by the London Borough of Newham. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller under reference ZB990983. Our name is protected under UK Trade Mark UK00004270362.
Worcester LGBT is funded entirely by voluntary donations. If you would like to support the organisation's work with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, you can make a donation using the link below.
Make a DonationA registered community support organisation working exclusively with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is a community support organisation. We work exclusively with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the United Kingdom. Our membership is restricted to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and who are seeking asylum or have been granted refugee status.
We are not a law firm. We are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or the Immigration Advice Authority. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or immigration advice of any kind. Members who require legal support with their asylum claim must speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser.
Our name is protected under UK Trade Mark registration UK00004270362. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller under reference ZB990983.
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® was founded in 2018 in Worcester. It began as an online activism group and over seven years evolved into a structured national membership network dedicated to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. The organisation has grown to nearly 1,000 members from across the United Kingdom, including members in Worcester, Birmingham, London, Manchester, Wales, and Scotland. Because of its national reach, monthly community events are now held in East London.
In November 2025, Worcester LGBT held its seventh anniversary celebration in East London, bringing together more than 200 members from across the country. Over seven years the organisation has supported hundreds of individuals in securing refugee status and rebuilding their lives in the UK.
Worcester LGBT has been covered in the media on several occasions. Coverage has described our monthly events, the peer support we provide, the formal recognition we have received from the Home Office, and our expansion to Beckton Community Centre in partnership with the London Borough of Newham. Articles have highlighted the experience of members who have been granted asylum after years of engagement with our community and the transformative effect of belonging to an LGBTQ+ community in the UK for the first time.
Worcester LGBT provides community connection through regular monthly events, builds an evidence base through structured DSSH-informed community engagement, and writes letters of support for members engaged in asylum proceedings. We treat every member with dignity, compassion, and respect. We are like a family. We treat our members like family.
Members can contact us for emotional support at any time. We operate a members-only WhatsApp group through which our community communicates. The group connects over 1,000 members from across the UK. Members use the group to share experiences, thoughts, feelings, event information, and peer support. We are here to listen. We provide a safe space where members can be open about who they are, often for the first time. Some members have never had the opportunity to be open about their identity. We give them the courage to be open to themselves.
We also signpost members to NHS services including sexual health clinics and GP surgeries, and to mental health support services. For legal assistance, we can provide guidance on finding regulated immigration legal representation. Any solicitor must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Any immigration adviser must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). You can find a regulated solicitor via the Law Society Find a Solicitor service.
Worcester LGBT participates in Pride events and takes members to Prides including Pride in London and Birmingham Pride. We also support members in visiting LGBTQ+ venues so they can feel part of the wider LGBTQ+ community in the UK. For many of our members, these experiences are transformative. They are able to be themselves in a way that was not possible in their country of origin.
Worcester LGBT structures its community engagement and documentation using the DSSH Model: Difference, Stigma, Shame, and Harm. This framework was developed by barrister S Chelvan. It draws on the principles established in HJ (Iran) v SSHD [2010] UKSC 31 and is consistent with UNHCR Guidelines on International Protection No. 9. The model has been cited in parliamentary evidence before the Home Affairs Committee (HC71) and is referenced in Home Office guidance on sexual orientation in asylum claims. Full details of the DSSH Model are available at Right to Remain.
Difference refers to a member's experience of realising they are different, long before they identify or come out as gay or LGBTQ+. This is often felt in childhood or adolescence. Stigma refers to the social, religious, or state disapproval directed at LGBTQ+ people in their country of origin. Shame refers to the internalised experience of that stigma, the isolation and sense of being "other." Harm refers to the actual or feared persecution: criminalisation by the state, honour killing, corrective rape, or mob violence.
Worcester LGBT uses the DSSH Model to understand members' situations and to give them the right support. We also use it to prepare our letters of support. We do not assess asylum claims. The decision on asylum is made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department or the Tribunals. The DSSH Model is a community engagement and documentation tool, not a legal assessment tool.
Worcester LGBT holds monthly "Asylum Seekers Connection" events at Beckton Community Centre in London. These events have been running since August 2025. They take place on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm to 8pm in the Main Hall. Events are free to attend and open to current members only. We raise donations to fund these events.
Our use of Beckton Community Centre has been confirmed in writing by the Community Neighbourhood Coordinator at the London Borough of Newham in a letter dated 19 February 2026. Full event information is available at our Outsavvy page.
In June 2024, UK Visas and Immigration wrote to Worcester LGBT setting out the process by which claimants can submit letters of support from community groups like ours as part of their asylum claim. In March 2025, the Asylum Policy Secretariat at the Home Office wrote to acknowledge Worcester LGBT's continued work with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and to confirm the Home Office's commitment to an asylum system that is responsive to claims of persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In April 2025, the Asylum Support Business Delivery Unit wrote to thank Worcester LGBT for its support of asylum seekers within the LGBTQ+ community and for sharing policy amendments. These letters are available to view on our Correspondence page.
ICO Data Protection Registration
Worcester LGBT is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller under reference ZB990983.
UK Trade Mark Registration
The name Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is protected under UK Trade Mark registration UK00004270362.
Our support is designed specifically for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK
Monthly events at Beckton Community Centre in London, held on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm to 8pm. A safe, confidential space for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees to meet, talk, and access peer support. Events are free to attend. Members only. We raise donations to fund these events.
Worcester LGBT writes community support letters for members engaged in asylum proceedings. Our Constitution sets out the basis on which these letters are written. Letters confirm membership status, attendance at events, and participation in community activities. They are based on documented engagement and are not written automatically for all members. They are not the same as legal representation. If you have a legal representative or Home Office caseworker, they can also request a letter of support from us.
Using the DSSH Model (Difference, Stigma, Shame, Harm), developed by barrister S Chelvan and drawing on the principles of HJ (Iran) v SSHD [2010] UKSC 31, Worcester LGBT documents members' backgrounds in relation to their sexual orientation or gender identity. We use this to understand members' situations and to prepare our letters of support. We do not assess asylum claims. This documentation can form part of a wider evidence base when used alongside advice from a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser. Full details of the DSSH Model are at Right to Remain.
