Behind the Scheme: Challenges Faced by Professionals Addressing Safeguarding Issues in Housing for Ukrainian Refugees in the United Kingdom

The rapid escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine prompted many European countries to implement emergency sponsorship schemes for displaced Ukrainians. In the United Kingdom, the Homes for Ukraine scheme emerged as a prominent example enabling non-related hosts to accommodate refugees in private homes or other settings While widely praised for its humanitarian intent, the British Association of Social Workers raised early concerns about safeguarding risks within the scheme’s infrastructure. Key issues included the absence of a centralized matching system, reliance on informal arrangements via social media, and limited expert-led placement assessments. These gaps posed significant risks not only to refugees and hosts but also to frontline professionals tasked with addressing safeguarding concerns. Despite these challenges, research documenting their impact on practitioners is scarce. This article reports on findings from an online survey capturing professionals’ experiences of identifying and managing these safeguarding issues and the implications on their well-being. Results indicate that, although practitioners expressed pride in delivering the scheme, its rapid rollout, uneven local implementation, and lack of clear guidance contributed to safeguarding vulnerabilities and professional strain. These insights highlight the need for robust planning, clearer accountability, and culturally informed practices in future emergency initiatives.