Are you an organisation that is working with New Scots or looking to? We’ve included some useful information here that might be helpful for employers and voluntary organisations looking to be more inclusive.
Why should we recruit New Scots?
Welcoming New Scots into employment and volunteer roles brings fresh perspectives, skills, and lived experiences that can enrich any organisation. Many refugees and people seeking asylum arrive with professional backgrounds, multilingual abilities, and a strong desire to contribute positively to their new communities. By creating inclusive opportunities, organisations not only benefit from this diverse talent pool but also strengthen their cultural awareness and ability to serve wider communities. Volunteers from refugee backgrounds often bring resilience, adaptability, and a deep sense of empathy-qualities that can enhance teamwork and community engagement.
Inclusive volunteering is also a powerful step toward building more connected and compassionate communities. When organisations actively remove barriers to participation – such as offering flexible roles, clear communication, and supportive onboarding – they help foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. For employers and voluntary groups alike, engaging New Scots is not just about giving opportunities; it’s about recognising potential, challenging assumptions, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. By leading with inclusion, we can collectively build stronger, more welcoming communities for all.
How inclusive practices benefit everyone
By adopting more inclusive measures for New Scots, you often remove barriers that affect many others too. Simplifying sign-up processes, for example, can make it easier for older adults, people with lower literacy levels, or those who are less confident with digital tools to get involved. Offering flexible hours and remote opportunities can support parents and carers, students, and people in shift work, while clear communication and plain English benefit anyone who may feel overwhelmed by complex or jargon-heavy information.
Taking a more inclusive, person-centred approach also creates a more welcoming environment for people with disabilities, those experiencing mental health challenges, and individuals returning to work after a long break. When organisations actively foster a culture of patience, understanding, and support, they help reduce anxiety and build confidence for a wide range of people – not just New Scots. In this way, inclusion becomes a shared benefit, strengthening participation, diversity, and community connection across the board.
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