We signpost members to NHS services including sexual health clinics and GP surgeries, and to mental health support services. We can provide guidance on finding regulated immigration legal representation. Any solicitor must be registered with the SRA. Any immigration adviser must be registered with the IAA. Find a regulated solicitor via the Law Society. We do not make referrals on a member's behalf but we can help you identify where to look.
Members can contact us for emotional support at any time. We also operate a members-only WhatsApp group through which our community communicates. The group connects over 1,000 members from across the UK. Members use it to share experiences, thoughts, feelings, event details, and peer support with each other. We are like a family. We treat our members like family. The WhatsApp group is a peer support space, not a legal advice service. All members are bound by the Worcester LGBT Code of Conduct.
Worcester LGBT holds CPIN summaries for Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. All information is sourced from the Home Office GOV.UK CPIN collection. These are provided for general information and do not constitute legal advice.
What Worcester LGBT does not do: We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or immigration advice. We are not authorised to advise on asylum strategy or legal arguments. If you need legal help with your asylum claim, you must speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser. We can help you find one if needed.
Finding authorised legal representation: Always verify that anyone advising you on your asylum claim is properly authorised. Solicitors must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Immigration advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). Find a regulated solicitor using the Law Society Find a Solicitor service. Do not pay for immigration advice from anyone who is not on these registers.
A Worcester LGBT support letter is a community document that confirms a member's engagement with the organisation. It records attendance at events, participation in community activities, and engagement over time. It is not a legal opinion and is not the same as an expert report or legal representation.
A support letter is not automatic on joining. It is written only when a member has been actively and demonstrably engaged with Worcester LGBT. The decision to write a letter rests with Worcester LGBT. If you are represented by a solicitor or a regulated immigration adviser, your representative may contact us directly to request a letter of support on your behalf. Your solicitor or qualified legal adviser can advise on the best way to use a support letter within your wider evidence bundle.
A letter of support from Worcester LGBT, signed by the Founder and Chairman, is the only document that verifies and confirms a member's attendance at Worcester LGBT events. Photographs, event tickets, or bank statements do not verify attendance at Worcester LGBT events. Worcester LGBT can only verify and confirm what is documented within the organisation.
The DSSH Model (Difference, Stigma, Shame, Harm) was developed by barrister S Chelvan. It draws on the principles established in HJ (Iran) v SSHD [2010] UKSC 31 and is consistent with UNHCR Guidelines on International Protection No. 9. The model has been cited in parliamentary evidence (HC71) and referenced in Home Office guidance and a Home Office investigation into LGBTQ+ asylum claims. It has been adopted by countries including New Zealand and Sweden as a framework for understanding the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people from countries where their identity is criminalised or stigmatised. The model is described in full at Right to Remain.
Difference refers to a member's experience of realising they are different, long before they may identify or come out as LGBTQ+. This is often felt in childhood or adolescence. Stigma refers to the social, religious, or state disapproval directed at LGBTQ+ people in their country of origin. Shame refers to the internalised experience of that stigma: the isolation and the sense of being "other." Harm refers to the actual or feared persecution: criminalisation by the state, honour killing, corrective rape, or mob violence.
When Worcester LGBT engages with a member using this framework, it does so through community conversation rather than formal interview. The aim is to understand the member's situation and to give them the right support. We also use this understanding to prepare our letters of support. Worcester LGBT does not use the DSSH Model to assess whether a member's asylum claim is credible. Asylum is decided by the Secretary of State for the Home Department or the Tribunals. The DSSH Model is a community engagement and documentation tool, not a legal assessment tool.
Apply to join Worcester LGBT: open exclusively to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees
Membership is open exclusively to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees. If you are not an LGBTQ+ asylum seeker or refugee, you are not eligible to join Worcester LGBT. Membership is not automatic and is subject to review of your enquiry.
Complete the form below to apply for membership. We may follow up with further questions before confirming your membership. All information you provide is held securely in line with our Data Protection Policy and UK GDPR.
Worcester LGBT collects special category data including sexual orientation and gender identity. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. See our Data Protection Policy for full details of your rights.
Home Office SOGIE assessments for countries represented in our membership
What are CPINs? Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) are documents published by the Home Office. They set out the Home Office's assessment of conditions in a specific country for a specific group. SOGIE CPINs cover sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. These notes are used to inform how LGBTQ+ asylum claims from those countries are assessed. All information is sourced from the Home Office GOV.UK CPIN collection.
The summaries below are based on CPINs held by Worcester LGBT. They are provided for general information only and do not constitute legal advice. If you need advice on how country conditions apply to your specific asylum claim, you must speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser. Verify any solicitor is registered with the SRA and any immigration adviser with the IAA. Find a solicitor at the Law Society.
Same-sex sexual acts between men are criminalised under Pakistani law. Penalties range from a fine to life imprisonment. There is no specific criminal law on same-sex acts between women, though general morality laws are applied in practice. Sharia prescribes stoning to death as a punishment, but there is no documented case of the state applying this sentence. Police routinely use existing criminal laws as tools for extortion and harassment of gay men rather than for formal prosecution.
LGBTQ+ people in Pakistan cannot obtain effective state protection. Police are themselves a source of extortion and abuse targeting LGBTQ+ people. The state is both unwilling and unable to provide meaningful protection from non-state persecution. Internal relocation within Pakistan is not a reasonable option for LGBTQ+ people, as the risk of non-state persecution applies throughout the country.
Most gay men in Pakistan conceal their sexual identity. Gay men are targeted via dating and social networking apps by individuals seeking to extort or assault them. Police use entrapment through these platforms. Even without active prosecution, the consistent risk of arrest, extortion, and assault by police and non-state actors is severe.
Lesbian and bisexual women face serious risks from family and community actors, including honour-based violence, forced marriage, and corrective rape. The absence of a specific criminal law does not mean these women are protected. Their exposure to non-state persecution is severe and is not mitigated by the law.
Trans women in Pakistan face denial of housing, endemic sexual violence, and exclusion from mainstream society. There is a form of legal recognition for khawaja siras, but practical protection is absent. Violence against trans women is widespread and state responses are inadequate.
