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CROSS-GOVERNMENT CITIZENSHIP GROUP Sept 2008

CROSS-GOVERNMENT CITIZENSHIP GROUP Sept 2008. Why the time is right to consider a new Citizenship group. The terms of reference and contracts for members of the Advisory Board on naturalisation and Integration (ABNI) expire in November.

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CROSS-GOVERNMENT CITIZENSHIP GROUP Sept 2008

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  1. CROSS-GOVERNMENT CITIZENSHIP GROUP Sept 2008

  2. Why the time is right to consider a new Citizenship group • The terms of reference and contracts for members of the Advisory Board on naturalisation and Integration (ABNI) expire in November. • The development of earned citizenship and increasing focus on shared values and rights and responsibilities across Government provides impetus • There is external interest – illustrated by the report of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion and the recommendation of Lord Goldsmith for an ‘Office of Citizenship’

  3. A new group would provide a clear focus for citizenship activity • We can identify the following broad themes as a focus for a new Citizenship group: • Provision of information on rights and responsibilities for new and prospective citizens • Mentoring for new citizens • Promoting citizenship ceremonies • Research and evaluation of citizenship issues • Monitoring implementation of citizenship policies such as active citizenship and English language requirements • Promoting new initiatives to further enhance citizenship

  4. We need a clear sense of the outputs that a new Citizenship group would produce • Within the broad themes identified there are important decisions on the precise type of model that would provide most benefit. • The following slides set out three models with associated pros and cons and our initial recommendation. • The models are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

  5. Model 1: Office of Citizenship • This model would be based on the US Office of Citizenship. It would focus on: • Enhancing information and educational opportunities provided to citizens and prospective citizens to support integration and participation in UK life. • Promoting education and training on citizenship rights, privileges and responsibilities for immigrants interested in becoming citizens • Promoting citizenship ceremonies and infusing events with greater meaning and stature. • Give existing UKBA responsibility for processing citizenship application and for policy development on earned citizenship the new ‘Office’ could sit within UKBA producing a holistic approach to decision-making, policy, promotion and education on citizenship

  6. Office of Citizenship – pros and cons

  7. Model 2: Advisory Group • This would be an independent group, albeit with officials from key departments attending. It would be based broadly on the model of the Migration Advisory Committee. • It would be charged with advising on citizenship-related issues with a particular remit to: • Evaluate implementation of citizenship policies • Proposing improvements and new measures • Act as a vehicle to pressure test new policies • Alert Government to wider practical and academic thinking on citizenship

  8. Advisory Group – pros and cons

  9. Model 3: Cross-Government Citizenship Co-ordination Group • This model would focus on co-ordination of cross-Government activity on citizenship. It would be led either by Ministers or senior officials. Its expertise would be enhanced by the inclusion of a limited number of independent experts from the citizenship field. • Its particular remit would be to: • Develop a clear and coherent narrative on citizenship issues • Synchronise policy development and publication of new policies • Identify areas of research and best practice.

  10. Cross-Government Citizenship Co-ordination group – pros and cons

  11. Recommendation – that we establish a cross-government Citizenship Co-ordination Group (model 3) • Our initial view is that a cross-Government co-ordination group offers the most immediate benefits – particularly due to the speed of set-up and limited additional cost. • Due to the range of work already being undertaken there is arguably less need for an independent body to be charged with taking forward work. • There would be clear advantage in identifying a limited number of experts to attend specific meetings to test new ideas and offer an external perspective.

  12. Next steps • If you are content we will work with the key other departments – CLG, MoJ and DIUS – to confirm: • The specific remit • The attendees • Potential independent experts to attend as required • The costs • We would aim for the group to then meet for the first time in December.

  13. Annex A – Lord Goldsmith’s recommendation • In his report ‘Citizenship: Our Common Bond’ Lord Goldsmith argued for an Office of Citizenship to provide “a national focus for citizenship that would bring together the key central Government functions related to citizenship, including the acquisition of citizenship and various activities to promote civic participation. He recommended the body would also: • Help to support creation of local welcome centres/packs • Commission and publish research on what works and ways to promote volunteering and participation • Strengthen networks to facilitate sharing of best practice • Provide local people with the sense of being part of a common project

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