On the 29th September 2023 a panel of assessors from City of Sanctuary, two councils outside the West Midlands, and our partnership members, reviewed Sandwell MBC’s commitments to being a welcoming sanctuary for people who move to the borough. The panel also heard from the Council about their intentions to support our partnership and interviewed Council officers and elected members, deciding on recommendations that should be taken forward.

The decision to award the status was unanimous. This is in recognition of the work that we are all trying to do to make life easier for those who have recently arrived here, and recognises the commitment that Sandwell MBC, and the wider partners, have made to our joint strategy and the emerging action plan.

Sandwell is officially a Borough of Sanctuary!

Read the Sandwell Borough of Sanctuary Strategy here.