LGBTQ+ people from Pakistan are unlikely to face direct state prosecution. They are likely to face non-state persecution from family, community, and religious actors. The CPIN confirms that claims from LGBTQ+ Pakistanis are unlikely to be certified as clearly unfounded.
Section 377 of the Penal Code criminalises "carnal intercourse against the order of nature." This applies in practice to male same-sex acts. The law is rarely enforced through formal prosecution but is routinely used for police harassment, extortion, and arbitrary detention of gay men. The legal position regarding female same-sex activity is not clearly established in the statute. Hijra individuals were recognised as a third gender category in 2013.
Bangladesh is unable and unwilling to protect LGBTQ+ people from non-state persecution. Police are a source of abuse rather than protection. Despite formal recognition of third gender individuals, trans people face denial of services and systematic discrimination in practice. There is no safe internal relocation option for LGBTQ+ people. The risk of non-state persecution is present throughout the country.
Openly LGBTQ+ people in Bangladesh face serious risks from non-state actors, including family members, religious groups, and community actors. Violence against gay men is documented. The CPIN concludes that openly LGBTQ+ individuals are likely to face persecution from non-state actors if their identity becomes known.
Claims from LGBTQ+ people from Bangladesh are unlikely to be certified as clearly unfounded. Bangladesh presents conditions where LGBTQ+ identity, if publicly known, exposes individuals to a serious risk of persecution that the state cannot or will not prevent.
The Taliban have been the de facto governing authority in Afghanistan since 15 August 2021. They govern through a strict interpretation of Sharia law. LGBTQ+ identity is treated as a criminal and moral offence under Taliban rule. There is no legal protection for LGBTQ+ people and the Taliban actively persecute individuals who are known or suspected to be LGBTQ+.
There is no state protection available to LGBTQ+ people in Afghanistan. The Taliban are themselves the persecutor. Where the Taliban is the persecutor, internal relocation within Afghanistan is not possible. Taliban governance extends across the country and there is no area where an LGBTQ+ person could safely relocate.
LGBTQ+ individuals face direct and systematic persecution under Taliban rule. The risk is state-sponsored in the sense that the Taliban, as the de facto authority, are themselves the source of persecution. The CPIN addresses LGBTQ+ people specifically in its assessment of Taliban rule and its impact on persecuted groups.
Claims from LGBTQ+ people from Afghanistan are unlikely to be certified as clearly unfounded. Given that the Taliban are both the de facto state and the persecutor, the conditions for LGBTQ+ Afghans are among the most severe documented in any currently published CPIN. Internal relocation is not a viable option anywhere in the country.
Same-sex sexual acts remain criminalised under Sections 365 and 365A of the Sri Lanka Penal Code. These provisions, inherited from British colonial law, criminalise "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" and "acts of gross indecency" between persons of the same sex. Penalties include up to ten years' imprisonment. A decriminalisation bill was introduced in parliament and found to be constitutionally consistent by the Supreme Court in May 2023, but as of the date of the CPIN the law had not been amended and same-sex acts remained criminal.
In 2024, Sri Lanka enacted the Women Empowerment Act 2024, which for the first time introduced non-discrimination protections on grounds of sexual orientation. This was a significant legislative development, though it does not decriminalise same-sex acts. The Supreme Court's 2023 finding that the decriminalisation bill is constitutionally consistent represented a positive legal development, though parliament had not enacted the bill as of the date of the CPIN.
In practice, prosecutions under Sections 365 and 365A are rare. However, the law is used by police for harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion of LGBTQ+ individuals. The existence of criminal law creates a legal framework within which LGBTQ+ people remain vulnerable to state and non-state actors. State protection for LGBTQ+ people is limited in practice despite some formal legal developments.
LGBTQ+ people in Sri Lanka face significant social stigma and discrimination from family, community, and religious actors. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised. Trans people face particular vulnerability, including denial of identity documents and exclusion from services. Honour-based violence and family pressure remain serious concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals from conservative backgrounds.
Despite positive legal developments including the 2023 Supreme Court finding and the Women Empowerment Act 2024, same-sex acts remain criminalised in Sri Lanka. LGBTQ+ individuals face ongoing risks from both state actors (police harassment) and non-state actors (family, community, religious groups). Claims from LGBTQ+ people from Sri Lanka require careful individual assessment in light of current conditions.
India: Worcester LGBT does not currently hold a specific SOGIE-focused CPIN for India. The Home Office publishes general country information for India but no dedicated SOGIE CPIN is held in our documentation at this time. If you are from India and are seeking asylum on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, you must speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser who can access and apply current Home Office guidance.
Nepal: Worcester LGBT does not hold a specific SOGIE CPIN for Nepal. If you are from Nepal and need information on Home Office SOGIE guidance, please speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser.
Other countries: The Home Office publishes CPINs for many other countries. A full list of current CPINs is available on GOV.UK. Your solicitor or qualified legal adviser can access the relevant CPIN for your country and advise on how it applies to your claim.
Latest news from the Home Office and immigration legal sector on LGBTQ+ asylum matters
The articles and updates below are sourced from the Home Office (GOV.UK) and Free Movement (freemovement.org.uk), the leading UK immigration law commentary site. This section is updated regularly. Worcester LGBT also features in Worcester News coverage, which is summarised separately.
Note: News articles are provided for general information. They do not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your asylum claim, speak with a qualified solicitor or qualified legal adviser.
The Home Office published statistics showing that in 2023 there were 1,377 asylum claims made on the basis of sexual orientation, representing approximately 2% of all asylum claims received that year. The data forms part of the Home Office's broader transparency reporting on asylum claim categories. It is published on GOV.UK as part of the Immigration Statistics series.
The Home Office publishes Country Policy and Information Notes (CPINs) covering sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) for countries from which significant numbers of asylum claims are made. These notes are used to inform how LGBTQ+ asylum claims from those countries are assessed. The full collection is publicly available on GOV.UK.
The Home Office publishes guidance on how asylum decision-makers should assess credibility and persecution in asylum claims, including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This includes guidance on the use of country information, the assessment of applicants' accounts, and the standard of proof applied in asylum determinations.
