Policy and campaigns

	Wayne Myslik Chief Executive Wayne joined Asylum Aid as Chief Executive in March 2013, after fifteen years working in senior charity positions in the UK and Africa, including for Oxfam, Panos London, and as Managing Director of Twelve Winds Consulting. He previously worked as a lecturer and Research Fellow at universities in South Africa and the United States, and is a Trustee at the Migrants Resource Centre.
	Debora Singer MBE Policy & Research Manager Debora started work as Manager of the Women's Project in 2004, and has managed all our policy and research work since 2009.  She previously worked at Victim Support, and in 2012 was awarded an MBE for her work on the rights of women.
	Chris Nash International Protection Policy Co-ordinator Chris previously practised as an asylum lawyer, and has worked on migration policy at Amnesty and the European Council on Refugees and Exiles.  He was joint author of the report Mapping Statelessness, written by Asylum Aid and UNHCR, and co-ordinates the European Network on Statelessness.
	Russell Hargrave Communications & Public Affairs Officer Russ joined Asylum Aid in 2010, and heads our work with politicians and the media.  Prior to this he worked  for an MP for several years, and as a researcher and teacher at the University of Cambridge.

What we believe

Asylum Aid believes in a fairer asylum system that

• guarantees all asylum seekers have access to high-quality legal advice at all stages of the asylum process
• prioritises the quality and sustainability of asylum decisions, rather than their speed and toughness
• is sensitive to the particular needs of women seeking asylum

This fairer system can be realised through sensible and practical reforms, and Asylum Aid works to influence asylum policy across a range of areas. 

The Women's Project at Asylum Aid has long campaigned to improve the treatment of women seeking asylum in the UK and across Europe.  And Asylum Aid's policy briefings outline in detail our central goals, and the work being done to achieve them. 

How we campaign

Asylum Aid lobbies Prime Minister David Cameron

What we say is grounded in what we do.  Our policy and campaigns work is directly based on our experience providing legal advice and representation to asylum seekers.  We look to influence both Government policy and public opinion, so that asylum seekers are treated fairly and the UK upholds it human rights obligations.

Our research, policy consultations and public campaigns all contribute to Asylum Aid's work, as well as advocacy with government, MPs, the media and the public.

In order to implement our recommendations, we work closely with the Home Office, the Legal Services Commission, and the Independent Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency.  We also work with legal representatives, academics, the UN Refugee Agency and other organisations in the asylum sector and beyond.

In addition, we lobby for change as active members of a number of coalitions and umbrella organisations, including

Still Human Still Here
Asylum Rights Campaign
Detention Forum
Women's Resource Centre
End Violence Against Women
Justice for All

Asylum Aid was also involved in setting up the Independent Asylum Commission between 2006 and 2008, which comprehensively reviewed the UK asylum system.  In addition, we often participate in work with the think-tank Policy Network, and advised on the recommendations for asylum reform published by the Centre for Social Justice.

Refugee Legal Group 

Asylum Aid co-ordinates the Refugee Legal Group, an online forum to which more more that 800 asylum lawyers, advisers and advocates are already signed-up.