Super Sponsor Scheme and Homes for Ukraine: guidance for hosts

Matching

Super Sponsor Matching is processed centrally by the Scottish Government and COSLA. It is essential that the matching process is followed in full.

Informal matches via social media or other forums, which will not be subject to the necessary safeguarding checks, could potentially place the host or the guest at risk of harm.

Displaced people will arrive in the country, having chosen Scotland as a ‘Super Sponsor’ as part of their visa application, and will be directed to our established Welcome Hubs.

An assessment of their needs will take place and they will be offered short term accommodation until a match has been found. Where additional needs are identified, they will be directed to specialist local authority support teams.

In the Welcome Hub displaced people will be matched with accommodation, which will include offers received via the UK Homes for Ukraine website. These offers will include rooms in a resident host’s home or a separate property, such as a second home, where home visits/property checks and disclosure checks have deemed them appropriate for matching.

The Super Sponsor Scheme does not support the provision of accommodation by a host for children and young people under the age of 18 years who are not accompanied by their parent/legal guardian. Where a child under the age of 18 years is left in the care of a host family, immediate contact should be made with the local authority who will assess and recommend appropriate next steps.   

Please be aware that matching is a complex process that considers the needs and circumstances of both hosts and displaced people. Your patience is appreciated as we undergo this process.

Options regarding appropriate matching

Once matched by the Super Sponsor scheme, you will be contacted to discuss the arrangements of the match.

Upon being successfully matched, onward travel arrangements will be made through the matching service and date of entry agreed with the host.

Local authorities will be notified a match has been formalised so that they can arrange the necessary support.

If you have any concerns around coronavirus, please speak to the local authority at the point of matching. 

Welfare visits

At least one in-person welfare follow up visit is expected to be undertaken by the local authority to ensure that everyone in the house is safe and well, to offer support and signposting by either/both the guest or the host, and to ensure that contact details for any required future support needs are shared.

These visits also provide opportunity to discuss any longer-term contact between you, the guest and the local authority, which may be necessary to ensure the suitability of the arrangement.