Free Movement reported on a judicial review challenge to Home Office policy concerning LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The court found no breach of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in the Home Office's approach. The case considered whether the Home Office had given sufficient consideration to the particular vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in its policy-making. The ruling has implications for future challenges to the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the asylum system.
Free Movement analysed the impact of recent asylum policy changes under the "Restoring Order and Control" agenda on vulnerable claimants including LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The article considered how processing changes, safe country designations, and expedited procedures interact with the particular needs of LGBTQ+ claimants who may face additional barriers to evidencing their claims.
Free Movement published an explainer on how the Home Office approaches the assessment of sexual identity in asylum claims. The article covers the legal framework following HJ (Iran) v SSHD [2010] UKSC 31, the role of country information and CPINs, the DSSH Model and its use in practice, and the importance of community evidence including letters of support from organisations such as Worcester LGBT.
Worcester News has covered the work of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® on several occasions, including reports on our founding, our monthly events, the formal recognition we have received from the Home Office, and our expansion to Beckton Community Centre in partnership with the London Borough of Newham. For the full text of each article, visit www.worcesternews.co.uk and search for Worcester LGBT.
Worcester LGBT operates under a published governance framework. All documents are available to view below.
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is governed by a formal set of documents. These include our Constitution, which sets out the organisation's rules and structure, and four operational policies covering safeguarding, data protection, standards of conduct, and volunteer obligations. All documents are current as of 1 April 2026.
The governing document of Worcester LGBT. 18 articles covering name, purpose, governance, membership, meetings, finance, the DSSH Model, amendments, dissolution, compliance, safeguarding, code of conduct, ethics, data protection, donations, evidence integrity, conflicts of interest, and digital conduct. Adopted 1 January 2025. Amended 1 April 2026.
Worcester LGBT's safeguarding policy. Covers protection of members and volunteers in physical, online, and digital settings. Sets out the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, escalation procedures to statutory authorities, and the organisation's trauma-informed approach. Adopted 1 April 2026. Reviewed annually.
Worcester LGBT's data protection policy. Sets out how the organisation collects, holds, and processes personal data in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Includes details of data subject rights, retention periods (7 years), and the organisation's ICO registration reference ZB990983. Adopted 1 April 2026.
Expected standards of behaviour for all members and volunteers. Covers dignity, respect, inclusion, integrity, confidentiality, evidence integrity, and online conduct. Sets out the consequences of breach. Confirms that Worcester LGBT does not provide legal advice. Adopted 1 April 2026.
The agreement entered into by all volunteers. Sets out expectations and responsibilities including confidentiality, data protection, safeguarding, evidence integrity, and conflict of interest obligations. Confirms that the agreement is not an employment contract. Adopted 1 April 2026.
ICO Data Protection Registration
Worcester LGBT is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller under reference ZB990983.
UK Trade Mark
The name Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is protected under UK Trade Mark registration UK00004270362.
Letters and formal documents received from government and public authorities
Worcester LGBT has received formal correspondence from UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office Asylum Policy Secretariat, the Home Office Asylum Support Business Delivery Unit, and the London Borough of Newham. The full text of each letter and email is reproduced below. Personal email addresses have been replaced with the organisation's official contact address.
This email was received from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on 25 June 2024. It responds to Worcester LGBT's email of 6 February 2024 to the Director General, requesting that a formal process be established for Worcester LGBT to provide letters of support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The full text of the email is reproduced below.
This letter was received from the Asylum Policy Secretariat at the Home Office, dated 27 March 2025. It responds to Worcester LGBT's correspondence of 20 March 2025 regarding the organisation's constitution and policy amendments. The full text is reproduced below.
This letter was received from the Asylum Support Business Delivery Unit at the Home Office, dated 8 April 2025. It responds to Worcester LGBT's correspondence of 20 March 2025 regarding asylum support. The full text is reproduced below.
This letter was received from the Community Neighbourhood Coordinator at the London Borough of Newham, dated 19 February 2026. It provides formal written confirmation of Worcester LGBT’s regular monthly community events at Beckton Community Centre. The personal email address of the signatory has been replaced with the organisation’s official contact address. The full text is reproduced below.
ICO Data Protection Registration
Worcester LGBT is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office as a data controller under reference ZB990983.
UK Trade Mark Registration
The name Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® is protected under UK Trade Mark registration UK00004270362.
Get in touch with Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)®
Worcester LGBT welcomes contact from LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, their solicitors and legal advisers, and organisations working with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. General public enquiries not connected to asylum are not within the scope of the organisation's work.
Worcester LGBT holds monthly "Asylum Seekers Connection" events at Beckton Community Centre in London. Events take place on the first Tuesday of each month from 5pm to 8pm. These events are open to current members of Worcester LGBT only. To attend you must first be a member.
Event DetailsTo attend our events you must first be a member.
Use the form below to contact us. We aim to respond within 5 working days.
Worcester LGBT is funded entirely by voluntary donations. If you would like to support the organisation's work with LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees, you can make a donation using the link below. Donations are entirely voluntary.
Make a DonationAdopted 1 January 2025. Amended 1 April 2026. Registered Trade Mark No. UK00004270362.
This is the governing document of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)®. Volume 6 was adopted on 1 January 2025 and most recently amended on 1 April 2026. It is the current and binding version. The registered address of the organisation is held on record and available to authorised parties on request.
1.1 The organisation shall be known as Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)®, hereinafter referred to as “Worcester LGBT” or “the Organisation”.
1.2 The Organisation holds United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office registered trade mark number UK00004270362.
1.3 The registered address of the Organisation is held on record and available to authorised parties on request.
2.1 The purpose of Worcester LGBT is to provide community support, guidance, and advocacy to LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in the United Kingdom.
2.2 The Organisation shall: (a) provide welfare and emotional support to LGBT asylum seekers; (b) assist members in navigating the UK asylum system; (c) promote the rights and dignity of LGBT individuals; (d) engage with legal representatives, Home Office officials, and tribunal bodies on behalf of members where appropriate; (e) produce evidence in support of asylum claims using the DSSH methodology.
