Open Call: British Nationals Affected by Forced Marriage and FGM (UK)

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is offering up to £25,000 in funding to organisations supporting British nationals affected by forced marriage or female genital mutilation (FGM). The grant focuses on case-based, practical assistance during return and resettlement in the UK, including emergency support, safeguarding, and access to essential services. It also supports coordination with government bodies and delivery of sensitive, high-risk case management.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funding programme is designed to support organisations that assist British nationals affected by forced marriage or FGM, particularly those returning to the United Kingdom.

The programme focuses on:

• Crisis support and safeguarding
• Safe return and resettlement assistance
• Coordination with UK and overseas authorities
• Delivery of specialised, case-specific support services

The funding supports organisations working in high-risk and sensitive safeguarding environments.

Key Objectives of the Programme

1. Support for Survivors and At-Risk Individuals

Assistance for individuals who are:

• At risk of forced marriage
• At risk of or experiencing FGM
• Returning to the UK under vulnerable circumstances

2. Safe Return and Resettlement

Support includes:

• Meeting individuals upon return to the UK (including airport support if required)
• Coordinating safe transitions with authorities
• Ensuring immediate safeguarding needs are met

3. Multi-Agency Coordination

Organisations are expected to:

• Work with UK government agencies
• Coordinate with overseas authorities where needed
• Engage with police and social services in complex cases

Types of Support Provided

Immediate Practical Assistance

• Emergency accommodation
• Clothing and food
• Basic survival and welfare support

Access to Essential Services

• Healthcare registration and access
• Social services support
• Housing assistance
• Benefits and financial support
• Employment services and reintegration support

Legal and Protection Support

• Access to legal advice
• Support for civil proceedings
• Support for criminal proceedings where appropriate

Emotional and Psychosocial Support

• Counselling services
• Emotional recovery support
• Trauma-informed care referrals

Funding Details

• Maximum funding available: £25,000
• Funding purpose: Service delivery and case-based support
• Focus: High-risk safeguarding and resettlement assistance

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organisations must demonstrate:

Experience and Expertise

• Understanding of forced marriage and FGM issues
• Experience supporting British nationals in crisis or resettlement contexts
• Ability to work in sensitive safeguarding environments

Operational Capacity

• Ability to deliver support in complex, high-risk cases
• Capacity to coordinate with government and statutory services
• Ability to operate internationally where required

Compliance Requirements

• Required licences or permits to operate in relevant countries
• Safeguarding and protection policies
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive cases

Expected Service Delivery Capabilities

Successful applicants should be able to:

• Provide rapid-response case management
• Support individuals upon arrival in the UK
• Work across multi-agency safeguarding systems
• Deliver personalised support based on individual needs
• Operate in complex international contexts

Key Outcomes Expected

The programme aims to:

• Protect individuals from forced marriage and FGM
• Improve safety during return and reintegration
• Strengthen safeguarding systems for British nationals abroad
• Ensure access to essential services and legal protection
• Reduce harm through coordinated intervention

Key Highlights

• Funder: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• Maximum grant: £25,000
• Focus: Forced marriage and FGM survivor support
• Scope: UK return, resettlement, and safeguarding
• Service type: Case-based, high-risk support

Conclusion

The FCDO funding opportunity provides targeted financial support to organisations assisting British nationals affected by forced marriage and female genital mutilation. By funding specialised, case-by-case safeguarding and resettlement services, the programme ensures vulnerable individuals receive immediate protection, access to essential services, and long-term support during reintegration into the UK.