2.3 The Organisation shall operate on a not-for-profit basis. Any surplus income shall be reinvested in the Organisation’s charitable and community activities.
3.1 The Organisation shall be governed by a leadership structure comprising the following named roles:
3.2 Founder and Chairman. The Chairman holds overall responsibility for governance, strategy, and the lawful operation of the Organisation.
3.3 The governance structure may be amended by a resolution passed at a General Meeting in accordance with Article VIII.
3.4 The Chairman may appoint volunteers, coordinators, or advisers to assist with the delivery of the Organisation’s activities. All appointments shall be documented and held on record.
4.1 Membership of Worcester LGBT is open to any individual who identifies as LGBT and who is seeking asylum in, or has refugee status within, the United Kingdom.
4.2 Applications for membership shall be submitted on the prescribed form and shall be subject to verification in accordance with the Organisation’s procedures.
4.3 The Organisation shall maintain a membership register. All membership data shall be processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
4.4 Membership may be suspended or terminated by the Chairman where a member has acted in breach of this Constitution, the Code of Conduct, or the Safeguarding Policy.
4.5 Each member shall be assigned a unique reference in the format WLGBT[DDMMYY][II][XXX], where DDMMYY is the date of joining, II are the member’s initials, and XXX is a three-character random identifier.
5.1 The Organisation shall hold meetings as required for the effective governance of its activities.
5.2 The Chairman shall give reasonable notice of any meeting to all relevant participants.
5.3 Decisions at meetings shall be by consensus where possible. Where a vote is required, the Chairman shall hold a casting vote in the event of a tie.
5.4 Minutes of all formal meetings shall be recorded, approved, and retained as part of the Organisation’s records.
6.1 The Organisation’s funds shall be managed by the Chairman or such person as the Chairman may designate in writing.
6.2 All income and expenditure shall be recorded and accounts shall be maintained in accordance with good accounting practice.
6.3 The Organisation may accept voluntary donations from individuals and organisations in support of its activities. All donations shall be acknowledged and recorded.
6.4 No individual shall derive personal profit from the Organisation’s funds. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed upon production of receipts.
7.1 The Organisation shall provide community support to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees. This support includes community engagement, welfare assistance, and the production of letters of support based on the member’s own account and the Organisation’s internal records.
7.2 The Organisation uses the Difference, Stigma, Shame, and Harm (DSSH) model as a structured framework to help understand a member’s personal situation and lived experience. The DSSH model is used solely as an organisational tool to structure engagement with the member and to assist in producing an accurate and faithful account of what the member has shared.
7.3 The Organisation does not assess, determine, or make findings on asylum claims. The assessment of asylum claims is exclusively a matter for the Secretary of State for the Home Department and, on appeal, for the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal. The Organisation’s role is entirely distinct from that function.
7.4 When a member requests a letter of support, the Organisation shall send them a structured DSSH questionnaire for completion. The questionnaire is completed by the member in their own words and returned to the Organisation.
7.5 Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire, the Organisation shall review its internal records, including attendance records and any notes made in the ordinary course of community engagement with the member, to ensure that the letter accurately reflects the member’s genuine participation with the Organisation.
7.6 Once the Chairman is satisfied that the questionnaire is consistent with the Organisation’s internal records and that the member has demonstrated genuine engagement, the letter of support shall be drafted. The letter shall reflect only what the member has stated and what the Organisation’s own records confirm. The Organisation does not independently verify or assess the truthfulness of asylum claims.
7.7 All letters of support shall clearly state that the contents are drawn from the member’s own account and from the Organisation’s community records. The letter shall not present any statement as a legal finding or as a determination of the merits of the asylum claim.
7.8 All letters of support shall be signed by the Chairman and shall bear the Organisation’s letterhead and registered trade mark.
7.9 The Organisation shall maintain a complete and indexed record of all letters of support issued.
7.10 The Organisation shall cooperate with legal representatives acting for members and shall provide supplementary information on request where that information is within the Organisation’s own records and knowledge.
7.11 No officer or volunteer of the Organisation shall provide immigration advice or legal advice. Members requiring legal assistance shall be referred to qualified, regulated legal professionals.
7.12 All community support activities shall be conducted with due regard for the dignity, privacy, and wellbeing of each member.
7.13 The Organisation shall keep its community support procedures under regular review and shall update them as necessary to reflect changes in good practice and organisational learning.
7.14 The Organisation shall provide all community support and letters of support free of charge. Voluntary donations are entirely separate from the receipt of any support service and shall never be a condition of, or influence the outcome of, any letter or support activity.
8.1 This Constitution may be amended by resolution of the Chairman following consultation with members, provided that not less than 14 days’ notice of the proposed amendment has been given.
8.2 All amendments shall be recorded in the Document Control Register at Appendix A and shall take effect from the date specified in the resolution.
8.3 No amendment shall be made that is inconsistent with the charitable and community purposes of the Organisation.
9.1 The Organisation may be dissolved by a resolution of the Chairman where it is determined that the Organisation’s purposes have been achieved or can no longer be pursued.
9.2 Upon dissolution, any remaining assets of the Organisation shall be transferred to another organisation with similar purposes, as determined by the Chairman.
9.3 No assets shall be distributed to members upon dissolution.
10.1 The Organisation shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to: the Equality Act 2010; the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999; the Modern Slavery Act 2015; the Data Protection Act 2018; and UK GDPR.
10.2 The Organisation shall not engage in any unlawful activity or activity that is contrary to its stated purposes.
10.3 The Organisation shall maintain up-to-date registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in accordance with data protection legislation. The Organisation’s ICO reference number is ZB990983.
11.1 The Organisation is committed to the safeguarding of all members, volunteers, and individuals with whom it works.
11.2 A safeguarding policy shall be maintained and reviewed annually.
11.3 Any safeguarding concern shall be reported immediately to the Chairman and, where appropriate, to the relevant statutory authorities.
11.4 All volunteers and staff shall be made aware of the Organisation’s safeguarding procedures before commencing any work with members.
12.1 All members, volunteers, and staff of the Organisation shall conduct themselves with integrity, respect, and professionalism.
12.2 Behaviour that is discriminatory, abusive, or that brings the Organisation into disrepute shall constitute grounds for suspension or termination of membership or engagement.
12.3 The Code of Conduct shall be provided to all new members and volunteers upon joining the Organisation.
13.1 The Organisation shall operate according to the highest ethical standards in all of its activities.
13.2 No document, statement, or evidence produced by the Organisation shall be misleading, exaggerated, or fabricated. All evidence shall be accurate and verifiable.
13.3 Conflicts of interest shall be declared and managed in accordance with Article XVII.
14.1 The Organisation is a data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
14.2 Personal data shall be collected and processed only to the extent necessary for the Organisation’s stated purposes.
14.3 Members shall be informed of how their personal data is used and shall be able to exercise their rights under UK GDPR, including the right of access, rectification, and erasure.
14.4 Personal data shall not be shared with third parties without the member’s consent, save where disclosure is required by law.
14.5 The Organisation shall maintain and implement a data protection policy and a privacy notice, both of which shall be reviewed annually.
15.1 The Organisation may solicit and accept donations in furtherance of its charitable and community purposes.
15.2 Donations shall be used solely for the purposes of the Organisation. No donation shall be applied for the personal benefit of any officer or volunteer.
15.3 The Organisation shall maintain a donations register recording all donations received, including the identity of the donor where known.
15.4 Where a donor attaches conditions to a donation, those conditions shall be respected and documented.
16.1 The integrity of all documents produced by the Organisation is paramount. All letters of support shall be based exclusively on what the member has stated in their own words and on what the Organisation’s own records confirm through genuine community engagement.
16.2 No letter of support shall be issued for any individual who is not a current member of the Organisation.
16.3 Before any letter of support is produced, the Organisation shall: (a) confirm that the individual is a current member and appears in the Organisation’s membership records; (b) review its attendance records and engagement notes for that member; (c) ensure that the completed DSSH questionnaire has been received from the member.
16.4 The Organisation does not verify or assess the merits of an asylum claim, nor does it make findings on any legal or factual issue relevant to the claim. Those functions belong exclusively to the Secretary of State for the Home Department and the Tribunal.
16.5 The Organisation presents only what has been told to it by the member and what its own internal records confirm. No letter shall contain statements presented as independently verified facts unless they are drawn from the Organisation’s own records.
16.6 All records relating to letters of support, questionnaires, attendance, and engagement shall be retained securely and shall be available for inspection by the member concerned.
16.7 Any attempt to obtain a false or misleading letter of support shall result in immediate termination of membership and may be reported to the relevant authorities.
17.1 Any officer, volunteer, or member of the Organisation who has a personal interest in a matter under consideration shall declare that interest and shall withdraw from any decision-making relating to that matter.
17.2 A register of declared interests shall be maintained by the Chairman.
17.3 No officer or volunteer shall derive personal financial benefit from any transaction entered into by the Organisation, save for reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
18.1 All digital communications made by or on behalf of the Organisation shall be professional, accurate, and consistent with its values and purposes.
18.2 No person shall use the Organisation’s name, logo, or contact details in any digital communication without the authorisation of the Chairman.
18.3 Social media activity on behalf of the Organisation shall be subject to the Code of Conduct and shall not include any material that is defamatory, discriminatory, or misleading.
18.4 Data shared digitally, including via email, shall be subject to the data protection obligations set out in Article XIV.
This Constitution was adopted on 1 January 2025 and most recently amended on 1 April 2026 by resolution of the Founder and Chairman of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)®. The current version and all current governance documents are available in the Worcester LGBT governance folder.
| Volume | Adoption Date | Amendment Date | File Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 January 2025 | – | WorcesterLGBT_Constitution_Vol.1_01-01-2025.pdf | Original adoption |
| 2 | 1 January 2025 | 17 March 2025 | WorcesterLGBT_Constitution_Vol.2_17-03-2025.pdf | First amendment: restructuring, improvements, and strengthening of the Constitution |
| 3 | 1 January 2025 | 1 August 2025 | WorcesterLGBT_Constitution_Vol.3_01-08-2025.pdf | Second amendment: restructuring, improvements, and strengthening of the Constitution |
| 4 | 1 January 2025 | 5 September 2025 | WorcesterLGBT_Constitution_Vol.4_05-09-2025.pdf | Third amendment: updates following SRA guidance |
| 5 | 1 January 2025 | 1 January 2026 | WorcesterLGBT_Constitution_Vol.5_01-01-2026.pdf | Fourth amendment: Added formal safeguarding, data protection, evidence integrity, donation transparency, conflict-of-interest, and digital conduct policies; restricted membership to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers; strengthened governance and compliance controls |
| 6 | 1 January 2025 | 1 April 2026 | Worcester LGBT Constitution Vol.6 — Official (010426) | Articles VII and XVI revised: DSSH model correctly described as community understanding tool; asylum claim assessment confirmed as exclusive to SSHD and Tribunal; letter process clarified |
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® | Version 1.0 | Adopted 1 April 2026
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® (WLGBT) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all members, volunteers, and individuals with whom the Organisation works. This policy applies to all officers, volunteers, and members of WLGBT in all settings, including in-person events, online meetings, and digital communications.
WLGBT recognises that LGBTQI+ asylum seekers and refugees are a particularly vulnerable group who may have experienced trauma, persecution, violence, or discrimination. All safeguarding activity shall be conducted with a trauma-informed approach and with respect for the dignity and confidentiality of each individual.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for WLGBT is the Founder and Chairman.
Contact: enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk | Telephone: 020 8058 5460
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL without delay. In the DSL’s absence, the Secretary shall act as the interim safeguarding contact.
A safeguarding concern is any situation in which a member, volunteer, or other individual connected with WLGBT may be at risk of harm. This includes but is not limited to:
a) Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse or exploitation
b) Domestic abuse or coercive control
c) Trafficking or modern slavery
d) Self-harm, suicidal ideation, or significant mental health crisis
e) Abuse or exploitation by a person in a position of trust
f) Any behaviour by a WLGBT officer or volunteer that places a member at risk
Any member, volunteer, or officer who has a safeguarding concern must report it to the DSL as soon as practicable. Reports may be made by:
a) Speaking directly to the DSL in person or by telephone
b) Sending an email marked confidential to enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk
Concerns should not be discussed with others within the Organisation or outside it except as required by this policy. Confidentiality is paramount.
If a person believes there is an immediate risk of harm, they should contact emergency services (999) in the first instance before notifying the DSL.
The DSL shall record all safeguarding concerns in writing as soon as possible after receipt. Records shall include:
a) The date and time the concern was raised
b) The name of the person raising the concern
c) A factual description of the concern, in the words used by the person raising it
d) Any action taken in response
All safeguarding records shall be stored securely, separately from general membership records, and shall be accessible only to the DSL and, where necessary, statutory authorities.
Where a safeguarding concern raises a risk of serious harm, the DSL shall refer the matter to the relevant statutory authority without delay. This may include:
a) The local authority adult safeguarding team
b) The police, where a criminal offence may have been committed
c) NHS services, where there is a risk to physical or mental health
WLGBT will cooperate fully with any statutory authority investigation. Where possible, the individual concerned will be informed of any referral unless doing so would place them or others at further risk.
Safeguarding obligations extend to all digital communications, including WhatsApp groups, email, video calls, and social media. Officers and volunteers must not:
a) Share images or personal information of members without explicit consent
b) Engage in private one-to-one digital communications with members outside the Organisation’s usual channels without informing the DSL
c) Request personal information from members that is not required for WLGBT’s legitimate organisational purposes
Any allegation that an officer or volunteer of WLGBT has caused harm to a member or other individual must be reported to the DSL immediately. Where the allegation concerns the DSL, it should be reported directly to the Secretary.
The officer or volunteer concerned may be suspended from their role pending investigation. Any suspension is a neutral act and does not imply a finding of wrongdoing.
All volunteers and officers shall be made aware of this policy before commencing any work with members. The DSL shall ensure that this policy is reviewed and updated annually and that any changes are communicated to all officers and volunteers.
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the DSL and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, statutory guidance, and organisational practice.
This policy was adopted by resolution of the Founder and Chairman of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® on 1 April 2026. It is a living document and will be reviewed annually.
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® | Version 1.0 | Adopted 1 April 2026
The data controller for Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® (WLGBT) is:
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)®
Beckton Community Centre, 14 East Ham Manor Way, London, E6 5NG
Email: enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk
ICO Registration Reference: ZB990983
WLGBT is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and processes personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
WLGBT collects and holds the following categories of personal data about its members and volunteers:
a) Name, contact details (telephone, email, address), and date of birth
b) Home Office reference number and nationality
c) Sexual orientation and gender identity (special category data)
d) Personal circumstances, asylum history, and lived experience as shared in questionnaire responses and interviews
e) Attendance records and notes from community events and meetings
f) Correspondence and communications with or about the member
WLGBT collects only the personal data that is necessary for its stated community support purposes. We do not collect data we do not need.
WLGBT processes personal data on the following legal bases under UK GDPR:
a) Consent: Members provide explicit consent for WLGBT to process their personal data, including special category data relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, for community support and community engagement verification purposes.
b) Legitimate interests: WLGBT processes certain data to maintain organisational records and to operate as a community support network, where those interests are not overridden by the rights of the individual.
c) Legal obligation: WLGBT may process data where required to do so by law, including safeguarding obligations.
WLGBT uses personal data solely for the following purposes:
a) Maintaining membership records and managing community engagement
b) Producing letters of support and community engagement verification documents at the member’s request
c) Recording attendance at WLGBT events and activities
d) Communicating with members about WLGBT activities and events
e) Meeting safeguarding and data protection obligations
WLGBT does not use personal data for commercial purposes, profiling, or automated decision-making.
Information about sexual orientation and gender identity is special category data under UK GDPR and is afforded the highest level of protection. WLGBT processes this data only with the explicit consent of the member and only for the purposes of providing community support and producing letters of support.
This data is never shared without consent.
WLGBT does not sell, rent, or share personal data with third parties for commercial purposes. Personal data may be shared in the following limited circumstances only:
a) With the member’s legal representative, at the member’s request and with their explicit consent
b) With the Home Office or a tribunal, where the member requests that WLGBT submit a letter of support on their behalf
c) With statutory authorities, where required by law or by safeguarding obligations
In all cases, only the minimum necessary data will be shared.
WLGBT retains personal data for as long as is necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, and in any event for no longer than seven years from the date of the member’s last active engagement with the Organisation. After that period, data will be securely deleted or destroyed.
Safeguarding records may be retained for longer where required by statutory guidance or legal obligation.
WLGBT takes appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against accidental loss, destruction, damage, alteration, or unauthorised disclosure or access. Access to personal data is restricted to the Chairman and, where necessary, the Secretary on a need-to-know basis.
Under UK GDPR, members and volunteers have the following rights in relation to their personal data:
a) The right to be informed about how their data is used (this notice)
b) The right of access to their personal data
c) The right to rectification of inaccurate data
d) The right to erasure (‘the right to be forgotten’) in certain circumstances
e) The right to restrict processing
f) The right to data portability
g) The right to withdraw consent at any time, without affecting the lawfulness of processing carried out before withdrawal
To exercise any of these rights, please contact WLGBT at enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk. WLGBT will respond within one calendar month.
If you are unhappy with how WLGBT has handled your personal data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.org.uk or by telephone on 0303 123 1113.
This policy and privacy notice shall be reviewed annually by the Chairman and updated as necessary to reflect changes in data protection law, ICO guidance, and organisational practice.
This policy was adopted by resolution of the Founder and Chairman of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® on 1 April 2026. It is a living document and will be reviewed annually.
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® | Version 1.0 | Adopted 1 April 2026 | For all members and volunteers
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® (WLGBT) is built on the values of dignity, respect, inclusion, integrity, and confidentiality. Every person who is a member of or volunteers with WLGBT agrees to uphold these values in all their interactions within and on behalf of the Organisation.
2.1 All members and volunteers shall treat every person within WLGBT with dignity and respect, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or immigration status.
2.2 Harassment, bullying, intimidation, verbal abuse, threats, hate speech, or any behaviour that creates an unsafe or unwelcoming environment will not be tolerated.
2.3 Discriminatory language, jokes, or attitudes directed at any individual or group have no place in WLGBT.
3.1 All personal information shared by members within WLGBT, including details about identity, asylum status, family circumstances, or personal history, is strictly confidential.
3.2 No member or volunteer shall share, disclose, or discuss another member’s personal information with anyone outside WLGBT without the explicit consent of that member.
3.3 This obligation of confidentiality continues after a person’s membership or volunteering ends.
4.1 WLGBT is a community support organisation and does not provide regulated immigration advice or legal services.
4.2 No member or volunteer shall give immigration advice, legal advice, or any opinion on the merits of another member’s asylum claim, in any setting.
4.3 Members requiring legal advice must be directed to a qualified, regulated legal professional. WLGBT may assist with signposting but shall not recommend specific firms or individuals in a manner that could create a dependency or conflict of interest.
5.1 WLGBT’s credibility and the welfare of its members depend on the integrity of all documents and statements produced by the Organisation.
5.2 No member or volunteer shall fabricate, exaggerate, or misrepresent any information provided to WLGBT or included in any WLGBT document.
5.3 Any member who knowingly provides false information to obtain a letter of support may have their membership terminated and may be reported to the relevant authorities.
5.4 Volunteers must not produce, encourage, or assist in the production of any misleading or inaccurate WLGBT document.
6.1 All members and volunteers must conduct themselves with the same standards of respect and confidentiality in online spaces (including WhatsApp groups, social media, and email) as in person.
6.2 Photographs, screenshots, or personal information of other members must not be shared in any online space without the explicit consent of the person concerned.
6.3 Content that is abusive, discriminatory, or that brings WLGBT into disrepute must not be posted in any WLGBT-affiliated online space.
7.1 Members are expected to engage genuinely and consistently with WLGBT activities and events. Genuine attendance and engagement are the foundation of the support WLGBT provides.
7.2 Members must not ask others to falsely record their attendance or participation.
Any member or volunteer who believes this Code of Conduct has been breached should report it to the Founder and Chairman at enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk. All reports will be treated confidentially and investigated promptly.
A breach of this Code of Conduct may result in:
a) A formal warning
b) Suspension from WLGBT activities or events
c) Termination of membership or volunteering
d) Referral to the relevant statutory authorities, where the breach involves a criminal matter or safeguarding concern
All decisions on consequences shall be made by the Founder and Chairman.
This Code of Conduct was adopted by resolution of the Founder and Chairman of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® on 1 April 2026 and applies to all members and volunteers from the date of their joining or engagement.
Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® | Version 1.0 | Adopted 1 April 2026
This agreement is between Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® (WLGBT) and the volunteer. It sets out the basis on which the volunteer engages with WLGBT and the mutual expectations of the Organisation and the volunteer. This is not an employment contract and does not create any contractual relationship between WLGBT and the volunteer.
1.1 WLGBT will provide you with an induction and explain the Organisation’s policies, procedures, and safeguarding obligations before you begin volunteering.
1.2 WLGBT will treat you with respect, dignity, and fairness at all times.
1.3 WLGBT will reimburse reasonable, pre-agreed out-of-pocket expenses on production of receipts.
1.4 WLGBT will support you if you experience a safeguarding concern or other difficulty during your volunteering.
2.1 You will carry out your volunteer role with integrity, respect, and care, in accordance with WLGBT’s Constitution, Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, and Data Protection Policy.
2.2 You will treat all members and other volunteers with dignity and respect at all times.
2.3 You will maintain strict confidentiality in relation to all personal information about members that you encounter in the course of your volunteering. This obligation continues after your volunteering ends.
3.1 You understand and agree that WLGBT is not an immigration advice provider and does not provide regulated legal services.
3.2 You must not give immigration advice, legal advice, or any opinion on the merits of a member’s asylum claim, in any setting, at any time.
3.3 If a member asks for legal or immigration advice, you must direct them to a qualified, regulated legal professional and inform the Chairman.
4.1 You understand that the integrity of WLGBT’s documents is paramount, both for the credibility of the Organisation and for the welfare of its members.
4.2 You must not produce, encourage, assist with, or be party to the creation of any WLGBT document that is false, misleading, or exaggerated.
4.3 All information included in any WLGBT letter or record must be based only on what the member has stated and on what WLGBT’s own records confirm. The Organisation does not assess or verify the merits of asylum claims. That is a matter exclusively for the Secretary of State and the Tribunal.
5.1 You will report any safeguarding concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (the Chairman) without delay.
5.2 You will not place yourself or members in a situation that could give rise to a safeguarding concern.
5.3 You will complete any safeguarding training or awareness activity that WLGBT reasonably requests.
6.1 You will handle all personal data in accordance with WLGBT’s Data Protection Policy and UK GDPR.
6.2 You will not access, use, share, or retain personal data about members or other volunteers beyond what is strictly necessary for your volunteering role.
7.1 You will disclose to the Chairman any personal, financial, or professional interest that might affect your impartiality in carrying out your volunteer role.
7.2 You will not accept gifts, payments, or other benefits from members in connection with your volunteering.
8.1 Either party may end this arrangement at any time without notice.
8.2 WLGBT may end your volunteering immediately if you breach the Code of Conduct, this agreement, or any WLGBT policy, or if a safeguarding concern arises.
8.3 Your obligations of confidentiality and evidence integrity continue after your volunteering ends.
By agreeing to volunteer with Worcester LGBT, the volunteer confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this Volunteer Agreement and WLGBT’s associated policies.
This Volunteer Agreement was adopted by resolution of the Founder and Chairman of Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network)® on 1 April 2026.
Interested in volunteering with Worcester LGBT? Contact us at enquiries@worcesterlgbt.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.
Pride in London 2025 Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network) marches for LGBT+ asylum seekers On 5 July 2025, Worcester LGBT (Asylum, Support, Network) joined over 500 LGBTQI+ organisations at Pride in London, sharing a powerful message of safety, solidarity and justice for LGBT+ asylum seekers. 5 July 2025 Source: Worcester News Wearing striking orange T-shirts […]
